My wonderful vet died

18 years ago

This is too sad for words. Here's the abbreviated obituary:

"Dr. John Sowers, of Phoenix, was taken from us early and unexpected

ly at age 35. He was a large, loving presence in our lives, his passions ignited by his beloved wife, Maria, daughter Boa, 4, another child on the way, and his devotion to his work. Dr. Sowers was one of a hand

ful of board-certified veterinary dentists in the world, with a vibrant practice in northeast Phoenix. He was a Diplomat of the prestigious American Veterinary Dental College and a Fellow of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry, both devoted to the oral and dental health of animals. He helped train many other veterinarians, and was on a credentialing committee for aspiring veterinary dentists. John was an avid skier and snow boarder, and was never happier than skiing with his family or filling his home with family and friends, the barbecue working overtime in the backyard. His death has left a large hole in the world of veterinary medicine and in his family's heart. His greatest gift at the end was his wish to be an organ donor, and he often encouraged others to make that choice. In lieu of flowers or other honorariums, a donation to the Dr. John Sowers Fund for Animal Dentistry at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine would honor our beloved John. Donations can be made in care of Dr. Bill Gengler, University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, 2015 Linden Dr., Madison WI 53706-1102. ..... Services are 10 a.m., Friday (Oct.7) at Shadow Mountain Mortuary, 2350 E. Greenway Road, Phoenix Services in care of Shadow Mountain Mortuary.

Published in The Arizona Republic on 10/7/2005."

John Sowers was my cat's primary vet. I doubt that I will ever find another one like him. He was brilliant without a touch of arrogance, always took so much time with us, was so open-minded, and willing to try anything to help Boris. I have a regular vet who sees Boris, but I need someone like John who specializes in treating cats with oral conditions like stomatitis. I have cried and cried, but I have to come to grips with the fact that I won't be seeing this great guy again and Boris still needs someone in his corner. Do you have any recommendations?

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Comments (9)

Garden_trolip
18 years ago
Alma, that is so sad :( He was SO young.
eileenaz
18 years ago
Try Barb Capwell- she used to be in Tucson, and several years back snatched my new dog from death's door, and also saved one of my hens that I thought was a goner, for sure. I think she's fabulous and it just kills me that she moved to the Phoenix area. I believe she's in the Mesa area, but I'm really not sure about that. Look her up in the phone book- she has goddess status in my mind, and you gotta know I don't hand that out to just anybody.
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tomatofreak
Original Author
18 years ago
Barb, he was one of a kind. My heart just breaks both for him and Maria.

Eileen, thanks for the recommendation; I'll see if I can find out where she is. I hope you found another someone you can feel as good about.
eileenaz
18 years ago
If you end up going to her, tell her that Duchess the German Shepherd from Tucson sends her love!

And so does Beaker, the silver-laced Polish hen.
milos2
18 years ago
I thought I would never find another vet after Dr. Armer passed away a few years ago. By chance I came across Moon Valley Animal Hospital. They are a young husband and wife team... she, I believe,
specializes in feline dentistry. I liked her and her associates very much.... and I'm not that easy to please when it comes to my amimals. They have a web site: www.moonvalleyvet.com
If you have't found anyone yet you might want to check them out.
milos
lotsaplants
18 years ago
So sorry to hear this...
Our favorite vet, Bonnie Faust, died a few years back, and it took us awhile to find another we really like.
Ours is not a specialist, but we love all the vets that work at Four Legged Friends, 32nd St. and Thunderbird.
Dr. Valerie Ferguson is the owner, and she is GREAT with our two dogs and two cats, although I haven't had any other animals to take in, I'd bet she and her associates would be great with them too.
Sharon (realy picky about my pets' health care))
tomatofreak
Original Author
18 years ago
Thank you all. I've been sidetracked by the very real needs of two elderly friends and haven't followed up yet, but I will. It always helps to hear from folks who trust their pets to competent, compassionate people.
jimdaz
18 years ago
It is so great to see my Vet, Dr. Hatfield mentioned here. She is the wife of the team at Moon Valley Animal Hospital. I have been loyal to her, and her husband, Les for 16 years. Dr. Lisa is especially great with cats, and has done dental work on several of mine. IMHO, there is not a better team of vets in Phoenix.
Kathleen W
18 years ago
tommie, I'm so sorry to read this. It's tough losing someone you trust so much.

Like lotsaplants, I also LOVED Bonnie Faust and was devasted when cancer took her a few years back. She was such an earth mother and I can't imagine how hard it was for her to diagnose animals with terminal cancer while she herself fought it. My RottXaussie was one of them....

Now I am using Suzanne Higgins at Deer Creek Animal Hospital, Cave Creek Rd near Rosegarden Lane. Very caring and dedicated, the woman puts in more hours caring and caring more for the patients. Great staff too. I no longer have any cats but she did a super job on my mini-poodle's dental, first class all the way based on the latest procedures and stuff I'd learned about issues like stomatitis and chronic mouth issues when I had a diabetic cat.

Hope you find someone you like.

My wonderful vet died

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