By Cerise Collie on September 21, 2015 Verified by Guest

My dog had a surgery at Alpine and received amazing care, while I was being kept up to date with numerous phone calls. It was over and beyond from what I expected. The price was very reasonable. Dr. Sasa and his team are great. The icing on the cake was when I realized the next day that they had given my dog a complimentary nail trim!

By Byzantine Newt on February 25, 2015 Verified by Guest

I just wanted to let the staff of Alpine how much I appreciate the notes of condolence that they send when your pet has expired. I recently lost my beloved puppy of almost 15 years, who died at home in my arms. It was such a sad experience. In July 2014, my little dog who was also almost 15 developed a brain tumor. Last January 2013 it was my cat, and almost 15 years ago it was my first dog. I still have all the cards from Alpine. Thank you again.

By Magenta Crane on January 4, 2014 Verified by Guest

All the staff is very caring and concerned about your pet's ,it all started just after they opened the door many year's ago Billy was a very sick cat and if it wouldn't be for Sasha I wouldn't have had him for 10 more year's. Not many Vet's will come to your home to put down your loved ones but I'm very thankful that they do, it's much more comforting to know that your pet can cross over with their pet families with them. I strongly refer everyone I know to go there.

By Bole Terrier on August 18, 2010 Verified by Guest

My dog had stopped eating and obviously was very sick. She was seen by Sasha, who on intitial examination could not find anything obviously wrong. He suggested that "blood" work might give some clues and I agreed to that. Although we discovered that my dog has terminal Cancer, Sasha and his staff were able to solve her immediate problems and within a short period of time she had turned her back on deaths door and was returned to me like a young puppy again. If you want miracles - then see a magician, but if you want professional and considerate health care for your pet see Sasha!

By cls1 on March 25, 2010 Verified by Email

My advice to anyone would be to get a second opinion before letting Alpine do any kind of surgery or invasive treatments on your pets. Or better yet...go elsewhere.

I found there was a lack of thoroughness with my kitty. I took her there because my normal vet was closed that day. Luckily, after keeping her overnight - no surgery was done on her. What was diagnosed at Alpine as a 'forgein body' in her intestines was actaully not the case. There was no foreign body at all. What was missed on the x-rays taken at Alpine turned out to be lung cancer. It was completely overlooked and missed by them. Other symptoms were seemingly brushed off, but these were infact clues to something very wrong going on. I took her to me regular vet almost as soon as she was released from Alpine. They showed me the area of concern on her lungs on the x-ray and checked out all her other symptoms. I was told that if I had not taken her in just hours after Alpine released her....she would likely not have made it through the night. She was severely hypoclycemic and would have probably gone into a coma and slipped away. If ALL the symptoms had been looked into properly, the hypoglycemia should have been picked up the day before at Alpine. I ended up having to rush her from my vet to Western Veterinary Center, where they took every measure to determine what was happening with her. Eventually she lost her battle with what was diagnosed as untreatable lung cancer - the tumors causing the severe hypoglycemia.

I realize the outcome in the end would not have changed. But the lack of thoroughness and attention given to all the symptoms by Alpine made for a very different last few days for my precious girl.

So please...before you let them do surgery on your beloved pet, please get a second opinion. I am so glad they did not do 'exploratory' surgery on her, as she probably would not have made it through it....with no need at all for the surgery. I will not return to Alpine again.

Western Veterinary was fabulous. If you ever have an emergency....I would recommend it to anyone and everyone.

By Red Wallaby on February 20, 2010 Verified by Guest

Jackie was my first dog that I ever gotten. Alpine has been there 100% and more from the 1st day I brought my dog in. All the Drs and staff memembers are wonderful. There are times someone might not do a good part, but people have bad days, why can't they. When Jackie was a puppy, he had an eye led rolled in, Dr Sasha was the one that told us he was overbred. There is 2 options, one is to do surgery on it or the other is just keep pushing the eye led out and it will grow back to normal. They never push us on doing surgery and respect every choice we picked. In the end, Jackie never needed surgery and was fine. Over the years Jackie was super healthy and there are times Jackie needed help.
I remember Jackie blood ball was the size of a golf ball in his ear. I took him to them right away, they were able to see him the next morning. They went over every detail of what, why, how, etc of how this was cause. It turns out that ball was created by the pressure and it has cause blood to form in one area. This ball is very painful for Jackie and they needed to do surgery to release the blood. They booked us an operation the next morning.

