UNSUNG HEROES: All Seasons Veterinary Hospital Provides Critical Care Following Devastating Storm
Published 2:40 pm Wednesday, November 13, 2024
TRYON—In the aftermath of Storm Helene, which recently wreaked havoc across our region, Dr. Cristina Chumbler and her dedicated team at All Seasons Veterinary Hospital in Tryon demonstrated remarkable resilience and commitment to the well-being of both animals and their owners during a challenging time.
Fortunately, Chumbler had taken proactive measures ahead of the storm, setting up a generator that proved to be invaluable as the winds howled and the storm descended. This crucial equipment not only kept the refrigerator operational but also ensured that essential medications and medical supplies remained preserved and accessible for their patients.
In the wake of the storm, Chumbler and her devoted staff worked tirelessly around the clock to ensure the facility could deliver urgent care and treatment for animals in distress. Despite the extended power outages that affected much of the area, the hospital saw numerous patients each day and maintained their critical services, including advanced ultrasound diagnostics, which are vital for accurate treatment.
Chumbler expressed her profound gratitude towards her remarkable team, which includes Tonya, Lindsay, Patty, Claire, and Sarah. “I feel fortunate to have such dedicated people beside me,” she said. “We wanted to be here for the people with pets that might need help and were available daily for any urgent needs. We could communicate with rescue teams in other areas via text, ensuring we could coordinate care as needed.”
As the hospital returns to full operational capacity, Chumbler expressed eagerness to welcome new patients into their caring fold. She warmly encouraged community members interested in scheduling an appointment to reach out via phone or explore their website, which prominently features a user-friendly appointment request option.
“We want to be part of the community’s recovery,” Dr. Chumbler stated emphatically, highlighting their commitment to support the local area during this period of rebuilding.
All Seasons Veterinary Hospital, located at 486 Trade St., is a privately owned veterinary facility open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., dedicated to providing essential animal care for the community.
**Interview with Dr. Cristina Chumbler, Veterinarian and Owner of All Seasons Veterinary Hospital**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Chumbler. First off, can you share with us what the atmosphere was like at All Seasons Veterinary Hospital during the height of Storm Helene?
**Dr. Chumbler:** Thank you for having me. It was definitely intense. The storm brought a lot of anxiety not only to our team but also to the pet owners in our community. We all knew how critical it was to keep our doors open and ensure that animals in need received care, no matter how severe the conditions outside were.
**Editor:** You mentioned that you took proactive measures before the storm hit. Can you elaborate on that?
**Dr. Chumbler:** Certainly. Anticipating the storm, we made the decision to install a generator prior to Helene’s arrival. That turned out to be a game-changer for us. It allowed us to maintain power, which was critical for our medical equipment, lighting, and to provide comfort for the pets in our care.
**Editor:** In what ways did your team respond to the needs of the community following the storm?
**Dr. Chumbler:** After the storm passed, many pets were brought in with injuries or illnesses exacerbated by the severe weather. Our team worked tirelessly to provide emergency care, and we also offered support for displaced pets and their owners. It was heartwarming to see the community come together as many of our clients rallied to check on each other and their pets.
**Editor:** What has this experience taught you about emergency preparedness in veterinary care?
**Dr. Chumbler:** This experience reinforced the need for veterinary practices to have robust emergency response plans. It’s not just about equipment; it’s about training our team to be ready for anything. We’ve also strengthened our communication with local pet owners about what they can do to be prepared for future emergencies.
**Editor:** Lastly, what message do you have for your fellow veterinarians and pet owners in the aftermath of the storm?
**Dr. Chumbler:** I want to remind everyone that we are all in this together. For veterinarians, it’s vital to prioritize preparation and collaboration with local shelters and rescue groups. For pet owners, stay informed and have an emergency kit for your pets that includes food, medications, and a way to identity them. We can all learn from this experience and come out stronger.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Chumbler, for your insights and dedication to both animals and the community. It’s inspiring to see leadership like yours during such challenging times.
**Dr. Chumbler:** Thank you for highlighting our work. It’s a team effort, and we’re just grateful to be able to help.
