| Complaint: | Complaint 20-49 |
|---|---|
| Respondent: | ShanAnne Edwards |
| Premises: | Arizona Small Animal Clinic |
The complainant says she took her dog to Edwards as she was worried her dog had just had a stroke. She says that Edwards began to antagonize her and yelling at her while she was trying to think about what her options were for the dog. Edwards allegedly yelled so much that the complainant couldn't get a word in, saying that she was being judged for not bringing the dog in sooner. She says she told Edwards she could afford some tests but not others, but that Edwards wouldn't take that for an answer. According to her she tried to get her dog and leave at which time Edwards grabbed the dog and was prevented from leaving by an assistant. The complainant's son allegedly got upset at this point and stood up to intervene, at which point she says Edwards started yelling and shoving her son. Her son was eventually pushed out the door. She says that she began making her way to the door to leave with her dog at which time Edwards tried to prevent her from leaving again. The complainant says that she called 911 and that Edwards subsequently tried calling the police when the complainant was on the phone talking with them. She does state that she believes Edwards cares about animals but that if she's going to act this way, she needs to find another career; she also feels that being prevented from leaving the clinic is basically kidnapping. Edwards allegedly told the police that the complainant wasn't going to charge her for treating the dog, but the complainant says Edwards never told her that; she says Edwards was instead listing the costs for each test.
Edwards says that the complainant brought her dog in for a suspected stroke along with another dog for a dental consult. She says that the complainant was distraught and incoherent, often rambling on about personal issues. She says that she asked questions that made the complainant "become very angry" with "all you vets." She says the complainant became very distraught and that the complainant and her son were arguing at the same time. She says that she then stated that the dog needed a variety of tests and a specialist visit but that she wouldn't accept payment plans; rather, she tried to send the dog to the Pima Pet Clinic down the road. She claims at this time the complainant's son charged at her, called her a cunt, and pushed her onto the exam table. She says the complainant's son then started clenching his fists and it fell to her to save all the pets, the complainant, the employees, and the clinic from him. She says that she was able to get him out the door and lock it behind him. Her account also differs regarding the end of the dispute. She says she called the cops, grabbed the dog from the lobby, then went back to finish the exam, at which time the complainant tried to let her son back in the building. She says she finally quickly unlocked the door to let the complainant and her dogs leave, at which time the cops showed up. She says the police officer suggested she get a restraining order.
The Investigative Committee said there was a difference in the two stories. The complainant's son didn't give a statement but Edwards' staff did, so they appear to use this as additional justification for dismissing the complainant's claims. They say the complainant had stress about the dog and about paying for treatment so perhaps those matters "exacerbated the situation." The Committee "felt this could have been handled differently" but one's left with the notion that they basically think the complainant was mostly at fault.
It might be worth reviewing complaint 19-75 in which the complainant says Edwards was verbally abusive. You may also want to look up a one-star Better Business Bureau review for Arizona Small Animal Clinic by Martin O., dated July 21, 2020, regarding a dental misadventure; it ends with "Beware of this doctor! She definitely has anger issues."
| Source: | February 2, 2020 AM Investigative Committee Meeting |
|---|---|
| People: | |
| David Stoll | Respondent Attorney |
| ShanAnne Edwards | Respondent |
| Roll Call: | |
| Carolyn Ratajack | Aye |
| Christina Tran | Aye |
| Jarrod Butler | Aye |
| Robert Kritsberg | Aye |
| Steve Seiler | Aye |
| Result: | Passed |
| Source: | March 3, 2020 Board Meeting |
|---|---|
| People: | |
| David Stoll | Respondent Attorney |
| Proposed By: | Jessica Creager |
| Seconded By: | Sarah Heinrich |
| Roll Call: | |
| Darren Wright | Absent |
| J Greg Byrne | Absent |
| Jane Soloman | Aye |
| Jessica Creager | Aye |
| Jim Loughead | Aye |
| Nikki Frost | Aye |
| Robyn Jaynes | Absent |
| Sarah Heinrich | Aye |
| Result: | Passed |
The primary source for the above summary was obtained as a public record from the Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board. You are welcome to review the original records and board meeting minutes by clicking the relevant links. While we endeavor to provide an accurate summary of the complaint, response, investigative reports and board actions, we encourage you to review the primary sources and come to your own conclusions. In some cases we have also been able to reach out to individuals with knowledge of specific complaints, and where possible that information will be included here.