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Vet clinic building Best of the Foothills dynasty

Clinic provides straight-forward information for clients
BoF-Big Rock Vet BWC 6934 web
Big Rock Animal Clinic staff (from left) Julie Clausen (and Thorston the lab), Jesica Zaklikowski, Morgan McLean-Alexander, Sylvia Lytle (w/ Spur the dog), Kari Davidson (w/ clinic cat Maynard), Jessica Gavelin, Dr. Rick Dalrymple, Ryan Nadon, and Dr. Dain Lochridge pose for a photo after it was voted Best Veterinarian by Western Wheel and OkotoksToday.ca readers in the 2021 Best of the Foothills contest.

Big Rock Animal Clinic has pulled off a six-peat as the best veterinarian clinic in the Western Wheel’s Best of the Foothills survey.

“We are absolutely honoured to be voted gold for best veterinarian in the Foothills again,” said Jessica Gavelin, Big Rock Animal Clinic’s practice manager. “This is our sixth year in a row. We are so fortunate to be able to provide veterinary care in such an amazing community.”

Gavelin said providing a homey environment for its clients is a priority.

"We want them to feel welcome and know they can rely on us for any questions or concerns they may have,” she said.

Providing its human clients with the information they need to take care of their pets is part of the clinic’s mandate, said Gavelin.

“Our clients are critical when it comes to our patients’ care,” she said. “Recognizing their importance and providing them with the education and tools they need is very important to us.

Located in Okotoks downtown, Big Rock Animal Clinic is a family-owned clinic. Dr. Rick Dalrymple is the owner. He grew up north of Calgary and now lives in Okotoks with his family. His gentle demeanour and love of animals has built a much-loved veterinary clinic for the clinic’s patients.

“He’s definitely a people person,” said Gavelin. “He’s great with all the pets as well as the clients. He’s very personable.”

The vet clinic has been serving the Foothills since the 1980s and has four veterinarians and three veterinary technologists on staff. Two rescue cats, Zoe and Mr. Meowgi can also be found at the clinic looking for visits and pets.

“(Dr. Dalrymple) has chosen an amazing team of veterinarians along with the support staff as well,” Gavelin said.

On top of wellness exams, diagnosis, treatment and surgery, Big Rock offers dentistry, nutritional counselling, digital radiology, dermatology and orthopedics.

New clients should know they can expect a warm group of very dedicated veterinary staff at Big Rock, said Gavelin.

“We are a friendly and professional group of individuals that are committed to providing quality care for our patients,” she said. “We strive to let our clients feel welcome and let them know their pets are in great hands.”

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