NORTH STAR ANIMAL HOSPITAL
AND the DUSTONS
ORIGINALLY POSTED JUNE 5, 2015
Local Business Week Feature Update: One of Estrella's most loved local business is North Star Animal Hospital. If you haven't taken Fido in for a rattlesnake vaccine yet, you might want to consider it. Dr. Duston is one of the most caring vets and I'm so pleased we have him in our community. We enjoyed this feature from June 2015 and hope you do, too! Watch our Facebook page for more features all week long!
Mandy, Cannon, and Scott Duston
Q. Tell me about your family. Where are you from and how did you decide to move to Estrella?
A. My wife Mandy and I have one son, Cannon, who will turn three on The Fourth of July. If you’ve seen him at the pool, you know he’s full of TNT. He gave us the surprise of our lives when he was born three weeks early, just two days after we moved back to Phoenix!
I was born and raised just up the road in Glendale. After graduating Vet School at Washington State, I came back and lived in Scottsdale and worked in emergency hospitals for many years. I wanted more, so I did an internship near Sacramento. We made our home by the beach for a few years. Our friends thought we were crazy to come back to the desert, but when an opportunity arose to buy Agua Fria Animal Hospital in July 2012, we were both so happy to make the move back “home”. Both my parents and Mandy’s parents live nearby, and our brothers, as well. Having family close is invaluable for us all. Like many others, we had driven through Estrella, and thought, “Someday …” We kept asking about the community. I realized it really was a “small town” with a need for more veterinary options I could offer. We would get to live by water again, too!
A. My wife Mandy and I have one son, Cannon, who will turn three on The Fourth of July. If you’ve seen him at the pool, you know he’s full of TNT. He gave us the surprise of our lives when he was born three weeks early, just two days after we moved back to Phoenix!
I was born and raised just up the road in Glendale. After graduating Vet School at Washington State, I came back and lived in Scottsdale and worked in emergency hospitals for many years. I wanted more, so I did an internship near Sacramento. We made our home by the beach for a few years. Our friends thought we were crazy to come back to the desert, but when an opportunity arose to buy Agua Fria Animal Hospital in July 2012, we were both so happy to make the move back “home”. Both my parents and Mandy’s parents live nearby, and our brothers, as well. Having family close is invaluable for us all. Like many others, we had driven through Estrella, and thought, “Someday …” We kept asking about the community. I realized it really was a “small town” with a need for more veterinary options I could offer. We would get to live by water again, too!
Q. Tell me about your interests… what do you like to do?
A. Since moving back “home” and starting my two practices, I don’t have many extra hours in my week. Thankfully we are happiest to do the simple things offered right here in Estrella. You’ve seen us walking around the lakes, splashing with our son at the pool, and hiking around the desert. I was fortunate to be able to make time to escape to Flagstaff for one night over Memorial Weekend. Living out west, we are that much closer to our old splashing grounds in Newport Beach, too. Mandy is a competitive swimmer. She begs me to join her in open water swims, or to be her runner in a team triathlon. We think our son definitely will someday.
A. Since moving back “home” and starting my two practices, I don’t have many extra hours in my week. Thankfully we are happiest to do the simple things offered right here in Estrella. You’ve seen us walking around the lakes, splashing with our son at the pool, and hiking around the desert. I was fortunate to be able to make time to escape to Flagstaff for one night over Memorial Weekend. Living out west, we are that much closer to our old splashing grounds in Newport Beach, too. Mandy is a competitive swimmer. She begs me to join her in open water swims, or to be her runner in a team triathlon. We think our son definitely will someday.
Q. Please tell us about your clinic. How long have you been in business and how did you decide to locate in Estrella?
A. My wife named it! We opened "North Star Animal Hospital” this past November. I’m enjoying the brand new equipment. Pet families are realizing the importance of dental care for better overall health. Our dental equipment really is phenomenal. We also offer "therapeutic laser therapy”. I’ve heard testimonials from some of you that it has helped arthritic pets get along easier. (Sometimes I even use it on my bum right shoulder.) Mandy grew up in a small town in Nebraska. I now understand that feeling, and I’m reaping the benefits of getting to know my clients on a more personal level here. I’m thankful for all the good word of mouth advertising!
A. My wife named it! We opened "North Star Animal Hospital” this past November. I’m enjoying the brand new equipment. Pet families are realizing the importance of dental care for better overall health. Our dental equipment really is phenomenal. We also offer "therapeutic laser therapy”. I’ve heard testimonials from some of you that it has helped arthritic pets get along easier. (Sometimes I even use it on my bum right shoulder.) Mandy grew up in a small town in Nebraska. I now understand that feeling, and I’m reaping the benefits of getting to know my clients on a more personal level here. I’m thankful for all the good word of mouth advertising!
