Testimonials
My cat, Azalea, was suffering from severe allergies. She was completely bald on her stomach and tail area.
I was frustrated and visited three different vets who either couldn't or wouldn't treat the cat. I was at my wits end.
I came to Cardiff Animal Hospital through a recommendation. I have never received a better one.
Through Dr. Norell's kind hearted care and medications Azalea's a happy, fur covered animal who has allergies, but is healthy.
The staff is unparalleled. Their genuine love for animals is apparent. They are always there for me with reassurance and compassion for Azalea.
Thank you Cardiff for making Azalea and my life better. I am deeply appreciative.
Romeo is a 7 year old Jack Russell Terrier that I rescued. I am the fourth owner in two years...so it wouldn't be an exaggeration to describe Romeo as "challenging". As you can imagine, going to the vet isn't his favorite activity and if you are familiar with a JRT, they have their own agenda, all day, every day and Romeo's agenda doesn't include going to the vet.
Romeo became a patient at Cardiff Animal Hospital two years ago after "trying out" other vets in the area. Dr. Norell and her wonderful staff have been incredibly patient with him. They have provided me with options and solutions to his behavioral and health issues that have changed our lives! He is a happy, healthy 26 lb. dog (albeit a bit chubby) that is the delight of my family and friends. Romeo and I thank everyone at Cardiff Animal Hospital from the bottom of our hearts!
Dr. Monica Laflin is our veterinarian. She has helped us care for four of our dogs for over 14 years. I drive more than 30 miles each way just because she cares as much for my dogs as I do. We met in 1997 when we were told by another veterinarian to put one of our dogs to sleep. My daughter would not accept that and told me to call Dr. Laflin. At the first meeting, she hugged me in and told me that she could help, but that he would probably only live 6 months. At that time she also told us how expensive it would take to keep him alive , which we really appreciated. Long story short my boy lived almost a year. When our dogs lives are at an end she comes to our house and very compassionately does what has to be done. She has even helped us bury our dogs after it was over. We have laughed together and we have cried together. She is caring, thouhgtful and the best "dog gone" vet you could have.
B. & S. November, Poway, CA
Dr. Nancy Norell and the entire staff at Cardiff Animal Hospital are awesome! Each time I visit, whether to pick up cat food, medicine, or for an appointment, my cats and I are treated promptly and with frendliness. The office looks and smells clean, the staff is very knowledgeable and sensitive. I have a cat in kidney failure that I've been treating for almost 2 years, and we visit the office every 3-4 months to monitor the condition. Cardiff Animal Hospital has made that treatment affordable by letting me purchase subcutaneous fluids by the case. Dr. Norell takes the time to answer all my questions and takes the time to explain options and methods to keep my aging pets healthy. She does not hesitate to refer a patient to a specialty doctor when she feels that the next step in quickly diagnosing a condition. I feel she treats my cats as though they were her own.
Terri + Rio + Borrego + Anza(RIP)
T. Bush
To Whom It May Concern,
Hello. We are writing to thank Cardiff Animal Hospital for the tender loving care thay have provided for our three dogs over the past 4 years since we moved to Encinitas. Whether dealing with basic checkups and immunizations or complex health problems, the vets and staff at CAH are the best around. They are organized, thorough, caring and excellent communicators and they do all they can to make you and your pets as comfortable as possible no matter what the situation may be. We will continue to use CAH as long as we're here in Encinitas to ensure that our pets will get the best possible care.
Thank You. The Gerlach Family
Owners of Raisin (2), Sandy (8 mos.), and Murphy (1998-2010)
When I moved here, finding a good veterinary hospital was one of my top priorities. I have high standards for the care I want my pets to have (as my friends will verify!) and was worried I would not be able to find a clinic that "measured up." I found CAH by chance (or more likely, by luck) and have been a client for 13 years. I appreciate the availability of both eastern and western approaches to veterinary care, and my pets have benefited from the best of each. The staff is professional but never loses the human touch. They truly understand that we are partners in ensuring the best care possible for my pets, and the care has been excellent--from "routine" to "above and beyond." Also, I have received great support and compassion during those difficult times that all pet owners face. While I found CAH by luck, I have remaind a client because they have always "measured up."
We were so happy to find Dr. Norell when we moved to San Diego five years ago. She has always taken exceptional care of our cats. She shows a compassionate and caring approach that is above and beyond what might be expected. We appreciate that Dr. Norell will call us after hours to inquire how our cats are doing after a procedure. During office visits, she takes her time in explaining things to us, anwering all questions, and never rushes the appoinment. Similarly, the office staff is always friendly on the phone and in person, and they handle our cats with gentleness and care.
