At Home Seaside: Two Veterinarians Settle in the Golden Isles
by Jennifer Lewis, h2o creative group
From every ending sprouts a new beginning. And this is exactly how Seaside Veterinary Hospital came to be.
After three decades of dedicated service here on St. Simons Island, Dr. Tyler, of Tyler Animal Hospital, decided to retire. Only he had one more major life decision to make. Who would be the perfect fit? Not only to extend quality care to an existing client base, but also to serve the community by bringing the best educated, most forward-thinking and compassionate doctors of veterinary medicine he could find here to the Golden Isles. And he'll tell you, he couldn't have left his patients in better hands.
Meet Dr. Wes Blount and Dr. Brennan McGoldrick, both 2007 graduates of The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. Wes, 34 and Brennan, 33 were already in love with Saint Simons and island life. Instinctively, they knew it would be the ideal place to raise their young families, build a thriving vet practice and establish life-long careers doing what they love. So the doctors purchased Tyler Animal Hospital and began making further investments to provide the most current diagnostic equipment, digital technologies, and other innovative amenities.
Dr. Brennan McGoldrick and Dr. Wes Blount
On October 1, 2014, Seaside Veterinary Hospital opened their doors. They have happily and enthusiastically been taking care of our island pets ever since.
It is true things are different now when you walk through the new doors of Seaside Veterinary Hospital. What you will notice, besides the sleek, new gray and white reception room and striking black & white photography, is a distinct feel for their fresh and modern approach to veterinary medicine.
"It's the most comfortable and warm environment to walk into," Teddy Lynch, mom of Mara, a 2-year-old Shichon explains. "And then you get to meet with the docs. They are just the cutest, sweetest guys…very personable and sincere. I knew right away Mara was in good hands."
Teddy, who followed Dr. Brennan to the new practice, couldn't describe the two doctors better. Their compassion and accessibility immediately put you at ease the moment you meet them. Even their friendly competition and playful banter with one another makes you feel like you are in the company of old friends, and you are. "Brennan says he's the attractive one," Dr. Wes will tell you. "Though I do believe I finished fourth, ahead of him in vet school." Not to be bested, Dr. Brennan is quick to remind his sports-loving partner that he has beat him seven times in a game of ping pong. And that's saying something for a man who jokes he only excels at sports that require zero athletic ability.
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Dr. Brennan McGoldrick
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Dr. Wes Blount
But all kidding aside, both doctors will tell you they came with only the greatest of respect for Dr. Tyler, his clients, and their animals. And they continue to be deeply motivated by one single, solitary factor: practicing good medicine.
"You will find our prices remain the same," Dr. Brennan explains, "and we continue to provide the best care available but by taking advantage of today's cutting-edge advances in medicine, diagnostics, less invasive procedures and better ways to communicate and practice using newer computers and digital X-rays."
Seaside Veterinary Hospital's advanced communication system is unquestionably an added benefit for both visitors and locals alike. This means X-rays and critical information can be sent digitally in mere minutes to other animal hospitals and clinics while you are here on vacation or traveling with your pets away from home. The staff also keeps in touch regularly via text messages and email while your pet is being boarded at their facility. Home visits and an in-house pharmacy are other perks that make Seaside Veterinary Hospital a stand out in the community.
Drs. Blount and McGoldrick do what they do best while offering the safest anesthesia available and an array of surgeries including laser surgery, spaying, neutering, as well as orthopedic and soft tissue surgery. Other services consist of puppy and kitten care packages, dentistry, and most importantly, wellness care with a focus on diagnostics for a happier, longer and healthier life for your pet.
Technology is not the only thing that sets them apart. All the while working nights and weekends in order to deliver the best care possible, they truly are two of the most trustworthy, friendliest, funny and down-to-earth guys you could meet. They're like family.
Recently, Dr. Brennan received a nomination to join the Board of the Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia. And their reach of compassionate care extends throughout the Southeast. Volunteering their services to the rescues of the Grateful Golden Retriever Rescue of the Low Country, Dr. Wes even has one of the golden rescues named after him. "Every time I walk into the exam room or into surgery, I always ask ‘what would I do if this were my dog?'" Dr. Wes says.
Sandra Storino agrees 100% with their one-on-one, personal approach. Sandra's husband Pat, a local since '96 and fellow Rotarian to many, passed away eight months ago. So when their beloved boxer, Trent, recently developed a tumor, Sandra was understandably devastated. "Dr. Blount did the surgery and called me multiple times during the surgery and after with the diagnosis," she says. "I cannot explain enough what a special place they hold in my heart."
Both doctors laugh when they talk about retirement and how, unlike Dr. Tyler, they are a long way off. But it's clear when you meet them, they are so happy to have found a place to call home for many, many years to come. We and our furry family members are all the luckier for it.
Seaside Veterinary Hospital is located at 1958 Demere Road. Call them at 912.638.7600 and visit their website at seasidevets.com
