Paying It Forward

Family Animal Medicine engages community and celebrates extended family.

Dr. Jenny Nobles with Oliver and Dr. Gena Guerriero with Max.

Walking into Family Animal Medicine, located at 9200 N. Garnett Rd. in Owasso, one immediately feels welcome. Front desk staff is quick to greet, and technicians seem to be perpetually smiling as they rush from room to room. Though they are busy, everyone always has a moment to say “hello” on their way through. It gives the impression that Dr. Nobles and Dr. Guerriero have succeeded in establishing the type of clinic they originally set out to in 2012.
The clinic specializes in small animal medicine, handling everything from vaccinations to spay/neuter and more in-depth surgeries. In addition, the hospital offers boarding services; space is limited, so it is wise to schedule a stay in advance. There is no better place for care of your pet while on vacation for the holidays, as the staff at FAM treats every animal like an extension of their own family.
Dr. Jenny Nobles and Dr. Gena Guerriero and their staff represent a rare breed of veterinary clinic. Running an independent animal hospital is challenging, but bringing their skills and setting up under a bridge in downtown Tulsa to treat dogs whose owners are homeless or have almost nothing in the way of money or shelter is virtually unheard of. Of course, it’s heartwarming as well. But any client familiar with Family Animal Medicine will surely relate similar stories about their kindness and expertise.
“Gena and I feel it is our responsibility to give back to our community,” says Dr. Jenny Nobles. “That’s why we go out with Night Light Tulsa every other month and provide healthcare, vaccines, and flea and tick prevention for the pets of homeless people.” When Dr. Nobles is asked which shelter they provide their pro bono services, her response is surprising. “We set up our make-shift hospital under a bridge in Tulsa. We bring donated medicine, dog and cat food, bedding, and other supplies and go to them,” she explains. “The first time, I think they were a little apprehensive. But the second time, there was a line around the corner.”
Over the past two years, the clinic lost not one, but two, longtime members of their human family. Veterinary Technician Wanda Cline passed away late in 2013. Cline, with over 20 years experience with animals in Owasso, had worked with Dr. Nobles and Dr. Guerriero at a previous clinic and came with them to open their new hospital. She was integral to the early success of their new clinic and was named a finalist in Pet Plan’s Veterinary Technician of the Year in 2012.  
Sam Alix, a longtime client and friend of Dr. Nobles and Dr. Guerriero, passed away in the fall of 2012. He, like Cline, was a positive and crucial force for the young clinic. “He always believed in Jenny and me,” says Dr. Guerriero. Alix referred many new clients and personally brought in a steady line of pets. “He was always rescuing animals and adopting them out,” remembers Dr. Guerriero. “He was a true giver.”
Family Animal Medicine has established a giving back fund which raises money to help animals in need. Sam and Wanda’s Big Heart Fund, as it’s known, accepts donations toward covering costs for established patients who encounter costly health issues. The fund is just one more way FAM tries to “pay it forward” and keep alive the memory of Wanda Cline and Sam Alix.
Family Animal Medicine will hold their Fall Festival on Saturday, November 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to raise money for Sam and Wanda’s Big Heart Fund. There will be snacks for clients and pets as well as activities for the whole family. The invite is extended to everyone, and pets are encouraged to dress in costume.
For the latest details on the Fall Festival, visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FAMOwasso.

For more information, contact

Family Animal Medicine

www.familyanimalmedicine.com

About Author Christopher Davis

Christopher Davis is an educator and musician, as well as a writer. A California native, he resides in Tulsa with his wife, two sons and a modest menagerie of pets. When he isn't inspiring young minds, you will most likely find him spending time with his family or playing drums and percussion with Project Huckleberry or the Movetet. In addition to Value News, Davis also writes for Currentland. You can view his work at https://seedavis.wordpress.com.