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"In the past several months I have started using the services of Dr. Factor and his staff to care for my aging cockatiel (Brandy) and "teenage" African grey (Ollie). Because of the distance from my home, I had put off using him but had always heard wonderful things. When my local vet was unable to treat my cockatiel for a persistent respiratory problem and referred me to Dr. Factor that same day, they took us immediately as an emergency -- and now I plan to continue using his office for my avian needs. I found him extremely warm, compassionate, and far more knowledgable than other vets I had occasion to use in the past. When he kissed Brandy at the end of his exam I was really touched to see how he genuinely loves these animals. I now consider him "the bird whisperer" since his bedside manner with both patient and owner is just plain wonderful! One thing that truly amazed me - I contacted his office after hours recently for another episode of what appeared to be respiratory distress, but Dr. Factor was off that day. However he quickly returned my call and told me to come in (it was 8 p.m.) so that he could look at Brandy while he was having this issue. In the past he cured one of Brandy's issues when no one else could, and although there are still some ongoing problems, Dr. Factor is continuing to work with me on figuring out what is causing his problems. His approach is conservative given my pet's age, but he is persistent in his quest to find the answers. I've also taken my grey in for a routine annual exam, to establish him as a patient as well.

Regarding his staff, they have been extremely attentive, supportive, and excellent at following up with me to ensure that things are going well by making followup calls, etc. When I've called with questions for Dr. Factor, they check with him and then get back to me. I find them overall very caring and everyone I've come in contact with seems to love their job in this office. I would highly recommend both Dr. Factor and his staff."

"New to this vet and WOW! They are amazing. They are kind and sympathetic to my cause. I rescued a dog from the pound and he needs major surgery! They are the only ones who have extended themselves to help me and made me feel like saving him is worth something! Others just handed me a application for a credit card and said OH WELL! NOT nice at all! Dr. Quick is amazing, his manners are outstanding!! Thank the doggy gods I found him!"

"I have been using this office for 7 years (and tried many before I found them) and have found that they always are courteous and helpful to me and spoil my pets! I am generally not a review writer but I feel the need. Since the manager usually trains the staff (that most seem to love) and is crucial in the how the business is run every day, I find it interesting that people can complain. Seems to me that the only negative interaction you may have with her is if YOU are the rude, pushy type and the employees can't handle you and needs to get her involved or you expect something for nothing. I work as a professional and know that this office has it all figured out when it comes to compassion, friendliness, caring helpfulness (especially in an economy where that is hard to find these days)and the best medicine in the area! I would never trust my pets care elsewhere!"

"Dr Factor and almost all the staff at WEV are amazing, I'll never trust my pets anywhere else. That being said, the office manager is always rude, pushy and should just stay behind the sceens. I'm not sure why a doctor as wonderful as Dr Factor would keep a woman like that on staff but even so the care your animal gets is second to none."

"I will leave it at that."

" Haha! It's true! I have complete confidence in the doctor's descisions; in fact, if it weren't for him and the other staff at this clinic, I am sure at least two of my pets would not be here!
I have never once felt slighted by any of the office staff. Wendy and Tessa (at the front desk) are wonderful, of course.
The doctor makes a point to let me know exactly what is going on with my animals. Highly recommended."

"New to the area, I found a wild turtle on the road that had been hit on the side of its shell. He was the only vet in the area I found that took care of turtles was Dr. Factor. The office carefully took care of the turtle and even has a refuge for the turtle, since it took a while for he/she to heal. Then I got 2 ducks and one of my ducks hurt her foot. His treatment was perfect and so kind. He is friendly, helpful, any wonderful adjective... very caring! I moved from NYC where there was the Animal Medical Center, a top teaching hospital. I brought my animals (turles, birds, iguanas, snakes) there for 31 years. Dr. Factor is up on the current treatments, just as I had there. No extra costs and the treatment was perfect and concise. My duck got better faster than I imagined! And he was so good to her, she felt very relaxed. I'm grateful I found him!!!!!"

