KODIAK, Alaska — Most of Kodiak Veterinary Clinic's business is mundane.
Ninety-eight percent of the animals that walk through its doors are ordinary dogs and cats, the same breeds found anywhere in the United States.
As with most things Kodiak, however, there's an exotic edge. By the clinic's front door, a small plaque bears the symbol of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Its inscription thanks veterinarians Jeff and Angie Johnson for their service in 2008, when 50 bald eagles swarmed an uncovered dump truck and many were killed or injured in the feeding frenzy that followed.
The humble clinic on Mill Bay Road treated a handful of those eagles, and it has been the temporary home to other exotic animals needing care.
"We have yet to see a bear cub, but I'm not counting it out yet," said office manager Dave Berg. "When something comes through our door, we have to take care of it."
Founded in 1968 by veterinarian Mike Cathey, the clinic is today owned by the Johnsons. They purchased the practice in September 2006 from David Colwell, who began working in Kodiak in 1979. Melissa Smith serves as associate veterinarian alongside the Johnsons.
Aside from the clinic's occasional exotic guests, Kodiak's remoteness shows up in the clinic's back halls. Beyond the treatment and examination rooms, stacks of pet food line shelves in darkened corners. Bulk purchases save on shipping costs, Berg said, but they also require large amounts of storage.
The clinic must provide care as complete as possible, and that includes food, Berg said. If the clinic can't provide something immediately, it could mean a 300-mile plane trip to Anchorage or a long wait for shipping — something that may not be in the cards for an injured animal.
"Take Providence (Kodiak Island Medical Center), squeeze it down into our building, and it's pretty much the same thing," Berg said.
Despite the difficulties, "Vet care here is pretty much the same as anywhere else," Berg said.
Surgeries happen in the mornings, exams later in the day, and by the end of the day, patients may be ready to go home. Berg said the clinic sees about 20 to 25 patients a day, with three to six surgeries that keep the clinic's 13 employees busy.
While Kodiak doesn't have fleas, ticks or heartworm, it does have its share of pet obesity and dental problems. Labrador retrievers and pit bulls are the most common dogs in Kodiak, Berg said, and it's not uncommon to see one waddle through the door for a checkup.
The clinic has started a "Biggest Loser" competition named after the TV series in order to encourage pet owners to minimize their treat-giving.
The clinic doesn't plan to offer the same service for bald eagles.
Information from: Kodiak Daily Mirror, http://www.kodiakdailymirror.com