Jackie was done his operation in one day. They gave us everything we needed, cone, med, instructions. During the time when Jackie still had his cone, he was well enough for us to bring him to Vancouver. About 2 weeks later, the ball had grown back. In the end Jackie had to go under 3 operations in order for the ball to be gone. They told us how sorry they were, but ensure that this is a rare case. Usually things should be find after the 1st operation. They knew how much it had cost us, they only charge us for the sleep drugs for the 2nd operation, and charged us nothing for the 3rd.

They are very professional. They do really care about our animals. Never had they once forget my dog's name.

By Maroon Tasmanian-Devil on November 1, 2009 Verified by Guest

Note sure why anyone would suggest Drs Shasha an Willow are anything but professional.

I doubt anyone will never be over charged and when my 15 year old needed to be put down (June 2009) I would have never gone any where else. Indeed, Shasha took in my very sick Lhasa (July 2004) when I had a conference to attend in Scotland -. When I came home she was well and obviously very well cared for. This vetineary group where awesome to my Lhasa and now my married daugther switched 2 years ago and uses this clinic for her beagle x as well.

JBB - Calgary

By jessical on October 23, 2009 Verified by Email

After many years taking my very ill cat to the same vet with no luck I decided it was time for a second opinion, thank goodness we did or he would have died quite quickly. From that moment on Dr Hope has become the one vet we completly trust and would follow anywhere. Her laid back approach is exactually what any person needs as she explains herself in a way that anyone would understand and never rushes you out the door. She is always a phone call away and in our experience always makes time for you in an emergency. We have now added a puppy to our family and as far as we are conserned we are truly blessed to have both our pets in such good hands. If you are looking for a great vet Dr Hope is your chick! We just can't say enough about what she has done for our family.

By prepcourse on July 24, 2009 Verified by Email

I brought my dog in Monday morning, and immediately was met with an abrupt, unkind vet who did not give me her name. She diagnosed my dog as being in shock and dehydrated and recommended IV fluids and some medication. She informed me that she had about a 50/50 chance of survival and then left the room. One of the front desk girls/vet assistants came in and told me to sign a piece of paper, which I bawled all over.
They called me Tuesday morning to let me know she had died earlier that night, and to ask if I wanted her ashes. They called me again, apologetic, on Thursday morning, to tell me that I owed them over $900. The girl told me they don't offer a payment plan, and I went in that night to get an invoice, which they reluctantly provided.
I refused to pay the cremation fee, as they had not asked me if I wanted her cremated, and then, the day after, they told me that she was still in their back room and that I could pick her up.
So now, a week later, I have to go back to that clinic to pick up my deceased dog. I apparently had to book an appointment to speak with Dr Sasa Karagic which I am going to on Wednesday.

By leshark on February 4, 2009 Verified by Email

I'm saddened to read the above review as it is so different from our experience. We have two dogs and two cats that have all needed attention. One of our cats is a diabetic, and consequently we are frequant users of the clinic. My cat's condition was diagnosed quickly and competantly by the vets at Alpine and she took the time to spend with us to talk about what he was feeling, what the diagnosis criteria were, how to peform insulin injections, the pros and cons of the medication and numerous other things: a consult that took the better part of an hour and for which we were only charged the normal rate. For other procedures (such as when my dog cut his cheek open and needed stitches) the clinic has discounted their usual fees, and in some cases dropped them, so that we were not hit too hard by the expense. The front desk and attending staff are all courteous and efficient. What impresses me the most is that they remember my animals and ask after their well being, even when they are not being treated. I couldn't be happier with Alpine and feel grateful that we have found such a great place that takes such good care of my furry housemates.

