The Nottingham Animal Hospital staff includes (back row) Dr. Nikki Graham and Dr. Jocelyn Rankin, as well as (front row) Sara Wimer, Sam Kelly, Marlene O’Brien, Tara Simmons, Jackie O’Malley and Patrick Trusdell. Also pictured: dogs Fred and Jean Luc. Not pictured is Dr. Beth Adler-Bush. (Staff photo by Joe Emanski.)
Nottingham Animal Hospital in Hamilton offers physical exams, soft-tissue surgery and dental services
By Lisa Zola-DeLibero
It has been said that a dog is the only relative you get to choose.
For Dr. Nikki Graham, the choice to become a veterinarian due to her love of “kitty cats” and dogs has been a choice that she is happy with every single day.
Graham started the Nottingham Animal Hospital, located at 3607 Nottingham Way, in 1989. A mother of three kids, and owner of a guinea pig, a cat, and a dog named Jean Luc, Graham said that the people and the pets of Hamilton are absolutely wonderful.
“I love the Hamilton people! I still see the same clients from 24 years ago when we opened. They have different pets now, but they are the same special people,” she said. “We wanted this place to be a place where everyone and their pets feel comfortable. It’s a family place.”
Along with Graham, veterinarians Dr. Jocelyn Rankin and Dr. Beth Adler-Bush have been caring for the precious pets of Hamilton in a loving, caring manner. Patients both furry and not so furry receive full physical exams and diagnostic tests with printed report given out with the exam findings, procedures performed and medicines dispensed.
Graham said a variety of soft-tissue surgery is provided in the sterile surgical suite. Services in radiology are provided using radiographs to aid in the diagnosis of medical conditions, including pets that have swallowed the occasional pair of pantyhose, toy army men, razors or starfish, she said.
The staff also provides dental services, which include comprehensive oral health assessments, dental X-rays, dental extractions, periodontal treatments and oral surgery. Pets may receive a number of laboratory tests, therapy laser treatments and permanent microchip identification.
The hospital also has a cat boarding service in the “beautiful cat condos” on the premise.
Graham, who takes pictures of all of the pets who enter through her doors, said she has formed a connection with all of the animals, as well as the community. She and the staff support the local sports team, and the children of the township.
“We have such a bond with the people of Hamilton. We have Girl Scout Troops and pre-schools come in to see what’s going on at the hospital, and we give them a prevention training session about dog bites,” she said.
For young adults who are interested in becoming a veterinarian, Graham, a graduate of Purdue University of Veterinary Medicine, feels that the best thing to do is to volunteer at a vet practice or animal hospital.
“It takes four years undergrad and then four years of vet school to become a vet. Every day is different and exciting. It is very rewarding,” she said.
Graham says that the staff of 12 is great to work with, doing its best to provide the best medical care for their patients.
“We have fun every single day. Working with animals is a wonderful profession,” she said.
Next August, Graham will celebrate 25 years of business. She hopes to have an open house in the fall just like she did when she first opened the doors to her business. She said she wants to thank all of her clients for their loyalty and commitment to the staff.
For clients like Carly Pageau, who has been taking her pets to Nottingham Animal Hospital for over 10 years, a 25-year celebration is something to look forward to.
“We love bringing our dogs Daisy, Cinnamon and Sugar to Nottingham Animal Hospital,” she said. “The atmosphere is very positive, and we know that our dogs will always be taken care of.”
Nottingham Animal Hospital is open Monday through Saturday. Information pertaining to business hours, services, and the staff may be found at nottinghamvets.com. The facility accepts payment by cash, check, and major credit cards. The staff also recommends third-party health insurance.
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