Durango Animal Hospital

My little Shih Tzu, Paris, was the absolute light of my life. She was everything to me...she gave me a reason to get up in the morning and get on with my day. Paris chose to live with me when she was 8 weeks old and she took her last breath with me on September 1, 2011 when she was 15 1/2 years old. My life will never be the same without her!

During her lifetime, Paris had lots of health issues...mostly with her stomach. She was on a prescription diet all of her life and could not enjoy "treats" or other "cookies" like most dogs. She also spent lots of time at the Vet's office, and since we moved to Las Vegas 10 years ago, the Vet was at Durango Animal Hospital. Paris was 5 year's old when we moved to Las Vegas, and as she always did, she took it all in stride...new home, new vet...she didn't care. She was up for it all, a new adventure!

This is where the Lord intervened. Paris had been going to Durango Animal Hospital for several years before Dr. Christensen came to practice there. Dr. C (as he is known to his patients) is a loving, Christian man with a gentle spirit and kind heart who shows love to the animals he treats. Dr. C is a GREAT vet, and he became our regular Vet almost immediately after coming to Durango Animal Hospital. While Dr. C is too professional to ever say an unkind thing about anyone, he could tell you that I was not a patient person when it came to Paris. I could be a fierce "mama bear" when she was sick. Dr. Christensen was always patient and kind to me even if I was a wreck with worry.

Dr. Christensen saved my little Paris more times than I could ever recount. He always took immediate, decisive action to diagnose and treat her quickly. Paris loved Dr. C and he showed her love in return. It meant all the difference.

When the time came that Paris could not be saved (she was just too old and not strong enough for another battle), when it was time to say good-bye, it was Dr. Christensen who got me through that difficult day. I will always be grateful to him for his gentle spirit and quiet strength when he reminded me what I already knew in my heart. "She's with God now."

Yes, the Lord works in mysterious ways and, all those many years ago, He knew I would need Dr. Christensen on September 1, 2011 to help me say goodbye. Paris always knew. RIP my angel.

Also, thanks to Dr. B (another kind and caring vet) who filled in when Dr. Christensen was not there...and the wonderful staff (front and back) who shed tears with me on that day I said goodbye to little Paris...and to Brandon who has listened when I needed a friend to talk to!

We see Dr. Beerenstrauch at Durango Animal Hospital. He is such an amazing Vet. He and his staff are by far the most caring and professional team that I have come assross in Las Vegas. We moved to the SW area of Las Vegas and had an "emergency" with our dog Roxy. I called the office and they got her in immediately. Now Roxy is doing great! Thanks Dr.B!

When we first moved to Vegas 6 years ago I was really nervous about finding a new and caring vet. I went to several places and just never felt at super comfortable. In fact I even tried this animal hospital at the beginning. No place stood out at the time. Luckily for a year or so we did not need any special care except regular shots. Then Rio our chocolate lab became ill. I took her to Durango Animal Hospital over the others we had tried. I am so glad we did! Dr. Beerenstrauch and Dr. Christennsen spent many hours and days treating her and researching for us what was wrong. I think I spoke to Dr. B almost every day for about 2 months. She had a very elusive lung cancer that was untreatable. They were so caring and helped make her comfortable for the time we had left to spend with her. We also felt that for the treatment and time, the price was reasonable and we NEVER felt taken advantage of or anything of the sort. In fact I think they probably left off charges from time to time. Rio loved her days spent there with the staff and Drs. They always had hugs and kisses ready for her.

We have 4 dogs now that see Dr. B on a regular basis. We think he is amazing! He never hesitates to get on the floor and pet and get kissed by our babies! I have never seen a vet more animal loving. My dobie Kirin usually gets a few dozen kissed in every time she sees him. He is very thorough and all our dogs love him! The staff is very nice although it has changed over the years everyone is professional and friendly.

They have been like a family to us through the loss of two of our "children". Also through sickness and in health, haha! They are great! Thanks Dr. B and Durango Animal Hospital!