Creature Care

By Denice Rovira Hazlett
May 31, 2011
347

Summary: Dr. Eric Shaver and the staff at East Holmes Veterinary Clinic in Berlin and Millersburg are ready and equipped to welcome all sizes of patients, no matter how routine or unusual they might be. Teaser: Dr. Eric Shaver and his wife Cheryl, first came to Holmes County from Smithville in 1986 after purchasing the existing veterinary practice of Dr. Steve Close, taking over the facility which now houses The Oaks Inn in Berlin. Because the former practice had been out of service for three years, Dr. Shaver said it took some work and creativity to inform the community that East Holmes Veterinary Clinic, then specializing mostly in large animals such as dairy cattle, swine and horses, was open for business, "We really had to grow the practice from the ground up again. Because most of the Amish relied on phone booths at that time, we put business cards in every booth, placed small ads in the Bargain Hunter and put up fliers in local businesses." Twenty-five years later, the practice has expanded to both the east and west ends of the county and has adapted to serving a diverse, agriculturally-rich rural community. They are committed to changing in whatever ways necessary to serve the county, whether that means making house calls when necessary, picking up and dropping off animals for clients with transportation challenges, or welcoming a variety of unusual patients with unique needs into their office for care. Story: Eric Shaver has seen some pretty strange birds in his time. In fact, in his 25 years of practice in Berlin, he's had his hands on a lot of unusual animals, from ill amphibians to zebras who've lost their zip. And while some of us might freak out over finding a snake in our garden or spying a spider in our bedroom, Dr. Shaver actually welcomes these animals into his care and provides their owners with the services they need to enjoy their pets for years to come. Dr. Eric Shaver, owner and veterinarian of East Holmes Veterinary Clinic, grew up in Cuyahoga County where his parents' farm and the dedication of a motivated 4-H advisor instilled in him a love of agriculture. "When people asked my dad what he raised, he would say he raised boys," laughed Shaver, whose three brothers also work in various agricultural careers. "He grew an interest in agriculture in all of us. We had a small dairy, a flock of sheep, hogs for meat and chickens for eggs, so I had a broad exposure to livestock growing up." That exposure lead Shaver to enroll in veterinary science courses in high school through Kent State University and to become involved in a veterinary science through the 4-H program in his county. It was the enthusiasm of the 4-H leader that greatly influenced Shaver's decision to become a veterinarian. "Our instructor was very motivated. We toured the Cleveland Natural History Museum and got a behind the scenes look at how they assembled dinosaur skeletons. The 4-H program instructor then lead the group in assembling a horse skeleton." Shaver was fascinated with the process, inspiring him to pursue a career in veterinary science and anchoring him to 4-H, later involving his daughter Katy, who is now finishing her third year in the early admissions pathway for Ohio State University's doctor of pharmacy program. He still serves on the 4-H llama committee and as the Holmes County Fair veterinarian, offering veterinary advice to fair participants when needed. Dr. Shaver and his staff strive to offer other educational opportunities to the community as well, presenting regular meetings on dairy, equine, llama and alpaca, as well as OARDC lambing courses every other year and presentations on pet health topics. When he first came to Holmes County, Dr. Shaver said, 90% of his business was caring for large animals and livestock. Now it's a fifty-fifty mix with an amazing variety for a rural community, including not only dogs and cats, cattle and horses, but also exotic pets like ostriches, emu, white-tailed deer, potbellied pigs, birds, reptiles and more. What's the strangest patient he has ever handled? "I once had a tarantula unable to shed her skin, and when that happens, they're unable to eat. Female tarantulas can live to be 30, and this one was only eight years old. The owner couldn't find anyone to see her, so I said I'd take a look." Dr. Shaver confessed that there are things you don't learn about in medical school, tarantula care being one, so he had to use all of his resources. He was able to consult with an online source specifically designed for veterinarians and came up with a course of anesthesia for the tarantula, allowing him to remove her paper-thin skin. "She went home and ate a cricket, and the owner was thrilled. It was a very rewarding experience for everyone involved." Dr. Shaver's success isn't solely his own. He depends on the help of 18 staff members, including his wife and office manager, Cheryl, licensed veterinary technicians, kennel, grooming and reception staff, and now, in addition to Dr. Amity Wise and Dr. Aaron Wise, the clinic welcomes two new doctors. Dr. Kristen Mierzwiak, a Michigan State graduate, has a strong interest in both small and large animals, and Dr. Austin Hinds, a Mississippi State graduate, has been at OSU for four years through the animal residency program and is soon to be board certified in food animal medicine. This brings the number of doctors at East Holmes Veterinary Clinic to five, the most the practice has ever had. Together, Dr. Shaver and his staff operate two clinics, one in Berlin and one in Millersburg. The full-service facility in Berlin offers standard veterinary services, a well-stocked pharmacy, boarding, grooming, and a complete in-house laboratory including an endoscope, two x-ray machines and state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment, while the Millersburg satellite office behind District 1 fire department operates as a wellness clinic, mainly for small animal exams and minor medical issues with large animals. For clients with transportation difficulties or pet emergencies, the clinic offers house calls, 24-hour emergency care and pick-up and drop-off services. So whether it's your Caiman crocodile or your prize quarter horse who's feeling a bit cranky, Dr. Shaver and his staff at East Holmes Veterinary Clinic are well-equipped and ready to help, even if the request is a little bit on the wild side. "We don't always profess to be experts," admitted Dr. Shaver, "but we're always willing to do our best." The Berlin office of East Holmes Veterinary Clinic is open Monday-Friday from 7 AM - 6 PM, Saturday from 7AM - 12 PM and is closed on Sunday, though after-hours emergency calls can be made to (330) 893-3650. Call 330-674-5591 or 330-893-2057 for the Millersburg office hours or to schedule your appointment.

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