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2015

59

MARKETING CONTENT BEST OF 2016

t AdvAnced AnimAl cAre,

the patients are not just pets – they’re

family. And veterinarians Leslie

and David Steele and their staff go

the extra mile for their four-legged

patients.

“We like to offer a level of care

only certain people are looking for, but for people whose

pets mean a lot to them,” she

said. “For some, the animals

we see feel like their children.”

For Leslie Steele, becoming a vet was always in the cards.

“It’s all I ever thought about since I was 6 years old,”

she said.

The Alabama native

received her bachelor’s degree in

Microbiology before attending

Auburn University’s College of

Veterinary Medicine, where she

met her husband, David. They

moved to the Lowcountry and

opened Advanced Animal Care

in 2001. The practice specializes

in dogs and cats and offers

services including wellness visits,

vaccinations, cardiology, oncology,

diagnostics and more. Both

veterinarians and their team stay up-to-date with the latest

techniques in advanced veterinary medicine, including

laser therapy.

For surgeries, Steele uses a carbon dioxide laser for

routine procedures, which causes less swelling and bleeding

and offers a faster recovery time than surgery with a

traditional metal scalpel. The practice is accredited by the

American Animal Hospital Association.

The patients are not the only ones meant to feel like

family at Advanced Animal Care, according to Jessica

Hecker, a veterinary technician manager who started

working at the practice four years ago.

“I immediately fell in love with both the vets here and the

way they care about their staff,” she said. “I feel like I have

Going the Extra Mile for

Four-Legged Patients

AdvancedAnimal Care

By NATAlIE CAulA HAuFF

found my home here at Advanced Animal Care. It’s definitely

an amazing environment to work in. It’s very positive.”

The staff consists of three technicians, an office

manager, a receptionist and Drs. Leslie and David Steele.

“We’re a tightknit bunch,” said Hecker. “We consider

ourselves a small family.”

The positivity of the practice can be seen in the

treatment of the patients, according to Hecker and Dr.

Leslie Steele.

“We like to develop and enhance the animal/human

bond,” said Hecker. “We make sure the animals have a

good experience. Some pets are traumatized going to the

vet. We are focused on trying to eliminate that fear.”

Veterinarians wear many hats, according to Dr. Leslie

Steele. While they treat their

patients, they also console the

pets’ owners and help them make

difficult decisions, such as deciding

when to let their longtime friend

go. Hecker and Dr. David Steele

are currently working on the

development of a hospice program

to assist clients with the terminal

palliative care of their pets in a

home environment, providing

comfort for the animal and

support for the owner.

“Of course, the worst part of our job is euthanasia,” said

Dr. Leslie Steele. “We know it’s something the owner will

remember forever, so we make it as peaceful as possible.”

Since the Steeles want to be sure their employees are

doing their best in treating their patients with the respect

they deserve, the staff is now undergoing training for low

stress handling of pets.

“Instead of holding a dog down, we take it more slowly,

work with treats to gain their trust,” she said. “Our goal is for

every pet to be happy to walk through the front door.”

Advanced Animal Care is located at 3373 South Morgan’s

Point Road in Mount Pleasant. To learn more, visit

www.advancedanimalcaremp.com

or call 843-884-9838.

Drs. David and leslie Steele treat their patients, but they

also help pet owners make difficult decisions.

A

Photo courtesy of Advanced Animal Care.