June 2021 by Robyn M.
I really need to write two reviews. My first would have been a glowing five star - Dr. Judy was a breath of fresh air for us. We had been taking our rescue dog to a clinic recommended by his adoption group, but just always felt it was a bit too clinical, quick to over vaccinate and sell every prescription possible. After doing a search for a more holistic vet in the area, we found Fox Ridge. Our first trip there was amazing. Going to the vet has always been a family affair for us and the children and I were able to accompany our dog, Ranger, into the office and pet and love on him. Dr. Judy got down on the floor with Ranger and really seemed to take the time to get to know him and treated our family with kindness. She recommended medical care when needed, but certainly seemed to take a more conservative, holistic approach which we very much appreciated. We were in love, so happy to have a friendly, loving place we could take our furry family members. When covid restrictions hit, our experience changed dramatically. I absolutely understand that the pandemic has been extremely difficult for businesses, as it has been for families as well. In spring of 2020, when we returned for our dog's annual checkup, we had some difficulties scheduling, as I always have my children with me. That was fine in the past, but obviously, nothing in the world was operating quite the same these days. Children were not allowed at Fox Ridge, so I was happy to drop Ranger off for his quick check up. However, Dr. Judy claimed that he was a bit hard to handle and insisted that I would need to be with him. She even went so far as to recommend how I should go about finding childcare for the vet appointment. Which I found not only unprofessional, but insensitive, as her recommendations included my mother, who had passed. At this point I should have found another location, but we really loved Dr. Judy and knew that no one was really quite themselves during the spring of 2020. Ultimately, we worked out a drop off, I was able to stay with my children in the parking lot, Ranger was able to go inside and get his check up. It was a little awkward on both sides, but we got it done. In May of 2021, our young (only 4 years old), loyal, loving hound dog suddenly fell ill. Literally overnight, he went from his usual sweet, up for anything self to unable to jump, which quickly progressed to unable to walk up a step without yelping in pain and having uncontrollable diarrhea. He was losing mobility in his legs and obviously in excruciating pain. I was beside myself. I immediately called Dr. Judy. Her staff took down a message and let me know she would call back. In the two hours that I waited, I began calling other local vets, all who recommended that we get Ranger to VCA in Aurora, as they would have the equipment necessary for the tests he would likely need. I was really hoping to talk to someone who knew him, and most vets we talked to asked "what did your family vet recommend?" I called back to Fox Ridge, only to have Dr. Judy answer the phone herself (it's a very small office), I immediately went into my story about how I felt this was an emergency and I was really hoping to talk to the doctor asap. But she responded that "Dr. Judy was still with a patient, and would have to call me back." Hmm... Dr. Judy herself called back 10-15 minutes later, I told her my story again about the pain and paralyzation Ranger was experiencing. She asked me two questions: Is he dragging his legs? and Do you have childcare today? Ranger ended up going to VCA and having a multitude of tests, including an MRI which showed IVDD that had been suspected by the neurology team there. Tragically, Ranger's case was not just degeneration in one disk, but in four consecutive disks, a fifth disc in another location, and his entire spine showed further degeneration that would likely cause this paralysis to happen again in the future, even if his first extensive surgery was successful. It was heartbreaking and so sudden, after a week of nursing and loving on
