We had to take our 15 year old cat into the clinic yesterday morning and have him put to sleep. He was very sick and our family is devastated. Dr. Ellsworth and the VA were so kind and caring. We were all so upset and they took very good care to sooth him and help him no longer be in pain. Thank you so much for your kindness.

I have just returned from a visit to Alpine Animal Hospital with two kittens, $750 poorer. (It would have been $820, but I caught a $70 duplicate billing, so was refunded that amount). My impression is that they are all about making the maximum amount of money. Had I gone to another cat clinic in town, I would have saved $48 (3 vaccines for each cat). I just checked prices. In addition to needing preventive services for both (immunizations only since the cats were already neutered), one kitten is limping. The vet appeared to be very inexperienced and was unable to diagnose the limp, so said the leg/foot would have to be x-rayed ($218). She could see nothing on the x-ray, so there was an additional $70 charge to send the x-ray out to a radiologist. She indicated that the x-ray was a necessity, as was sending it out. I felt pressured to OK the radiology--and on reflection feel that I should have asked what treatment there would be for a hairline fracture that the radiologist might catch? Probably no additional treatment. Was an x-ray even necessary? No treatment was given; only instruction to keep the cat indoors--rather obvious advice. I did not want the cat to have pain medication, as he is perfectly comfortable and relaxed when reclining or even walking. He only complains when the joint is touched. The vet argued with me, and administered one dose of pain killer by mouth--another $20. She wanted to charge me $50 more to send additional amounts of the drug home with me; I refused. The cat is now running around on the bad leg, just as I feared, because he is not feeling the pain. I was pressured to have an identification chip implanted, although I indicated repeatedly that I did not want to have that done. ($40 for each cat). If I want to come in later and have it done, I will have to pay $60 for another exam plus the $40. I felt very talked-down-to and pressured, although I am well educated and communicate clearly. Perhaps that was because I indicated that we are not wealthy, and I was anxious to keep costs down as much as possible. Although in the past, this clinic has done a great job, we will not be returning.

I just got home from putting down our 13 year old lab, Bubba. He had quickly gone into liver failure and although I had an appointment set for 11 am tomorrow morning for our wonderful mobile vet to come to the house to euthanize Bubba, I really felt he was suffering and keeping him overnight would be cruel. So I drove him to Issaquah to Alpine Animal Hospital which has an emergency department. I called ahead to let them know I was coming and would need a gurney because could no longer walk but upon arriving and ringing the bell, the vet tech told me that she was just coming back from break and she knew nothing about it. I won't go into the entire story but what I will tell you is that 1 hour and 20 minutes after I got there, I lay on the floor comforting my distressed and suffering dog and after 3 attempts on the part of the vet techs to place a catheter in Bubba's leg, the vet finally showed up, tried to give me some apology about being the only vet on staff and that there were more important cases than mine, she stuck a needle in Bubba's leg and in about 30 seconds he was gone. She comforted me with a heartfelt, "I'm sorry for your loss and he's in a better place". No one there ever mentioned his name, asked me anything about him, and the vet tech called him a her. Bubba gave 13 years to our family, chased elk and bear away, slept with my children, barked incessantly, drove us crazy and loved us deeply. I am so incredibly heartbroken at his sudden departure but more saddened by the fact that I let his last moments be with people who couldn't have cared less about him. Rest in peace Bubbles. We will miss you.

Thank You all staff at Alpine...for your upmost care and compassion for the loss of our family lab Sable of 19yrs. My dog was in respiratory distress...I called around 7p on tuesday noc, they said they had several emergencies but to bring her in. It was time to have her put to sleep and we knew it. We were greeted at our truck with a gurney, which they carefully placed her on. She was wisked off to be examined by the vet so we could have her put to sleep asap..she was suffering. They brought her in to us, asked if we'd like to spend some alone time with her, which we did and when I just felt I couldn't take her distress any longer the vet came in. I was assured we were doing the right thing..she had lived a longer life than most labs and quality of life for me is the most important factor! We said our goodbye's many times and the injection was instantaneous. I am having her cremated. Yesterday I received a personalized sympathy card in the mail which included her footprint stamp..wow that helped me feel I hadn't totally lost her and that she will always be with us in spirit. THANK YOU all again...and for those of you with negative comments...I also had a dog put to sleep after a long life at ALPINE ANIMAL HOSPITAL 20 years ago and they were equally as wonderful soooo...treat your Vet and the staff with the upmost respect, they obviously love animals and you might need them someday!

I live two minutes driving distance from this clinic and have only unfortunately visited for emergencies. I have to say, the clinic and services are expensive. My dogs (both my own and my foster dogs) are my kids though. All that said, they have always been courteous to me and my dogs, despite that I have what many vets see as a cantankerous breed (shar pei). Just this last weekend I had to bring one of my foster dogs in for sutures after a rough play/fight session and both the vet and staff were nothing but courteous to me and my very shy, scared foster rescue boy.