C. and B. McGowan, Scripps Ranch
The Nicolas Family Story
by Matthew Nicolas ,
Penny, Buddy and Sky
Penny, Buddy and Sky all share a unique story to themselves. I do consider them to be members of my family and wish to share their stories with you.
I adopted Penny from Rancho Coastal Humane Society in October 2003 with the help of my girlfriend. We were seeking a companion for our rambunctious 1 year old Chocolate Lab named Copper. Copper was given to us by my best friend who could no longer care for him. Penny was part of a large litter whose owner's female got pregnant by a stray. Copper and Penny were like peanut butter and jelly. Penny was the ideal puppy. We never experienced the usual puppy issues thanks to her older brother who seemed to watch over her. They went everywhere together, including visits to CAH. In early August 2005, Copper was tragically klled after being hit by a lead truck of a convoy early that morning. I received a call from the second truck driver who stopped to say he wall killed instantly after darting in front of the lead truck and did not suffer. He said it was unavoidable. I soon met the driver, who moved Copper to the side of Encinitas Blvd. at the bus stop by Village Park. Together we wrapped him in a blanket and put him in my truck all while Penny watched in silence. For almost three months, Penny and I searched countless shelters and attended a slew of adoption events all to find her a new brother. Allduring this time, Penny refused walks and slept on that same blanket we wrapped Copper in.
All seemed lost for us until a friend told me about Petfinder.com. It was the afternoon of October 12. 2005 I found the mug shot of Buddy on Petfinder.com. I called the St. George Sheriff's Dept. and spoke with Betty, a volunteer who ran the only animal shelter in that county. She told me Buddy was surrendered by his owner 10 weeks ago and he was in perfect health. He needed to find a home soon, so she submitted his profile on the website before it was too late. After thinking for an hour or so, I called back to discover the shelter had closed due to the time change. My mind was set and Penny and I headed out at 3am the next morning for the 11 hour drive to St George, Utah. The Sheriffs converted 4 holding cells to kennels. Ther was room for 12 dogs...there were 20 in custody. Buddy was the only dog by himself. After a few hours of play, Buddy and Penny bonded and I discovered a dozen or so personnel had arrived to the outdoor play pen. The town vet who volunteers's her services, the deputy who picked Buddy up and the Sheriff himself were all there! I asked, " Who would surrender such a beautiful animal"? The croud fell silent. The Sheriff took me aside and told me, "People don't consider animals pets in these parts. We pickup a lot of abandoned animals here from people passing through and don't have many adoptions. I had to send one of my deputies to pickup Buddy from his his former owner's property. Buddy was almost a year old and reportedly spent most of the time chained to a tree with no shelter. It had snowed that night. This shelter has less than a 2% adoption rate. Please give him a good home son"!
The ride home was less than boring. Buddy had never ridden in a truck I was told and the 11 hour drive home seemed like days! A few weeks later, I read through the papers given at the adoption. The papers consisted of the breeder's portfoilio and the owner's information blacked out. All I had was a first and last name of the original owner and basic vet information. So I called the beeder for any history on Buddy . I discovered as a result of privacy laws the owners' info was omitted however, the breeder told me he breeds exlusively working and hunting dogs. The original owner was hte Mayor of St. George Utah who was essentially the Shaeriff's boss!!! Buddy learned how to swim. fetch, ride in trucks and beg with the help of Penny. We now had a complete family...Until summer came!
It was Saturday August 9, 2010 and we were at Besta Wan enjoying Dog Days of Summer and BBQ tri-tip sandwiches on the "Porch". We decided to take a look around the exhibits and try out some gog toys and treats when a member of SNAP handed me a 6 week old puppy named Sky...I was doomed! Penny went maternal and tried to cuddy Sky in her pen. As for Buddy...He thought Sky was another doggie toy! After some paperwork and another pitcher of adult beverages, Sky found a new home with us. Sky was part of alitter that was dropped off at a county shelter to be euthanized because she was a Pit-bull mix.