By kwen on November 26, 2008 Verified by Email

My boyfriend and I had taken our dog in for a yearly check up at Alpine. I had been concerned about my dogs ear, thinking it was an ear infection and made sure to point it out to our vet, DR. Sasa Karagic. He checked it and then told us that it was a shard of grass or 'something' lodged in his ear canal that required sedation to be removed and it was crucial to do it as soon as possible. Meanwhile he recommended a nasal surgery in order to help my dog breathe better. We were told it was only an extra $30 on top of the sedation. So we went ahead and booked the appointment for a week later. When I picked my dog up later that night, I noticed right away nothing seemed to be done to his nose. They had booked us in for a 'nasal flush' rather than the corrective laser surgery. Obviously our vet didn't double check the file to be sure we were being booked for what we had asked for. Not a big deal though - whats $30? The problem was that one vet that I'm assuming was involved in the surgery told me that they had found nothing in the ear canal, and due to the size of a small dogs ear canal such as my dog, it is highly unlikely that anything could get lodged in there. I asked her then if there was anything wrong with his ear, and she told me it was just a simple ear infection. Our vet had completely misdiagnosed an ear infection for something being lodged in the ear. We had our dog sedated to pull something out that wasn't there to begin with because our vet can't diagnose an ear infection. Blindsided by both of the screw-ups I really didn't know what to say. I had just spent over $300 on something that didn't need to be done to my dog in the first place. Not only that but one of the vets was like 'well you boyfriend didn't say anything when he dropped the dog off'. WE ARE NOT THE VETS. Upset I left, told my bf. They gave us some money back, because they initially had quoted us about $140 less than what it came to, so they gave us back that difference. In my opinion they should have given us back all our money, minus what we paid for the ear medication ($24.02) which is all our dog needed. Plus, my boyfriend talked to all the vets BUT Dr. Sasa Karagic, the one who had misdiagnosed our dogs ear infection originally. Apparently he is the owner. He never called us back, he never apologized. If the clinic was ran by the other vets we would probably consider keeping our animals in there because the rest of the staff is sincere and genuine. Dr. Sasa doesn't care about clients, or the animals it seems. If he did he would at the very least offer an apology.

By Cerise Collie on September 21, 2015 Verified by Guest

My dog had a surgery at Alpine and received amazing care, while I was being kept up to date with numerous phone calls. It was over and beyond from what I expected. The price was very reasonable. Dr. Sasa and his team are great. The icing on the cake was when I realized the next day that they had given my dog a complimentary nail trim!

By Byzantine Newt on February 25, 2015 Verified by Guest

I just wanted to let the staff of Alpine how much I appreciate the notes of condolence that they send when your pet has expired. I recently lost my beloved puppy of almost 15 years, who died at home in my arms. It was such a sad experience. In July 2014, my little dog who was also almost 15 developed a brain tumor. Last January 2013 it was my cat, and almost 15 years ago it was my first dog. I still have all the cards from Alpine. Thank you again.

By Magenta Crane on January 4, 2014 Verified by Guest

All the staff is very caring and concerned about your pet's ,it all started just after they opened the door many year's ago Billy was a very sick cat and if it wouldn't be for Sasha I wouldn't have had him for 10 more year's. Not many Vet's will come to your home to put down your loved ones but I'm very thankful that they do, it's much more comforting to know that your pet can cross over with their pet families with them. I strongly refer everyone I know to go there.

By Bole Terrier on August 18, 2010 Verified by Guest

My dog had stopped eating and obviously was very sick. She was seen by Sasha, who on intitial examination could not find anything obviously wrong. He suggested that "blood" work might give some clues and I agreed to that. Although we discovered that my dog has terminal Cancer, Sasha and his staff were able to solve her immediate problems and within a short period of time she had turned her back on deaths door and was returned to me like a young puppy again. If you want miracles - then see a magician, but if you want professional and considerate health care for your pet see Sasha!

By cls1 on March 25, 2010 Verified by Email

My advice to anyone would be to get a second opinion before letting Alpine do any kind of surgery or invasive treatments on your pets. Or better yet...go elsewhere.