"We have been bringing our three pitbulls to Dr. Factor for quite some time. They all love him. Recently our 14 yr old under went an operation. Of course due to his a age it was a big concern. Our trust in Dr. Factor never faultered as he assured us that he would not even had considered doing the proceedure if he felt Reggie would not come through the surgery. Happily all turned out well. I would not trust anyone else with our canine children. "

"i've been going to dr. factor with my ferrets for close to 10 years now and couldn't be happier. i've read all the reviews and i must consistantly miss the office manager. and as anyone with aging ferrets knows, you will spend a lot of time with your vet! i can not understand how i have never managed to meet the manager. it shocks me to no end that they wouldn't put a stop to it. the rest of the office staff is super awesome, nice, understanding, etc.
and you are right, it is for the pets, but you also need to be an interpretor for your pets, and when you aren't treated right, you can't work with that person. i've stopped going to great (people) doctors because of the office staff, although i would never stop going to dr factor"

"From the moment we walked through their door, we felt at home! Dr Factors staff is warm, welcoming and compassionate and Dr Factor was very thorough with both us and our pet! He took all the time we needed answering questions and educating us without us feeling like he was trying to rush us out! WONDERFUL experience, HIGHLY recommend!!"

"Our pets have been going to him for a few years now after a friend referred us. Simply put it was the best decision we ever made for us and our pets. He is reasonable and very loving to all the animals who walk through his doors. "

"For two years now I have been trying to get an appointment there. My husband and I both work and we would have to do a saturday, i was told there are no saturday appointments and they could not accomodate me. when i asked to talk to the vets, the office manager got really nasty with me and told me they only talked to clients. I guess dr. factor will never know how his office manager treats people because you cant get to him to talk to him. i hear he is the best around, but i can't find out because i cant get into see him. she also told me i was flagged because i got a little annoyed with her attitude which means i cannot call there for an appointment anymore. i guess if that is the way he wants to do business then so be it. i am sure it will eventually catch up to him but i hope it is not to late. in today's economy people should really grasp anyone that is looking to contribute to their business."

"I have been going to Dr. Factor for quite some time now. I am pleased with the staff at the front desk. I have not encountered the office manager (fortunately for her). I am very happy with the service and quality. I like how the staff knows my name, my dogs name and my friends names too! My dogs actually enjoy going there, and if they hear Dr. Factor's voice they try to go to him. I strongly suggest if anyone has a problem with the office manager they bring it to Dr. Factor's attention. He can't fix it if he doesn't know it's broken. I highly recommend both Dr. Factor and Dr. M."

"I have known Dr. Factor for a very long time and would like to respond to all of these comments. I would never trust my pets with any other Dr., except Dr. Melamud & Dr. Factor. Dr. Factor is a very kind, caring soul. He is very knowledgeable and compassionate. I do however have to say that in the past year his office staff has changed and not for the better. The waiting room is overcrowed all of the time and you wait forever to be seen. I wonder who is in charge of his schedule. I have been charged incorrectly, or not all all for services rendered. I have been dispensed the wrong medication on 2 occasions. I feel the front office staff are nice but very fake, they almost "sing" to you while speaking to you. I have had a "run-in" with his office manager, who is definately on some power trip. I have to say I was very nice in response to her, especially because I have overheard her talking about other clients negatively. I have dealt with her on many occasions and would prefer not to. I understand Dr. Factor's passion to practice medicine but I would agree he should re-evaluate some employees he has. Where are the old staff? My assumption is the new office manager had something to do with the greatest team he ever had leaving. There was a girl who ran his practice for a few years and I never had any issues. She was young but very attentive. I never waited in the waiting room for more than 30 minutes and never saw mistakes on my bill. A few other women who worked there for quite a while were great also, why would they just leave? I can't imagine it was because of Dr. Factor."

"I just started going to this vet office a few months ago when I moved. I truly love the staff. After reading these reviews, I could not believe that people were treated unfairly because the front desk (Wendy and Tessa) are extremely nice people. I have never seen them without a smile. They always treat my pets well and treat me well too. They are very compassionate. As far as Dr. Factor and Dr. Melamud, they are VERY knowledgable. They also know how to break bad news to their patients/owners. I have NO complaints about this vet practice or any of the staff. I never had a problem getting an appointment either. It makes me wonder if the people who posted negatively on here gave them a hard time and they put their guard up. (which we all do when someone mistreats us) Thank you to all the West End Staff for working so hard and being so wonderful. You deserve a tap on the back!
"

"I've been coming to Dr. Factor's office for many years and I have had nothing but pleasant experiences each time. Dr. Factor is extremely knowlegable and his new associate vet really adds true compassion and fresh enthusiasm to his practice. I really wouldn't trust anyone else other than them... they truly look out for my dog's best interest."