As a proud dog owner, I must say possesses bountiful gratification and horrid misfortune. In short, it has been a crazy ride. From hours spent on the river chasing birds and rabbits to multiple costly dental procedures and vet bills, it has all been worth every moment! Penny ran off after illegal fireworks were set off 2 summers ago. For 5 days she was lost at Lake Elsinore in 110' heat. Both Penny and Buddy had multiple tooth fractures , extractions and root canals. Sky seems to have a taste for my couch and bed sheets. Recently, Buddy contracted Coccidiodomycosis also known as Valley Fever last fall. I have learned that this potentially fatal disease affects most animals and humans who live or visit the southwest desert. Initially it was a couple of scary months, but Buddy is now doing just fine thanks to Dr. Norell and EVERYONE at Cardiff Animal Hospital. If we could only cure Sky of her taste for my couch!
I wish to again commend Dr. Nancy Norell and her staff at Cardiff Animal Hospital for their help and support over the years. Dr. Brook Niemiec at Southern California Veterinary Dental Specialties and his staff as well.
Together may we insure that the Nicolas Family be healthy and happy for years to come!
"Who rescued who"?
For the past three years, my Steve, a chihuahua and dachshund mix, has been under the professional veterinary care of Dr. Nancy Norell at Cardiff Animal Hospital. She is to be commended for her knowledge, compassion, preventative approach, and comprehensive care, including team consults with medical specialists as needed.
Dr. Norell and her friendly, helpful staff take time to explain and answer questions thoroughly regarding recommended treatment, or issues of concern. They seek to partner with me in the decision making process for Steve's immediate benefit, as well as his optimum long term health care and well being. I highly recommend them to both family and friends.
C. Gaston, Cardiff, California
I love to watch the sparkle and liveliness of my two cats, Muki and Sabina. We got them as little kittens from the shelter and each one had unspeakable hardships before we adopted them. Sometimes, they get sick and it breaks my heart to see them dull and lethargic. Muki and Sabina, especially, will let me know when they are not feeling well by crying or acting "wiped out". My vet, Dr. Nancy Norell understands cats and cat owners, since she also loves cats as a cat person, and "cat mama". She gives me good care, calls me back with test results and helps me and my cats get better by checking up on us, by phone. The staff at Cardiff Animal Hospital is caring and they are all committed to animals. I would recommend everyone use Cardiff Animal Hospital, because they are all friendly, caring, expert and accessible.
L.K. Halverson
We have been customers of Cardiff Animal Hospital for over 15 years. The doctors and staff consistently do an excellent job of helping us take the best care of our pets. Our 21 year old cat, Ferris, is doing very well in large part due to Dr. Nancy Norell and the staff closely monitoring his health and well being. We are lucky to have found the Cardiff Animal Hospital.
D. McRoberts.
My pets get the best veterinary care at Cardiff Animal Hospital. The staff is so fabulous my dogs drag me in the door they are so happy to see everyone. Not only do my pets receive regular care and treatment for acute issues, the get the most advanced holistic care. I see a dramatic difference in my older dog's mobility after a chiropractic and accupuncture treatment for his arthritis. My younger dogs have genetic hip problems and can't wait for their treatments. They run in the office, greet everyone then flop on floor and hold up the hurting leg. It's crazy but amazing. Alternative medicine is not just for people, I have the happiest dogs on earth!
Suanne
Del Mar
mom to:Bradley BoxerMilton Boston TerrierLulubelle English BulldogModigliani Persian
I would like to express the appreciation I have for the excellent care that my two cats have received from the staff at Cardiff Animal Hospital for the past nine years.
I was referred to Dr. Laflin by a friend because one of my cats suffered from severe arthritis in his hind quarters and I believed he would benefit from the kinesiology, chiropractic, and alternative medicine that Dr. Laflin offered in addition to the usual veterinary medicine. These procedures helped him to enjoy a better, more pain free life than he would have otherwise. Dr. Laflin and Dr. Norell provided excellent care for him for the eight years I had him. They continue to provide excellent care for my other cat also. She fortunately does not seem to suffer from arthritis or any other health issues and so her care is prophylactic to keep her in good health. I like having access to both holistic and the usual veterinary medicine for my cats as I believe that provides a better, all around health care experience for them.
Neither of my cats has been an easy patient - visiting the vet was not and still is not a favorite activity. No matter how difficult either had/has been, the staff always had/has kind words to say to me about how they were "not that bad". I am pleased and impressed with the ease with which they handle my cats.
Dr. Laflin and Dr. Norell, as well as the rest of the staff, are all knowledgeable, well trained, and have years of experience. I have had only positive experiences with them in the care of my cats and would certainly recommend them to anyone who is looking for a good veterinarian.
D. Whorley