I found there was a lack of thoroughness with my kitty. I took her there because my normal vet was closed that day. Luckily, after keeping her overnight - no surgery was done on her. What was diagnosed at Alpine as a 'forgein body' in her intestines was actaully not the case. There was no foreign body at all. What was missed on the x-rays taken at Alpine turned out to be lung cancer. It was completely overlooked and missed by them. Other symptoms were seemingly brushed off, but these were infact clues to something very wrong going on. I took her to me regular vet almost as soon as she was released from Alpine. They showed me the area of concern on her lungs on the x-ray and checked out all her other symptoms. I was told that if I had not taken her in just hours after Alpine released her....she would likely not have made it through the night. She was severely hypoclycemic and would have probably gone into a coma and slipped away. If ALL the symptoms had been looked into properly, the hypoglycemia should have been picked up the day before at Alpine. I ended up having to rush her from my vet to Western Veterinary Center, where they took every measure to determine what was happening with her. Eventually she lost her battle with what was diagnosed as untreatable lung cancer - the tumors causing the severe hypoglycemia.

I realize the outcome in the end would not have changed. But the lack of thoroughness and attention given to all the symptoms by Alpine made for a very different last few days for my precious girl.

So please...before you let them do surgery on your beloved pet, please get a second opinion. I am so glad they did not do 'exploratory' surgery on her, as she probably would not have made it through it....with no need at all for the surgery. I will not return to Alpine again.

Western Veterinary was fabulous. If you ever have an emergency....I would recommend it to anyone and everyone.

By Red Wallaby on February 20, 2010 Verified by Guest

Jackie was my first dog that I ever gotten. Alpine has been there 100% and more from the 1st day I brought my dog in. All the Drs and staff memembers are wonderful. There are times someone might not do a good part, but people have bad days, why can't they. When Jackie was a puppy, he had an eye led rolled in, Dr Sasha was the one that told us he was overbred. There is 2 options, one is to do surgery on it or the other is just keep pushing the eye led out and it will grow back to normal. They never push us on doing surgery and respect every choice we picked. In the end, Jackie never needed surgery and was fine. Over the years Jackie was super healthy and there are times Jackie needed help.
I remember Jackie blood ball was the size of a golf ball in his ear. I took him to them right away, they were able to see him the next morning. They went over every detail of what, why, how, etc of how this was cause. It turns out that ball was created by the pressure and it has cause blood to form in one area. This ball is very painful for Jackie and they needed to do surgery to release the blood. They booked us an operation the next morning.

Jackie was done his operation in one day. They gave us everything we needed, cone, med, instructions. During the time when Jackie still had his cone, he was well enough for us to bring him to Vancouver. About 2 weeks later, the ball had grown back. In the end Jackie had to go under 3 operations in order for the ball to be gone. They told us how sorry they were, but ensure that this is a rare case. Usually things should be find after the 1st operation. They knew how much it had cost us, they only charge us for the sleep drugs for the 2nd operation, and charged us nothing for the 3rd.

They are very professional. They do really care about our animals. Never had they once forget my dog's name.

By Maroon Tasmanian-Devil on November 1, 2009 Verified by Guest

Note sure why anyone would suggest Drs Shasha an Willow are anything but professional.

I doubt anyone will never be over charged and when my 15 year old needed to be put down (June 2009) I would have never gone any where else. Indeed, Shasha took in my very sick Lhasa (July 2004) when I had a conference to attend in Scotland -. When I came home she was well and obviously very well cared for. This vetineary group where awesome to my Lhasa and now my married daugther switched 2 years ago and uses this clinic for her beagle x as well.

JBB - Calgary

By jessical on October 23, 2009 Verified by Email

After many years taking my very ill cat to the same vet with no luck I decided it was time for a second opinion, thank goodness we did or he would have died quite quickly. From that moment on Dr Hope has become the one vet we completly trust and would follow anywhere. Her laid back approach is exactually what any person needs as she explains herself in a way that anyone would understand and never rushes you out the door. She is always a phone call away and in our experience always makes time for you in an emergency. We have now added a puppy to our family and as far as we are conserned we are truly blessed to have both our pets in such good hands. If you are looking for a great vet Dr Hope is your chick! We just can't say enough about what she has done for our family.

