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35 TheSouthShoreMagazine.com an exotic animal. They may not know that certain animals may require a license, as the rules and regulations vary from state to state. After they bring an exotic animal into their family, I want them to know that I am available to help them provide the best care for their pet." In addition to being available for a consultation with current or potential exotic animal pet owners, Dr. Lee would also like the community to know that she encourages rescue organizations and humane societies to contact her for advice and support. She would love for them to reach out to her, and she will also be reaching out to them. She is also available for phone consults with any local professionals. Dr. Lee said that behavior issues can arise with any sort of pet, and that these problems are not uncommon in exotic pets; owners should know that she can help them deal with these issues. Sometimes, these problems may be more than some people can handle. In other cases, however, there is just an underlying trigger that can be identified that she can help them resolve, which will result in a reduction or elimination of that behavior. Some of these pets may simply require more time and interaction from their owners. "I am happy to be a resource for the community," stressed Dr. Lee. "In the short time that I have been at VCA South Shore, I have been trying to interact with the exotic animal community as much as possible. I have been attending meetings and working with groups of people who own exotic animals." This is helping her learn about some of the exotic animal rescue organizations in the area, equipping her with more information to give to potential future exotic pet owners. "Dog and cat medicine is the leader right now," says Dr. Lee. "Exotics are entirely different, but I like that. I like the challenge of diagnosing and treating illnesses in some of these pets that we know less about. I feel that we are now able to keep up to date with the latest medicine in the avian and exotic animal field, and provide the best possible care and service for these animals and their owners. Not only is the home care improving for these types of animals, as has long been the case with dogs and cats, but the medical care we can provide is improving as well. People who welcome dogs and cats into their homes know that they are bringing in a new family member. I feel that the same is also true of people who bring exotic animals into their homes. That is a great trend to see." With such a great, but new, department, Dr. Lee said that marketing and advertising will certainly help VCA South Shore spread the word, but they also know that word of mouth is crucial. "We need our clients to share some of their positive experiences with others," said Dr. Lee. "We are actively building relationships within the community. "I am really excited to be here and get things going. I cannot wait to see where it leads. I have such a passion for these types of animals. As long as I am seeing them every day, I will be happy!" Patients are seen on an emergency basis at VCA South Shore Animal Hospital 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. To schedule an appointment with a specialist, please call 781.337.6622. VCA South Shore Animal Hospital Acupuncture Avian and Exotic Animal Medicine Cardiology Dentistry Dermatology Diagnostic Imaging (X-Ray, Ultrasound, CT and MRI) Emergency and Critical Care Medicine Internal Medicine Neurology and Neurosurgery Oncology Ophthalmology Pain Management Rehabilitation Therapy Surgery (Soft Tissue and Orthopedic) Wellness SERVICES AVAILABLE: 595 Columbian Street South Weymouth 781.337.6622 www.vcaweymouth.com Although patients are seen on an appointment basis Monday – Friday from 7am – 9pm, Saturday from 9am – 5pm and Sunday from 9am – 4pm, appointment times for the various specialty services will vary. The hospital is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergencies.