10 Questions With Dr. Russell Earl From Long Valley Animal Hospital

Long Valley Animal Hospital cares about its patients.

For longtime veterinarians and animal lovers Dr. Russell Earl and Dr. Stephanie Welch, a furbaby is not just a pet; he or she is a part of the family and therefore a part of the LVAH family — and they are treated as such.

From wellness exams to surgical services, digital radiology to laser therapy, the Long Valley Animal Hospital doctors take care of pets and treat animals as their own. We sat down with Dr. Earl and Dr. Welch so they could share their story.

Patch: How long have you been doing business in town?

Earl: I took over the reins and the hospital name was changed to Long Valley Animal Hospital in November of 2010. The hospital was originally owned and operated by Dr Harry Fritz, who sadly passed away in 2008.

Welch: I was born and raised in Lebanon Township, just 10 minutes from Long Valley Animal Hospital. I recently joined the practice as an associate just under three months ago, and I could not feel more at home here with the clients, my patients and our wonderful staff.

Patch: What attracted you to the business you’re in, and how did you get started?

Earl: For as long as I can remember, I had always wanted to be a veterinarian. In fact, I don't ever remember wanting to do anything else. I have been surrounded with animals throughout my life, and that — plus an interest in medicine — led me to this chosen career.

Welch: Raising seeing-eye puppies for 4-H as a child really triggered my love and interest in animals and animal care. As you can imagine, raising six puppies lead to multiple vet visits throughout the years, and the rest is really history. I've always been drawn to the medical field so combining both interests really created the perfect profession for me.

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Patch: If you had to sum up your business mission to a stranger in five words, what would those words be?

Earl: Okay, I have to stretch that to six words and that would be our practice motto: "Where Cold Noses Meet Warm Hearts"

Welch: "Where pets are family members." At Long Valley Animal Hospital, your "furbaby" is not just a pet; they are a part of your family and therefore a part of our family here, and we will treat them as such. Their health is our number-one priority, and working with you to provide such care is important to us.

Patch: What’s the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you’ve faced in your job?

Earl: The most difficult aspect is realizing that I can't fix everything, which leads to the second most difficult, preparing an owner to say a final goodbye to a beloved and loyal pet. We wish to make this unfortunate experience as stress and pain-free as possible to both the pet and owner.

Welch: Saying goodbye to a beloved pet and patient never gets easier. It's the worst part of my job, and that will never change. However, helping clients make this difficult decision and helping patients that are suffering is such an important role and is my duty as an advocate for animal care.

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?

Earl: It is particularly satisfying watching a pet grow and develop throughout its life along with its young human counterparts. There is an unique bond that develops through life stages between a child and his or her pet. It is also rewarding being able to alleviate a pet's pain or illness.

Welch: The most rewarding part of the job is watching sick patients turn around and act themselves again. Regardless of the disease severity, watching a once-tucked tail wag again is such a great feeling.

Patch: You’re not the only person in this business. How do you distinguish yourself from the others?

Earl: We take pride in our service and treat each patient as if it were our own. We aim to make each visit as positive an experience as possible.

Welch: As a new addition to the practice, I can honestly say the staff here at LVAH is truly wonderful and the best team I have had the privilege to work along side. Everyone here is beyond dedicated to providing the best care to all pets and catering to every pets individual needs.

Patch: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given when it comes to success?

Earl: "When making a decision about how best to serve your customers, your own experience is often a better guide than a more sophisticated analysis," from Richard Branson.

Welch: "Love what you do, and do what you love." I love this profession and I love my job. Most days are not easy, and difficult decisions are common. However, when you are excited to come to work and provide care for patients, you are bound to do great things. That energy is not only powerful but also contagious to others around you.

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Patch: What would you say are a few secrets to your success?

Earl: We offer longer appointment times in order to be able to devote sufficient time to our clients and patients. In doing so, we can more effectively address clients' concerns and patient care. I also adhere to the fundamental principle: "Above all else, do no harm."

Welch: It's hard to compete with Dr. Earl's answer. Our long appointment times are so key to our success and dedication to our patients. Sometimes, a routine annual exam can turn into a medical problem that needs to be addressed, and this extra allotted time allows us to provide the care and treatment necessary without feeling rushed. And I can tell our clients appreciate that extra time and care for their pets.

Patch: What is your favorite thing about the Patch?

Earl: I like that Patch concentrates on the local community. I also like to see if there is something going on locally to which, at least some small way, we can contribute.

Welch: The Patch is very informative on the local level. It provides connectivity and engagement for the community and community-sponsored events. I look forward to the weekly updates on local events that we hope to participate in as a hospital.

Patch: Do you have any events coming up in your community? If so, tell us about them.

Earl: No currently planned event. However, in the past, we have participated in a local Christmas wreath sponsorship and toy drive, contributed to a variety of educational and charitable services for local schools, boy scouts and girl scouts and churches and participated in an annual cancer walk.

Welch: We routinely donate medical supplies, food and medications to the local animal shelter. However, we are now looking to branch out and participate in more local events, non-veterinary/animal related. So, if you see a group of individuals covered in dog and cat hair at the next community event, it is likely our hospital staff — so, don't hesitate to say hello!

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your work and business?

Earl: Readers may learn more about us through our website or Facebook page. Or simply give us a call at (908) 876-5434.

Welch: Dr. Earl's personal cell phone number is — kidding! See above!

Photo credit: Long Valley Animal Hospital