"I have been bringing both of my dogs since they were puppies to Dr Factor. He is one of the warmest and most compassionate vets i have ever used. I believe he loves my dogs as much as I do! I am very surprised by the negative comments about his staff. I have been fortunate in that my pets and myself have always been treated very well. Most of my dealings on the phone or in person have been with Wendy who goes out of her way to be nice, professional and caring. In the end though ... I believe I would speak candidly to Dr Factor about any rudeness from his staff. Based on my dealings with him, I don't believe he would tolerate that behavior in his practice. I can't imagine anyone other than Dr Factor ever treating my pets. He truly is THAT wonderful!"

"but there is one person who is ruining the practice for him and that is the office manager. You can see by the other reviews that she is the one consistent bad point of that place. I went there for several years with no complaints until about 2 years ago when the staff started changing. Trust me, he is an excellent vet and very caring and it broke my heart to go somewhere else. But not being able to trust his front office staff or get a quick response when you have serious questions is a problem for me. And I wouldn't put up with my own doctor's staff being rude and inconsiderate to me so why should I put up with it for my pet's care??? He needs to read some of these comments and address the problem. It's really a shame. "

"Being owned by a Scarlet Macaw, a large parrot w/much attitude, we were very lucky to find Dr Factor and staff. Even tho our Macaw 'Mickey' say "uh-oh" when Dr Factor walks in and gets a bite in if possible, Dr Factor takes as much time as needed to diagnose and find the proper treatment. As far as I'm concerned the office staff is fine. And Micky always has a big "Hello!" for them every time we walk in."

"Dr. Factor has been the veterinarian for our three Welsh corgis, two Siamese cats, and our "medium-sized brown dog" for many years. I have nothing but the highest praise for him and the care that he has provided for our "full house" of pets.

In particular, whenever there is an emergency (as when our then-10-month puppy broke his leg), Dr. Factor's skills and compassion really have a chance to shine. Plus, he never fails to ask about my children and husband -- and remembers their names. I have often wished that my child's pediatrician were as personable and approachable as Dr. Factor.

Additionally, as he is well-versed in the care of exotic animals, you never know whether you'll get to see an iguana or some other interesting creature when you visit his office.

During my 50+ years of pet ownership, a number of different veterinarians have provided their care -- and in my opinion, Dr. Factor is second to none. I would recommend Dr. Factor and the staff at West End Veterinary Office to anyone. "

"For those of you who think the office staff is the greatest (office manager) then your very fortunate. I called to try to get some information one day and she was most inconsiderate, uncompassionate person I ever talked to. May its just one day you call. I know everyone has their moments, but she was just awful. I wouldn't know how the vet is, i couldn't get an appointment."

"Dr. Factor is just wonderful with my pets. I recommend him all the time, and I have not heard one negative comment from any of my friends that I referred to him. Great job Dr. Factor, keep it up. Thank you from myself and my pets."

"On the one hand the doctors are great and the prices are fair. I do however agree with the long waiting times and the unfriendly front staff, particularly the office manager."

"Dr Factor, Dr Malamud, Wendy and the staff at West End are #1. I have never seen more compassionate people in my life. I have recommended them to all my friends. When my golden was ill I received daily calls from them to check on her progress. I went to this office on advice from a friend and the Animal emergency clinic in Poughkeepsie.This is the first Vet & Office staff that ever sent a sympathy card after we had to put our beloved Golden down. I have used Vets for over 50 years and can't say enough about this staff. They always have time for you and any questions that might arise. We got a new
addition to our family last year and she loves going to the office.
By the way I tried Flannery & Newburgh Vet. Now there's two Vets whose office staff need work on their Customer Service skills. "

"My husband and I have been taking our two Burmese cats to Dr Factor ever since we moved to the area. The staff is warm and friendly and you can tell they truly love animals. At West End the comfort and well being of your pet comes first. I would not hesitate to recommend this practice to anyone who wants top notch veterinary care for their pets."

"I have to take issue with the comments that the office staff is rude as well. I have been going here for years and have referred a bunch of people here from Flannery's (they all love it and continue to go here). Everyone in this office is friendly, they know you by name when you call, and always get you in if its an emergency. This office is a major change from other vets in the area in a very good way.

