Sahuarita Times – Valley Animal Hospital to Host Grand Opening Event

Valley Animal Hospital – established in Tucson more than 50 years ago – opened the first general veterinary practice serving the Rancho Sahuarita community in May. The new Sahuarita facility will provide general practice veterinary care including preventative care, medical and dental care, vaccinations, spaying, neutering and other services.

The new Sahuarita clinic also has plans to host an open house and grand opening celebration on June 15th, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10:00 am, and become an active member of the community, offering other opportunities to meet the veterinarian and staff.

Denise Gordon is the veterinarian at the new Valley Animal Hospital in Sahuarita at 15990 S. Rancho Sahuarita Blvd., Suite 130, in the Rancho Sahuarita Marketplace.

Dr. Gordon graduated with a bachelor’s degree in entomology from Texas A&M University, and then completed her doctorate of veterinary medicine at Ross University in 2005.

Her veterinary career actually began at Valley Animal Hospital, where she first volunteered and then worked as a certified veterinary technician from 1984 to 1995. After completing her veterinary medicine degree, she returned to VAH for her student externship.

Dr. Gordon is a strong advocate for preventive veterinary medicine. She looks forward to assisting the community of Sahuarita and the surrounding areas with the care of their canine, feline, avian, reptile, and other small animal companions.  She includes six dogs as part of her own close-knit family.

Valley Animal Hospital partner Dr. T.K. Warfield commented, “Valley Animal Hospital is very excited to introduce Dr. Denise Gordon to the Sahuarita and Rancho Sahuarita community. She is a skilled internal medicine doctor and will treat you and your companions with the utmost compassion and dedication.”

The main hospital in Tucson is a full-service 24-7 veterinary care center offering comprehensive medical, surgical, urgent and emergency care services. Sahuarita patients will have access to this team and facility when they need more critical care. Valley Animal Hospital is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association.

In addition to these animals and service dogs, Valley Animal also provides veterinary services for Reid Park Zoo. They have experience in treating lions, giraffes, elephants, and injured raptors.

Valley Animal Hospital is one of few facilities in the nation to offer internships for veterinary school graduates. The year-long program provides hands-on experience working with the VAH team, skilled in treating everything from family pets like dogs, cats, rabbits, and pocket critters to exotic birds, snakes, iguanas, and fish.

In 1996 Valley Animal Hospital moved into the striking white two-story building at 4984 E. 22nd St in Tucson. The modern facility was named Hospital of the Year by Veterinary Economics magazine. VAH also operates the Valley Pet Resort next door, offering boarding and grooming services.

Hospital partner Dr. John Vagnetti commented, “I think what differentiates us is our years of experience and our diversity of services provided by our 13 experienced veterinarians. The original clinic was founded by Robert S. Hoge in 1959, and expanded in 1967 when Thomas O. Miller joined the practice.”

Vagnetti continued, “Miller became legendary for his care of the animals in the Reid Park Zoo. Totten ‘TK’ Warfield, one of three VAH partners today – along with myself and Dr. Blake A, Herrington — worked with Hoge and then Miller for decades.”

For more information, visit www.tucsonvah.com or call the new Sahuarita office at 520-308-3464.