By prepcourse on July 24, 2009 Verified by Email

I brought my dog in Monday morning, and immediately was met with an abrupt, unkind vet who did not give me her name. She diagnosed my dog as being in shock and dehydrated and recommended IV fluids and some medication. She informed me that she had about a 50/50 chance of survival and then left the room. One of the front desk girls/vet assistants came in and told me to sign a piece of paper, which I bawled all over.
They called me Tuesday morning to let me know she had died earlier that night, and to ask if I wanted her ashes. They called me again, apologetic, on Thursday morning, to tell me that I owed them over $900. The girl told me they don't offer a payment plan, and I went in that night to get an invoice, which they reluctantly provided.
I refused to pay the cremation fee, as they had not asked me if I wanted her cremated, and then, the day after, they told me that she was still in their back room and that I could pick her up.
So now, a week later, I have to go back to that clinic to pick up my deceased dog. I apparently had to book an appointment to speak with Dr Sasa Karagic which I am going to on Wednesday.

By leshark on February 4, 2009 Verified by Email

I'm saddened to read the above review as it is so different from our experience. We have two dogs and two cats that have all needed attention. One of our cats is a diabetic, and consequently we are frequant users of the clinic. My cat's condition was diagnosed quickly and competantly by the vets at Alpine and she took the time to spend with us to talk about what he was feeling, what the diagnosis criteria were, how to peform insulin injections, the pros and cons of the medication and numerous other things: a consult that took the better part of an hour and for which we were only charged the normal rate. For other procedures (such as when my dog cut his cheek open and needed stitches) the clinic has discounted their usual fees, and in some cases dropped them, so that we were not hit too hard by the expense. The front desk and attending staff are all courteous and efficient. What impresses me the most is that they remember my animals and ask after their well being, even when they are not being treated. I couldn't be happier with Alpine and feel grateful that we have found such a great place that takes such good care of my furry housemates.

By kwen on November 26, 2008 Verified by Email

My boyfriend and I had taken our dog in for a yearly check up at Alpine. I had been concerned about my dogs ear, thinking it was an ear infection and made sure to point it out to our vet, DR. Sasa Karagic. He checked it and then told us that it was a shard of grass or 'something' lodged in his ear canal that required sedation to be removed and it was crucial to do it as soon as possible. Meanwhile he recommended a nasal surgery in order to help my dog breathe better. We were told it was only an extra $30 on top of the sedation. So we went ahead and booked the appointment for a week later. When I picked my dog up later that night, I noticed right away nothing seemed to be done to his nose. They had booked us in for a 'nasal flush' rather than the corrective laser surgery. Obviously our vet didn't double check the file to be sure we were being booked for what we had asked for. Not a big deal though - whats $30? The problem was that one vet that I'm assuming was involved in the surgery told me that they had found nothing in the ear canal, and due to the size of a small dogs ear canal such as my dog, it is highly unlikely that anything could get lodged in there. I asked her then if there was anything wrong with his ear, and she told me it was just a simple ear infection. Our vet had completely misdiagnosed an ear infection for something being lodged in the ear. We had our dog sedated to pull something out that wasn't there to begin with because our vet can't diagnose an ear infection. Blindsided by both of the screw-ups I really didn't know what to say. I had just spent over $300 on something that didn't need to be done to my dog in the first place. Not only that but one of the vets was like 'well you boyfriend didn't say anything when he dropped the dog off'. WE ARE NOT THE VETS. Upset I left, told my bf. They gave us some money back, because they initially had quoted us about $140 less than what it came to, so they gave us back that difference. In my opinion they should have given us back all our money, minus what we paid for the ear medication ($24.02) which is all our dog needed. Plus, my boyfriend talked to all the vets BUT Dr. Sasa Karagic, the one who had misdiagnosed our dogs ear infection originally. Apparently he is the owner. He never called us back, he never apologized. If the clinic was ran by the other vets we would probably consider keeping our animals in there because the rest of the staff is sincere and genuine. Dr. Sasa doesn't care about clients, or the animals it seems. If he did he would at the very least offer an apology.