By Andrew Edwards
Staff Writer
River Bend Clinic is still in its infant stages, having its official ribbon cutting back in March, 2021. That hasn’t stopped it from making a name for itself.
The clinic is a fully staffed, two-doctor practice that specializes in making sure that your pets are taken care of and feeling better.
The two veterinarians, Tabitha Barber and Loral Sayre, both worked as emergency vets in Dothan before deciding to combine their skills. Their idea was to bring what they learned to the Millbrook area, and utilize it in a general practice setting.
Matt Barber, Business Practitioner for RBVC and husband to Tabitha, has also been a key operator for the business. Not only did he help design and build the structure where the clinic stands, he also makes sure the business is running smoothly.
“There’s really nothing that we can’t do right here in house. We have an ultrasound machine, x-ray machine, surgical room, and we do our own blood work. From minor injuries to more major ones, we’re here and ready to take on the challenge,” Barber said.
Barber explained that the clinic is not open on weekends. Not because they’re not willing to work, but because they want their clients to receive the best care possible.
“Working as an emergency vet can be exhausting and tiring. They’re all about compassion fatigue [draining of emotional energy for those who deal with others pain]. Mental Health is very important to all of us, so our vets try to practice a work/life balance,” Barber said.
“We don’t take walk in, mainly because it can be overwhelming. We want to practice good practice. They want the client to have that care they need, the attention that they need. And it’s not just about the pet. We recognize that the pet comes with the owner – and that owner wants to feel comfortable. Every patient/client that we’ve had here has walked away saying, “this is great”. This is what we want. We want people to walk in and feel at home and at ease.”
Barber said that his proximity to the clinic also helps to set them apart.
“Many of our animals have to stay over night after surgery. But we don’t leave and come back the next day. We live close, so we come by and check on them regularly to make sure that everything is good. We just want to provide that little bit of extra care,” Barber said.
Barber inherited the land where the clinic stands from his father a little over a year ago. His father’s business, Barber Berry Farm U-Pick, lies right next door to RBVC. Starting nearly 12 years ago, the farm sells fresh blueberries, permissions, muscadines and honey.
“It’s been cool working next to my dad. We’ve been talking more and more about how our businesses can continue to help each other and grow,” Barber said.
Barber explained that the clinic, which is located some .2 miles from the Alabama River Toll Bridge, has about 5,500 cars that pass them every day. While people pass and see the business, he said that word of mouth is crucial for their long-term success.
“We haven’t been here very long yet, but if anyone knows about us or if you’ve had a great experience here, please just spread the work around,” Barber said.
One way that RBVC’s name has gotten around is through the help of the Millbrook Chamber of Commerce, he said.
“It’s been a great relationship with the chamber so far. We had our open house here, and the chamber rocked it. It was pouring down rain right up until ribbon cutting, and then the skies opened up – clear as day. We had such a great time, and I can’t thank them enough for the support that they have shown us so far. It’s been fantastic,” Barber said
RBVC is by appointment only. For those wanting to know more information about the clinic, please give them a call at (334) 321-9209 or check out their website at https://riverbendvetclinic.com/?fbclid=IwAR0erbi7ipwVLzoHYEUpV8IUqzOmEmocU2g5yUqWp9oXsa8ypzbjtLKaNeg
If you would like your business featured by the Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce please contact Brenda Dennis 334-285-0085.
