Family Friends Veterinary Hospital

It was another busy week of Urgent Care at Family Friends Veterinary Hospital 🐾 With two doctors on Urgent Care a few of the days, we’ve seen more pets than ever before! ❤️‍🩹 While we always hope that pet parents *won't* need these services, we are so proud to provide top-notch care for your beloved pets when they need us most.

Learn more about our Urgent Care services on our website: https://familyfriendsvet.com/urgent-care/

Celebrating our beloved Fur Fathers this Dog Dad Day! Here's to the dedicated hearts behind our team at Family Friends Veterinary Hospital, sharing unconditional love and joy with their furry companions every day. Happy Dog Dad Day to these incredible gentlemen and their precious pups! 🐶💕

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 We’re so thankful to be a part of this wonderful community! Your reviews inspire us to continue offering the best for our furry friends. Thank you for being part of the Family Friends Veterinary Hospital family. 🐾💙

If you or someone you know is looking for a veterinary team in the Grand Rapids area- we are always accepting new clients, and have little to no wait at this time! Schedule your visit online, or call our office today

Leave your own Google review here: https://g.page/r/CTjphTIkC5jaEB0/review

As summer settles in, temperatures continue to rise and so do the risks for our furry companions.🌞 At Family Friends Veterinary Hospital, we are committed to ensuring that your pets stay safe, comfortable, and healthy during the hottest season of the year.

Here are essential summer safety tips to help your dogs and cats beat the heat 🔥 To read the full article with more tips and safety considerations, check out the blog here: https://familyfriendsvet.com/2024/06/10/helping-your-pet-beat-the-heat-summer-safety-tips-for-dogs-and-cats/

Fun Fact for your Friday! We love to see the Dalmatian puppy spots coming in as they finish their vaccine series. Such a cool visual expression of genetics and coat patterns!

Show us your Dalmatian puppies in the comments below! 🐶

📸Photo by Jozef Fehér: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photo-of-a-puppy-13764529/

😻 Ready to fall in love? Daki at the Humane Society of West Michigan is melting hearts as our 🐾

Meet Daki! This lovely lady will take you away with her goofy personality and irresistible green eyes. She has been waiting for her forever family at HSWMI since March of 2023- could it be you?!

Although she comes off as a bit shy, there was a solution to remedy that quickly - other cats!🐈‍⬛🐈 Daki now will let others approach her and is enthusiastic when people give her pets. She loves chirping and is OBSESSED with butt scratches ❤️ Daki loves to explore her surroundings, finding cozy hiding spots, or a nice sunbeam to cat-nap in. While she isn't exploring, one of her favorite things is making her people smile. She's a professional at chasing her toys, sleeping standing up, and going absolutely crazy with catnip.

If you are interested in adopting Daki, please reach out through this link: https://www.shelterluv.com/embed/animal/HSWM-A-48845. And please share this post to help find Daki her forever home 🏡

🐾 It's a paw-some day for a warm welcome! Meet Sophie and Charlie, the newest members of our Family Friends Veterinary Hospital community. Let's give them a big round of ap-paws! 🐾

🐶Sophie is a 9 week old Bernese Mountain Dog puppy who came to see us last week for her first official visit. Fun fact, she was the only puppy in her litter ("single-ton") from our very own Randy Carpenter’s Ophelia. Despite her suspicious look, she did great for her visit!

🐱Our other new furry friend, Charlie, is a *handsome* 5 month old domestic shorthair with the most beautiful blue eyes. He was a sweet but feisty little man 😅 Nothing our team isn't used to of course!

If you or someone you know is looking for a veterinarian in the Grand Rapids area, let them know we are accepting new clients with little to no wait! To learn more about new client appointments, or the other services we offer, visit: www.familyfriendsvet.com/new-clients/

Every year on the second Tuesday in June, World Pet Memorial Day offers a time for pet owners to remember the furry companions that have passed away. Although pets are only in our lives for a short time, they stay in our memories forever ❤️🐾

Please join us and share photos of the pets you have waiting for you at the rainbow bridge 🌈 And let us know how you have chose to honor their lives!

🌟 Meet the Team Monday 🌟 Today, we're excited to introduce Dr. Lexi De Nike, our newest DVM to the Family!

