No paws for concern

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Numbers in overall production, surgeries, boarding and grooming, new clients and new pets have been climbing since the start of the year at McClung's Animal Hospital in Tiffin

In January, the business was expected to begin about the same as it did in 2008, but as time passed, the animal hospital became busier, said Cathy McClung, wife of Dr. Brad McClung

"If you have a good business, it is not by luck or chance and we all understand that," Cathy said. "You will never find a harder worker who is more committed to, or conscientious of his work, than Dr. Brad. His support staff sees that and follows suit, learning by example."

Brad said the business always has done many surgeries, and the most likely cause of increase this year is due to clients who are seeking second opinions and the high costs of out-of-town specialty clinics.

"We've seen an increase in some of the more complicated procedures. For example, knee surgeries and fracture repairs," he said.

Cathy said grooming is up about 25 percent for the first half of 2009 over last year, and boarding has increased overall by 7 percent. In June, there was a 89 percent increase in feline boarding, which is not typical, but shows an upward trend.

McClung's has been averaging 1.5-2.5 new clients per day, and 150 new pets from established clients per month, Cathy said.

"We manage by statistics, so as not to become stagnate," said Office Manager Rose Ardner. She added due to the increase in business this year, McClung's was able to hire two additional registered veterinary technicians, one additional groomer and one kennel technician.

The three reasons the staff at McClung's speculates the increase in business are clients prioritizing, understanding value and word of mouth. Cathy said when times are tough economically, whether on an individual or wide-spread basis, people tend to take a step back and re-evaluate their lives and priorities. It comes down to family (which includes pets) and friends.

"This is what's important; that's what makes you happy," she said.

Cathy added in economically tough times, value becomes very important.

"People ask themselves where they will get exceptional care and services for their money, and they get that here," she said.

Clients drive from out of town to come to McClung's because a family member or friend has referred them.

"Word of mouth is the best advertisement," Cathy said. "The drive is not a factor when they understand the kind of care that their pet will receive."

Brad said at the end of the day, success comes back to staff and teamwork. A poster in the backroom shows this quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson: "There is no limit as to what can be accomplished if it doesn't matter who gets the credit."

"At the end of the day, when we go home and see our pets, they just make us smile. Pets, simply put, make us all happy," Brad said.