They say time flies when you are having fun. But it goes even faster when caring for pets and their families.

May 2019 marks The Center Of Veterinary Expertise—The COVE’s seventh anniversary of providing emergency and specialty medicine to Suffolk-area animals.

Since 2012, The COVE has had over 63,000 patient visits, including cats, dogs, hamsters, reptiles and even some wildlife, worked with hundreds of referring veterinarians, and sponsored or participated in dozens of community events.

As one of only a few Suffolk, Virginia’s specialty and 24/7 emergency veterinary practices, The COVE provides access to the most advanced diagnostic and treatment resources available, delivered by this team of highly trained veterinarians and board-certified specialists:

• Cardiology – Merrilee T. Small, DVM, DACVIM
• Surgery  – Jeff T. Stallings, DVM, DACVS
• Dentistry – Colleen Fox, DVM, practice limited to veterinary dentistry
• Emergency & Critical Care – Jacqueline Nobles, DVM, DACVECC

Co-founders, Dr. Small and Dr. Stallings established The COVE with the goal to not only provide advanced care to all animals in need but to be a dedicated and trustworthy community member. That is why all of our veterinarians and staff wholeheartedly embrace the core values of Community, Collaboration, Commitment, Compassion, and Integrity. This focus ensures that pets, the people who love them, and their primary care veterinarians have as positive and affirming a health care experience as possible—regardless of the circumstances that bring us all together.

Reflections from The COVE

Dr. Small and Dr. Stallings are both proud and impressed with the impact The COVE has made not only in the pet owner community but with local referring veterinarians. 

“We are extremely fortunate to be able to serve the pet owners and primary care veterinarians in Hampton Roads and surrounding communities,” said Dr. Stallings. “Largely through the efforts of our dedicated and talented management team, we have been able to recruit a committed and compassionate team of doctors and staff members that work together 24/7, 365 days a year to provide an exceptional level of veterinary health care and customer service while ensuring that our referral partners remain fully informed.”

“It is an enormous source of pleasure to work alongside team members who share our commitment to providing the best medical and compassionate care possible for our patients and their parents,” said Dr. Small.  “This was the reason we conceived The COVE and we are extremely proud to have succeeded in making something special.”

Reflections from the Community

To celebrate our anniversary, we asked our Facebook page followers to share their favorite memories at The COVE and the response was overwhelming. Here are a few heartwarming and truly touching stories from some of our most appreciative clients and referring veterinarians.

“The surgery team and staff were amazing to my family. My girl, Shea, had two TPLOs. Everyone at The COVE was awesome with her and me, an anxious dog-mom. Thank You to the entire COVE team!” –Megan Babb

“Getting the right specialist for your beloved pet when you are in the midst of dealing with an injury or potentially life-threatening disease can save your animal’s life! The COVE are experts in helping you through these types of terrifying episodes!” – Janet Searls

“Dr. Fox took wonderful care of my sweet Tigger. I lost him on April 1st due to kidney failure. I was so impressed with every single person at The COVE when he was there. Happy Anniversary, and keep up the good work!” – Deborah Angel

“I can’t say enough good things! From a referring veterinarian for my patients to a nervous dog mom when you, Dr. Stallings, performed surgery on my Mayzzy. You, guys, are the best!” – Jessica Grosklos Stumph, DVM

“The team at The COVE repaired Brady’s cruciate ligament and then one month later, removed her spleen with a bleeding tumor (sarcoma). I had 15 additional precious months with my sweet Brady girl, and for that, I am grateful.” –Melissa E. Brugh

And be sure to visit The Downtowner to read more patient stories in their late May issue.

Our entire staff feels extremely fortunate to have been embraced by the community and appreciates the opportunity to care for every client and pet patient that comes through our doors. Thank you for allowing us to do what we love, each and every day.

Emergency Care 24/7

The COVE is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We are located at 6550 Hampton Roads Pkwy, #113, Suffolk, VA. We welcome your call anytime, day or night, at 757-935-9111.