Twenty five years ago Dr. David Brunner started his veterinary practice in a small office in the 6100 block of College Avenue. A few years later he moved his Broad Ripple Animal Clinic to the corner of Broadway and Westfield, where it has been ever since. The business has grown and grown and now has a staff of 47, including nine doctors. Brenda Tassava, hospital administrator, speculates they could be the largest small-business employer in Broad Ripple. The building has recently been remodeled and houses nine examination rooms; administrative offices have been moved across the street.

Broad Ripple Animal Clinic (BRAC) is looking forward to its next twenty-five years by expanding the services they offer to pets and their owners. Dr. Brunner, author of The Dog Owner's Manual and The Cat Owner's Manual, studied pet acupuncture last year and has passed the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society's exam for certification. He is also integrating herbal medicine into his practice to compliment the traditional veterinary medicine he has offered for years.

On Saturday, October 7, the Broad Ripple Animal Clinic will celebrate 25 years of business by hosting an open house at the office, 6225 N. Broadway, from noon to 5. At 1 o'clock all pets are invited to participate in a costume contest with prizes in categories such as cutest, scariest, or most creative. The open house includes a pet health fair in which a pet's blood pressure can be taken or its weight and diet assessed. Minor questions about pet health can be addressed such as "How do I clean Fluffy's ears? and "What is that small bump on Rover's side?" A dental station will also be available. The open house turns into a party from 7-11 P.M. and will feature the band Dog Talk (who else?!).

At the open house BRAC will introduce its new veterinarians. Dr. Sarah Jarrell, an oncology specialist, is taking the patients of Dr. Elizabeth Murphy who moved away. Dr. Jarrell comes here from San Diego and has been in practice for ten years. Dr. Benjamin Ealing graduated from Purdue last year and is interested in internal medicine and feline treatment. Dr. Christine Heinz is the most recent graduate, having come from the University of Illinois. She will be seeing patients of all kinds but has an interest in surgery. Dr. Lisa Sponsler, who used to treat my dogs, is returning to the clinic after a lengthy maternity leave.

The clinic will also be lengthening its Saturday hours to 6 P.M. and will have three doctors available that day. Additionally, Amanda Shaffer is a certified canine massage therapist on staff at BRAC. She uses a 40 minute session to relieve pain or stress or arthritis in a dog.

Responsible Pet Partnership sessions will begin in October for puppies and kittens and their owners. The series was prompted by two realizations 1) many new pet owners are overwhelmed by the amount of information they receive during early visits to have their young, furry friends vaccinated, and 2) the reason most pets are voluntarily surrendered is due to behavioral problems. The clinic will offer a 30-minute session with one of its pet behaviorists, Nancy or Blythe, between vaccination appointments. During these sessions, owners can discuss and learn about pet socialization and behavior issues. The cost is $35. After three sessions have been completed ($105), the owner receives a certificate good for a free spay or neuter.

Brenda Tassava of the BRAC says they are excited about the expansion of their services and are looking forward to another 25 years of helping area pets.