Dr. De Nike attended Purdue University (Boiler UP!) for her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences, then completed a master’s degree at University of Illinois studying immunology and sickness behavior, and finally completed her tour of the “Big 10” at Michigan State University where she received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. During veterinary school, she began working at Family Friends as a technician, and quickly knew she had found the perfect place to take care of animals! She feels lucky to work in such a caring hospital, where her coworkers, clients, and patients all feel like family.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time in national/state parks, kayaking, attending concerts, and trying new restaurants. At home, Dr. De Nike and her husband Ryan share the couch with Ren (Dachshund), Mabel (Chocolate Labrador Retriever) and leopard gecko, Curtis.

She officially joined us this month and has already made a positive impact with her eagerness to learn and support for her team and clients. We cannot wait to see all that she accomplishes here at FFVH! Please join us in giving her a very warm welcome ❤️

You can now schedule appointments with Dr. Lexi through our website! Book here: https://us.vetstoria.com/booking/60420a08279a1/?step=2

It was another busy week of Urgent Care at Family Friends Veterinary Hospital 🐾 We saw a variety of illnesses, injuries, and issues facing our patients, and our Urgent Care team was hard at work to treat each and every one of them 🏥

While we always hope that pet parents *won't* need these services, we are so proud to provide top-notch care for your beloved pets when they need us most.

Learn more about our Urgent Care services on our website: https://familyfriendsvet.com/urgent-care/

The Best of the West readers poll for Round 1 is over, and Family Friends Veterinary Hospital has made it into the Top 3 for Best Vet/Animal Clinic in West Michigan! Thank you all for voting for us so far and of course supporting us as always 🩵💙

Now, it's go time! Round 2 voting is officially open! 🗳️ This time you will have the option to choose between the top three for your favorite- but remember you do *not* need select/vote a favorite for every category. Voting closes Friday, June 21, so vote for your favorites today!

Link to vote here: https://revuewm.com/botw-round-2-survey

🐈‍⬛ Looking for a purrfect companion with a heart of gold? Say hello to Grinch! This week's is waiting to become your new best friend!

Grinch arrived to Fig and Friends Pet Rescue after being lovingly cared for as an outdoor cat by someone who couldn't bring him inside. She took him to the vet, got him neutered and got him to Fig and Friends so he could have the best chance for a loving home.

She named him Grinch because he has a "heart of gold". While initially unhappy and overstimulated when arriving in rescue, he quickly settled in and has become happy and loving. He is curious and likes to meet new people 🥰

He will most likely do well with other cats but not dogs.🐶 While an outdoor cat, he did try to attack a few dogs. He definitely has a more dominant personality and so any introductions with other cats will need to be done slowly.

He is estimated to be about a year and a half old and is a big guy, weighing in at just over 12 pounds!

✨If you are interested in adopting Grinch, you can meet him at the Pet Supplies Plus in the Woodpointe Shopping Center on the East Beltline, or fill out the online application here: https://www.figandfriendspetrescue.org/adopt

Please share this post and help us find Grinch his forever home!🏠

Ready for another round of 'What's That Wednesday'? This week's x-ray was a complete surprise, since the pet came in for a routine visit and showed no symptoms other than one clue: something in their stool that shouldn't be there... Can you guess what this cute culprit ate? 👀 Leave your guesses in the comments below!

✨This pet continued to pass the foreign objects without issues and did *not* need surgery!

Heads up to our Family and Friends: We are closing the hospital from 1-3pm for a staff meeting and lunch. The phone lines will be down for those two hours, and the lobby/hospital will be closed. Please plan accordingly for all medication pick ups!

Thank you all for your understanding and we will be right back at 3pm as usual! 🐾

Be prepared, not scared! 🐾❤️

June is National Pet Preparedness Month and having a pet first aid kit can make all the difference in an emergency! Keep your pets safe with these supplies and information, and check out our full blog post here: www.familyfriendsvet.com/blog/

Always remember:
💊 Never administer medication without a vet's say so.
🚧 When in pain, pets might become aggressive. Be careful, but don't take it personally!
✨Stay calm. If you're panicking, your pet will become agitated too.

In case of an emergency, always call us at 616-575-6520 or your nearest Emergency Hospital. We're here to help keep your beloved pets healthy and safe!

