The owner of Veterinary Medical Clinic opens the Feline Wellness Clinic next door. Canines need not apply.
By MICHAEL CANNING
Published June 13, 2003
NEXT DOOR, IT'S NO DOGS ALLOWED: We all dream of a Utopia where all dogs and cats are best buddies. But until such a rapture, veterinarian Eddie Garcia prefers a separate-but-equal situation.
So he has expanded his Veterinary Medical Clinic, open since 1970 at 4241 Henderson Blvd., to create the Feline Wellness Clinic next door. Garcia owns both buildings, and when 4239 Henderson was recently vacated, he decided to convert it into a no-dogs-allowed facility geared for cat care.
Garcia estimates that 45 percent of his clinic's patients are feline.
He took pains to outfit the new waiting room with comfortable furniture and relaxing pastel colors. The clinic also features three examining rooms and medical equipment designed for cats.
Routine exams, vaccinations, minor health problems and lab work are all handled from there. "I think of it as an outpatient clinic for cats," said Garcia. More serious procedures such as surgery, X-rays, ultrasound, endoscopy and chemotherapy take place in the original clinic.
Garcia, who has another six veterinarians on his staff, said the new clinic cost $75,000.
And how many pets does the doctor himself have? Actually, he's only allowed one poodle. He's allergic to animals.
He was raised on a farm. Treats animals for a living. "I'm just a glutton for punishment," said Garcia. "I was on shots for 17 years. Now I take antihistamines every day."
Anyway, Ziggy the poodle can be seen at the clinic. "He comes to work with me," Garcia said. "He's the chairman of the board."
SISTERS OF TAN: Body Illusions Tanning Salon opened Saturday at 2425 S Dale Mabry Highway. The business is the fruition of a dream between sisters Carol Brevi and Patti Parkhurst, who grew up in nearby Ballast Point and graduated from Robinson High School.
The 1,000-square-foot salon, across the street from Plant High, has two tanning beds with face bronzers and one stand-up tanning booth. Hours are 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
CHANNELSIDE THAI DOWN, OUT? The build-out for an upscale Thai and sushi restaurant at Channelside has ceased, and may not continue.
Salaa Thai was slated to occupy a second-floor, 5,000-square-foot space with sweeping views of Garrison Channel and Harbour Island. But business owner Somdej Khunduang, who also owns Sawatdee Thai restaurant in Temple Terrace, said a financial backer has pulled out of the project.
Khunduang said he will still try to raise the capital needed, about $350,000, to open the new restaurant. But in the meantime, Channelside spokeswoman Susan Martin said other tenants for the space are being sought.
- Do you know something that should be everybody's business? Call 226-3382, or e-mail mikecanning@hotmail.com
THE FIND: Fishing vest
Treat Dad to a William Joseph fishing vest from the Saltwater Fly Fisherman. Zippered pockets and compartments stash reels, flies, hooks and more. Adjustable padded straps keep arms and shoulders free for casting and landing fish. The vest goes for $120 at the Saltwater Fly Fisherman, 2219 S Dale Mabry Highway. The store celebrates its grand opening today and Saturday with fly-tying and casting demonstrations and food. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m, Tuesday through Saturday. Call 259-3717.
