Many of us have been curious about what's going on with the Paw Patch Veterinary clinic at the corner of 59th Street (Kessler) and College Avenue. We saw a big for lease sign in front of the business a while back; then an article in the Broad Ripple Gazette assured us that they were not closing or leaving the area. Enough time has passed and inquiring minds want to know. I caught up with owner Dr. Erik Tysklind to get the scoop.

As you have read in the Broad Ripple Gazette and the Indianapolis Star, there's new development on the horizon at the corner of 49th Street and College Avenue. Approved for new zoning, demolition, and development is the northwest block from 49th Street to 50th Street. New mixed use of retail, offices and loft residences will be constructed with room for fourteen to eighteen new business spaces, totaling 33,000 square feet.

Dr. Tysklind told me that he will be relocating the Paw Patch to the southwest corner where, most recently, the two story brick building has been revitalized. He thinks that after twenty-two years at 59th and College it is easier to remodel and get more space at the new Uptown Business Center at 49th Street and College. He told me he is dedicated to the Meridian Kessler neighborhood - since it has sidewalks it is one huge neighborhood, unlike the suburbs. People walk their pets here. Stating that his existing corner location was once a run-down gas station, that corner has improved. He expects the same will happen to the corner where he is relocating. He feels the new development will be built and as the community reacts, it will sprawl to a big picture idea.

The Paw Patch will have three vets and eleven staff at this location. They have two other locations in the city. They are a full service veterinarian clinic offering preventative health care, alternative veterinary therapies, special non-drug allergy treatment programs and problem skin care. Also treated are pocket pets such as guinea pigs and hamsters. They do not treat birds or reptiles, nor do they groom or board.

The clinic has a service called AWOOF (animals without owners fund) which allows repair for strays and helps to get them into adoption.

I had to ask the inevitable......what happens to our pets when they die (we've all heard horror stories)? I was comforted in learning that they use a service called Paws in Remembrance who cremate them at the Humane Society. He also uses and recommends Pet Angel, which is a service that cremates and returns the ashes to the owner. He says they give good calling to the pet owner and have good follow-up for grief.

The next question for inquiring minds is what will go into the building he is leaving. He couldn't give me an answer because he did not know.

The doors are still open at 59th and College, and it is business as usual. The anticipated target date for opening at the new location is April 2, 2007.