Dr Factor is great with my pets, friendly, and both of my animals love him. He has done everything from routine checkups to a major leg surgery for my pets, and everytime I leave there I am always happy with the service.

The pricing is very fair and the service is top notch. I would not take my pets anywhere else."

"best vet i have ever used. we had to put our golden retriever down and they were so nice. they let us stay in the room with her for over an hour before they did it. they girls at the front desk were crying, dr. factor was upset. they made you feel like they understood. now with a new pup, we are taking her there and service is still the best it could be."

"To all these people giving bad ratings because of how they were treated, how about actually rating how your PETS were treated considering it is a veterinary office? I would rather have an office staffer be rude to me so that I could have excellent care, than to have nice people talk to me while some idiot doctor has his hands all over my pet. Dr. Factor is excellent, knows what he is talking about, and had the experience we needed for our two Red Tail Boa Constrictors. His specializing in exotics was a plus.

On TOP of all this, when I called around (having snakes we had never been to a vet before), they were not only the cheapest, but the woman on the phone was well informed about snakes (most people have NO CLUE! even at the vet), and was offering me plenty of advice, not to mention squeezing us in quickly for an important appointment.

QUICK SUMMARY: RATE THE VETERINARIAN, he's the one who matters. Who cares if the office girls have problems with manners if your pet is getting EXCELLENT care from Dr. Factor."

"I've been going there for years until recently. I was treated very rudely by the front office and felt disrespected by the office manager/secretary that I can longer go here. Its Newburgh Vets for me."

"Everyone has their own opinion but i too was thrown back one day by the office manager when i needed a quick appointment. she stated to me that she would determine what was an emergency and what wasn't. i have since found a new vet and am very happy. I really don't think the Dr. is in synch with what goes on in his front office. "

"The staff has grown and greatly improved over the years. They know how to treat patients and clients and make them feel welcome!! I have witnessed the manager greet and hug pets and some owners as they are waiting to be seen. Dr. Factor knows exactly what he is doing...have you seen how busy they are!"

"Dr. Factor has the most well trained staff of any vet office I have ever been to. Each and every staff member is friendly and helpful.They take the time to get to know all of their patients. This, along with top notch doctors, makes them a very rare find in the veterinary community. They always have a hug, kiss and treat ready for my pets! They ALWAYS make room to see my pets right away if they are sick!"

"I had to respond to the previous review going on about them not being compassionate. This is not and never has been the case in the 4 years they have helped care for our cats & ducks. They are kind and compassionate from the moment you walk in until the moment you leave, and they are much nicer to our animals than any of our prior vets.

I can only surmise that the person complaining about their lack of compassion and manners would mostly be a jerk who got back what he/she gave out."

"From phone calls to office visits, the staff at West End Veterinary Office are wonderful. Kind, compassionate, caring and genuine. The ladies at the front desk are gems. Dr Factor is outstanding. The level of care is that of a top notch animal hospital (unfortunately, I've been to many). On a personal level, these are amazing people."

"It was our good fortune to find West End Veterinary. Our previous vet had already suggested euthanasia several months after diagnosing our cat with diabetes when she was unable to regulate him. Dr. Factor and his staff treated me and my husband with the uptmost respect and never gave up on our beloved cat. Two and 1/2 years later, our cat is doing well and is leading a happy life. They have managed his diabetes which is exasperated by acromagaly, a hyperpituitary disease, which makes treatment all the more difficult. Dr. Factor is highly knowledgeable in both diseases and has treated our cat aggressively bringing him into more balanced health. Dr. Factor and/or his staff have always returned our calls when we have had questions. They have always called to check up on our cat when they have not heard from us. Dr. Factor even chastised me once for not letting him know how our cat was doing! They have fit us in for an appointment even when they did not have one available. In response to a previous rating I read, I can only guess that the person submitting the review reached the wrong veterinary office. I have witnessed Dr. Factor, Dr. Melamud, and their staff greet each patient and their owner as if they are more than just patients. They know each and every client's name. The staff explains directions for care explicitly a second time after the vets have already. They are willing to help people out to their car and treat elderly owners with extreme respect, something not always seen in society today. We are forever grateful to them."

"Terrible office help, rude and uncompassionate people. Office manager needs to take sensitivity classes. "