31/12/2014
It is with profound sadness that we are forced to announce that Island Animal Clinic is closing permanently. We have been forced to close the doors and surrender the property back to Dr. Paul Hess. We have no choice but to go back to Texas.
We are heartbroken that our faithful employees, Annie Padgett, Sue Brown, Hector Saldona, and Tara McDowell will lose their employment and benefits. Sue and Hector had been employed by Dr. Hess for many years.
Everyone on the island understands the financial hardships we face with the declining economy after the loss of the refinery. Many of you have followed our trials with WAPA and the outrageous electric bills which were exacerbated the electrical problems with the building and the outdated, inefficient and/or inoperable air conditioners.
We had originally talked to Dr. Hess in December of 2013 regarding our financial difficulties. He rejected any and all offers. He had valued the practice based on Hovensa era economics, which is unrealistic with the current economic environment. Businesses have closed, jobs have been lost and our friends and family have been forced to leave the island we call home. Dr. Hess is using his legal rights to force us out of business and off the island.
We will be eternally grateful to our island friends and loyal clients. You have brought us a great amount of joy in the past two years. We will try to work with you, our clients to provide copies of patient records so you can continue to caring for your four-legged family members.