Q. What is unique about you and your passion for quality animal care?
A. I do wear out my pants quicker than expected. I’m down on my knees, crammed halfway in a cage, or lying down in a dog run to treat and talk to the animals. I have always done that, even as an associate vet working for somebody else. However, now it’s "my baby”, so I am involved in every detail of the pet and client experience. I know my staff has a life outside of here, so I let them go and live it. I’m the one treating your buddies after business hours, not a technician. I’m always checking our cameras, even from my office during the business day, to zoom in on your pets and make sure they’re comfortable.
A. I do wear out my pants quicker than expected. I’m down on my knees, crammed halfway in a cage, or lying down in a dog run to treat and talk to the animals. I have always done that, even as an associate vet working for somebody else. However, now it’s "my baby”, so I am involved in every detail of the pet and client experience. I know my staff has a life outside of here, so I let them go and live it. I’m the one treating your buddies after business hours, not a technician. I’m always checking our cameras, even from my office during the business day, to zoom in on your pets and make sure they’re comfortable.
Q. I think the rattle snake vaccines are great! Can you tell us more about this vaccine?
A. It’s kind of like insurance. We don’t anticipate bad things will happen to us, but it lessens the damage if it does occur. (Rattle)snake venom is designed to break down or “digest” tissue of their prey. The vaccine helps lessen that breakdown. Your dog (not designed for cats yet) will get an initial shot for $26, plus our exam fee of $47. Then they’ll need a booster shot one month later. There is no exam fee for the booster visit.
A. It’s kind of like insurance. We don’t anticipate bad things will happen to us, but it lessens the damage if it does occur. (Rattle)snake venom is designed to break down or “digest” tissue of their prey. The vaccine helps lessen that breakdown. Your dog (not designed for cats yet) will get an initial shot for $26, plus our exam fee of $47. Then they’ll need a booster shot one month later. There is no exam fee for the booster visit.
Dr. Duston and wife, Mandy
Q. With the 4th of July coming up, what do you recommend to protect our furry friends?
A. Not only are the loud noises bothersome, but you need to be watchful of any of your BBQ guests feeding table food. Just say no! No matter how cute their begging faces are. Also ensure they don’t dig through the trash! (Your pets, not your guests!) Bones and corn cobs are extremely enticing and harmful. They do not make good chew toys. They break apart and can cut your pal badly. They become stuck and can only be removed by calling me. You don’t want your pet to go through that surgery. Another warning that isn’t on the can: Beer is not for dogs. It’s not funny. They have zero tolerance, and it’s hot out there. It can make them sick very quickly. If you already know your buddy is the nervous type, you can get out their crate now and have them get used to it before the big night. Take them for a walk before the commotion begins. We keep the TV on to help drown out the booms. Give them a brand new chew toy to keep them busy and distracted. Make sure their tags are up to date, just in case they find an escape route. I can prescribe a relaxing medication, if needed.
A. Not only are the loud noises bothersome, but you need to be watchful of any of your BBQ guests feeding table food. Just say no! No matter how cute their begging faces are. Also ensure they don’t dig through the trash! (Your pets, not your guests!) Bones and corn cobs are extremely enticing and harmful. They do not make good chew toys. They break apart and can cut your pal badly. They become stuck and can only be removed by calling me. You don’t want your pet to go through that surgery. Another warning that isn’t on the can: Beer is not for dogs. It’s not funny. They have zero tolerance, and it’s hot out there. It can make them sick very quickly. If you already know your buddy is the nervous type, you can get out their crate now and have them get used to it before the big night. Take them for a walk before the commotion begins. We keep the TV on to help drown out the booms. Give them a brand new chew toy to keep them busy and distracted. Make sure their tags are up to date, just in case they find an escape route. I can prescribe a relaxing medication, if needed.
Q. What is one thing you’d like to see in Estrella over the next 10 years?
A. We love how pet-friendly Estrella is. We trust it will stay that way.
A. We love how pet-friendly Estrella is. We trust it will stay that way.
Q. Anything else you'd like to add?
A. Save our phone number and use it ANY time, day or night: 623-225-7387 (PETS). We love it here. We are very thankful for your support!
A. Save our phone number and use it ANY time, day or night: 623-225-7387 (PETS). We love it here. We are very thankful for your support!
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