🌟 It's Meet the Team Monday at Family Friends Veterinary Hospital! Today, we're shining the spotlight on licensed veterinary technician, Sam! Her dedication and expertise have made her an invaluable part of our team.

Sam is a 2011 graduate from Grand Valley State University (wildlife biology degree) and a 2015 graduate from Baker where she got her Veterinary Technician degree. She started in the Pet Care Center of FFVH as a receptionist in 2013 and has been a technician since graduating in 2015. 🩺 Prior to working at Family Friends she practiced wildlife rehab at Blandford Nature Center caring for owls, hawks, and reptiles. Sam enjoys surgery, performing CT scans, and making dogs vomit up the naughty things they eat. Sam enjoys cultivating long lasting relationships with her clients and their pets. You'll often find her interrupting your appointments to say hi! She also makes sure to say hi to every Corgi that comes in the building. 🐾

Sam spends her free time reading, crocheting, going to Vegas on vacation, and spending time with her two dogs. Leroy Jenkins is her 6 year old pitty mix who is her heartdog ❤️ and Neville Longbottom a 3 year old Corgi cleft palate pup who drives her parents nuts. These days you can find Sam and Neville working on Neville's agility skills - she's conquered the tunnel!

She is a true MVP here at Family Friends- from being a Lead Technician to helping in any area she is needed, we could not be more proud to have her on our team. Leave her some love in the comments and make sure to thank your technician at your next visit !

This week at Family Friends Veterinary Hospital, we stayed very busy despite being closed on Monday for Memorial Day! From treating injured pets to caring for sick patients, our dedicated team handled every emergency with expertise and compassion. 🐾
✨We're also excited to announce that our new DVMs, Dr. De Nike and Dr. Walker, have begun their training on weekends, ensuring we're always ready to provide top-notch care and allowing for more appointments on those days!

Learn more about our Urgent Care services on our website: https://familyfriendsvet.com/urgent-care/

Nothing makes us happier than knowing we’ve made a difference! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Thank you for your kind words. At Family Friends Veterinary Hospital, your pet’s health and happiness are our top priorities. 🐾💚

Leave your own Google review here: https://g.page/r/CTjphTIkC5jaEB0/review

Yawns are the universal language of tiredness... and apparently contagious even among our furry friends! 😴🐶

Who else can't resist yawning when they see their pup do it? It's the canine version of 'monkey see, monkey do'!

Need some extra love in your life? How about double?! Bonded mother & daughter duo Cici and Frida are here to fill your heart with joy! Don't miss out on the chance to adopt these two sweet girls! 💕

Cici is a senior (estimated 10yrs) but she is spry and inquisitive, likes to explore and loves attention but isn’t super needy for it. Frida (estimated 5yrs) is very reliant on her mom and needs her to be brave. She will need a very patient adoptive family who will allow her to get comfortable at her own pace. These girls are homebodies and don’t need a whole lot more than a comfy couch and a fenced-in yard where they can sunbathe the day away. Both are spayed, microchipped, and are up-to-date on vaccines and preventatives!

Are you ready to open your heart and home to this adorable duo? Contact Hearts of Hope Dog Rescue to learn more about Cici & Frida, or check out their Wagtopia pages here: https://www.wagtopia.com/search/pet?id=2053262&name=Cici+-+Bonded+Pair+

Let's keep these ladies together in their forever home! 🏡✨

It's a very special Welcome Wednesday because we get to introduce TWO new Veterinarians to our FFVH family 💙💙

Dr. Lexi De Nike and Dr. Erica Walker both graduated from Michigan State University's College of Veterinary Medicine this May, and have officially started as full-time veterinarians here at Family Friends Veterinary Hospital. We could not be more proud of them for their accomplishments, and are looking forward to watching them continue to learn and grow lasting relationships with their clients 🐾

You can now schedule visits with either doctor online through our scheduler! Just head to our website, or follow this link: https://us.vetstoria.com/booking/60420a08279a1/?step=2

Please help us find Alfred! 🥺

**MISSING** Please share and help contribute to a reunion!

County: MISSAUKEE
City: FALMOUTH
Location Details: JEFFS ROAD / DOOR ROAD
Date: 5/26/2024

Name: ALFRED
Gender: NEUTERED MALE
Breed(s): FRENCH BULLDOG
Coloring: BROWN
Physical Features: CLEFT PALATE
Age: 1.5 YEARS
Weight: 17 POUNDS
Collar/Microchip/Other: MICROCHIPPED
Contact: 616-558-3511

