This part of the web site is where I can share information with you and update you on any events on our calendar.  Since this is our first newsletter, there are some important words of appreciation that need to be said.  We started the planning of Family Dog and Cat Hospital in our heads years ago.  The actual work to open a practice started last summer.  I am amazed at how smoothly everything fell into place to make our opening possible.  In reality, it took the work of many people to allow us to open.  Fortunately, Roxanne is good at keeping notes to remind me now of everyone that helped us along the way.

First, I must thank my husband David who tirelessly searched out a location, worked with the bank, the city, the county, the contractor, the computer software companies, the drug reps., etc.  Mostly, I must thank him and my boys for their love, enthusiasm, and confidence in me.

Second, many thanks to Roxanne Almanza who started out as a coworker, then became a friend, and now is both.  I am grateful for her tireless work, her great ideas, her sense of humor, and her understanding.

Thank you from Family Dog and Cat Hospital to the following people:

• Barbara Lynch, Becky, and everyone at Monrovia city hall
• The Monrovia Planning Commission
• Joel Cabrera at Jozo Construction along with Abraham, Kaleb, Juan, Lupe, and Hector
• Azza Iskandar from Bank of America, Monrovia
• Melissa Edwards from Bank of America Practice SolutionsChris Stenroos of MWI for endless help, meetings at home, and dinner for us and the boys
• Kim Harden of MWI
• Jennifer Schultz of Novartis Animal Health for sharing her knowledge and going the extra mile to help and to make us laugh
• Kristina Lee of Royal Canin
• Kimberly Ward of Purina
• Aloisio Moraes of Hills
• Cynthia and Ray of Pfizer Animal Health
• Sandy Urbino of Care Credit
• Joe and Candi of Sedecal/ Vet Ray Technology
• Larry at Trident Communications
• The entire team at Idexx
• Jack of KASL Print and Graphics
• Shana, Oliver, and Nick of B & H Signs
• Dr. Voorheis, Suzy Voorheis, and the staff at Washington Blvd. Animal Hospital
• Dr. Smith and Sarah at Hastings Animal Hospital
• Jen Havens of 2Dogs Pet Sitting for her advice and support in so many ways
• Steve Ramos our web designer who patiently explained things so we could understand them
• John and Kevin Burrows for volunteering for the very difficult job of building the runs

To our families, friends, and, colleagues for their cooperation, patience, prayers, and support throughout this project

Dr. Zapien-Garcia