Personal Pet Care

Dr. Strathe emphasizes developing relationships with pets and their owners at his Owasso practice.

Dr. Strathe with furry friends.

When she came to work for Dr. Greg Strathe in January of 2012, one of the first things that Hospital Director Karen Hutchinson noticed was how ­personable Dr. Strathe was with patients and their owners. “So many times I’ve seen him walk right out into the waiting room and pet the animals while he is talking to their owners before the pet is admitted to the examining room area,” she says. “I’ve been in other clinics, and this usually doesn’t happen.”

    What was a pleasant surprise for Karen is a normal action for Dr. Strathe. “I’ve found that this helps develop a relationship with the animal and the owner. It is very calming for the animal,” he explains. “My goal is to partner with pet owners for the best ­possible pet care – it’s not about a one-time visit. If I don’t build that lasting relationship, I feel I’ve failed.”

    Dr. Strathe and his staff are all about relationships. He opened his practice in Owasso in 1993 and moved to his present location in 1997. He has extended his hand of friendship beyond just his business, having served on the Owasso School Board and by supporting community and local rescue groups. He has also served as the chairman for the Owasso Chamber of Commerce. “Owasso has been good to us,” he says, ­referring to himself, his wife Cheryl, and their five ­children. “So we want to give back to Owasso.” This attitude may ­represent the reason why Owasso Reporter readers have voted Strathe Veterinary Hospital “Best Veterinary Hospital” for the past several years and “Best Service” amongst all Owasso businesses in 2012. Dr. Strathe’s commitment to his community is also reflected by the fact that he often speaks to student groups and trains interested students both as volunteers and employees.

    Kyle Albin was one of these students who credits Dr. Strathe with inspiring him on his current educational road to becoming a veterinarian. Kyle recalls that he always wanted to be a veterinarian, but when he attended the Owasso 8th grade health fair, he listened to Dr. Strathe speak and was so encouraged by his philosophies that he approached Dr. Strathe afterward. Dr. Strathe invited Kyle to come by and volunteer at the clinic and see how he liked it. Then when Kyle was old enough, he joined the staff, where he worked until he ­completed two years at Tulsa Community College. He is ­continuing his education at OSU and has applied for vet school. Kyle remembers several aspects that made his time at

Dr. Strathe’s office invaluable. “He is friendly, considerate and approachable,” Kyle says. “He spends time with pet owners and explains things in a down-to-earth manner.” Kyle plans to ­finish his veterinary studies and return to the area to practice, ­utilizing all the things that he learned from Dr. Strathe about customer service. “Dr. Strathe has been a huge role model on how to run a practice,” Kyle says. “He has helped me greatly toward my veterinary dreams and professional goals.”

    For Dr. Strathe, praise from someone like Kyle is especially significant. “It’s always a ­compliment to me when past employees continue to come back in and bring their pets to us as well,” says Dr. Strathe, “because they know the ins and outs of our staff and facility and what goes on behind the scenes.”

    Behind the scenes, Dr. Strathe, Dr. Hendricks and Dr. Selby, as well as the rest of the staff, are committed to providing excellent health care for pets.   “It’s not about me, or even about our staff,” says Dr. Strathe. “It’s about improving the quality of life for your pet. Please feel free to drop by. For your convenience our doors are open seven days per week.” 

For more information, contact

Strathe Veterinary ­Hospital

 (918) 272-2241

www.strathevet.com