Additional Information:

OP: (FOR ADMINS ONLY) https://business.facebook.com/latest/inbox/messenger?asset_id=264553563570926&mailbox_id=&selected_item_id=100002525716116&thread_type=FB_MESSAGE

As our pets grow older, their needs and behaviors change, requiring us to adapt our care routines to ensure they remain happy, healthy, and comfortable. At Family Friends Veterinary Hospital, we understand the unique challenges and rewards of caring for senior pets. Here are some common signs of aging and tips to help you provide the best care for your aging companions 🐶🐱

To read the full blog, and other FFVH blog posts, head to www.familyfriendsvet.com/blog 🐾

🇺🇸 As we take a moment to honor and remember the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom, Family Friends Veterinary Hospital will be closed today. We encourage everyone to spend this day reflecting on the true meaning of Memorial Day and cherishing time with loved ones.

We will resume regular hours tomorrow. Thank you for your understanding and continued support 🐾

🐾 It was a very busy week for our Urgent Care team! They have been hard at work, helping our furry patients with everything from minor mishaps to unexpected emergencies. While we always hope that pet parents *won't* need these services, we are so proud to provide top-notch care for your beloved pets when they need us most. ❤️‍🩹

Learn more about our Urgent Care services on our website: https://familyfriendsvet.com/urgent-care/

Another heads up that the work on our parking lot and main entrance began last night and will continue through the weekend. If you have appointments scheduled during this time, you should have received a message with information on parking and entering the building for your visit. However if you are planning to pick up medications/food today or over the weekend, please take note!

🚧 We are asking clients to use either entrances by Comerica Bank and Fifth Third, where there will be FFVH Parking Signs. Continue to the north of the parking lot and connect to our new lot on northwest of our building.

⏩ Swipe to see the map, along with suggested detours and clarification for parking in our new lot northwest of the building. There will be a clear foot path to get you and your pets from this new lot to our entrance.

If you have any questions, feel free to call or text us at 616-575-6520.

🏡 Searching for a furry friend to brighten your days? Look no further! Tammy is our featured , ready to bring love into your home.

Tammy is a bit shy but she's a total lover! She came to the Humane Society of West Michigan in December 2023 from an abused past, yet she is one of the sweetest dogs! Tammy is cautious around new people and in new areas, yet her tail wags a million WPS (wags per second) showing that she wants to socialize!

She truly is a great dog who will thrive in a home as the only pet. All Tammy wants is a life full of love, proper care and attention, and treats!

To learn more about Tammy, check out her bio here: https://www.shelterluv.com/embed/animal/HSWM-A-51353

✨Please share this post to help share her story and sweet face 🐾

Heads up to our Family & Friends 🐾

This week we are having our entrance and back parking lot resurfaced 🚧 Starting Thursday evening through Sunday, clients will need to use the entrance by Comerica Bank to connect to our newer parking lot west of the FFVH building. Watch out for our Parking signs that will help you find your way 🪧

Next week Monday is Memorial Day! We will be open over the weekend for Urgent Care, but will be closed Monday to enjoy the holiday with our families. ✨Please plan ahead; Check that you have enough medications and prescription food over the holiday weekend, and get your refills requests in if you think you'll need more!

We hope you all have a wonderful week, and enjoy your holiday weekend with family and friends ❤️🇺🇸

It's Meet the Team Monday at Family Friends Veterinary Hospital! Today, we're shining the spotlight on Dr. Meaghan Duck 🩺🐾

Dr. Meaghan graduated in May 2023 from MSU's College of Veterinary Medicine. She has been part of the Family Friends team as an exam room technician since July 2021, gaining technical skills in both general practice and urgent care.

At home, she has a variety of critters including Anatolian Shepherds, a few house cats, dairy goats and Icelandic sheep. In her down time, she enjoys attending dog shows with her Anatolian Shepherds and working out in her garden and on her farm.💚

Since starting at FFVH, Meaghan has become a staple Doctor in our Urgent Care and General Practice. She has been working so hard, and it has been such a treat to watch her grow and learn while building connections with clients, their pets and our team as a whole. Make sure to leave her some love in the comments, and to thank your vet team at your next visit for all their hard work and dedication.