Pet owners can get help at Aaron Animal Clinic

Senior citizens and low-income families can get a little help with pet care from a local veterinarian.

Dr. Sheikh Rahman is offering free pet exams for owners in need at his Parma animal clinic through Jan. 31. The exam includes a free blood pressure check for animals age 7 or older. Dr. Rahman said pets need to be put on diets and medications when they have high blood pressure the same as humans.

Rahman, who once adopted a cat left at his office by an owner who never returned to take it home, has been helping out poor and indigent pet owners for the past six years by offering free consultations and advice. He assists people based on their word that they are needy. The owner of the cat left 15 years ago at the vet hospital gave all false information and could not be located, Rahman said. That experience has not deterred his desire to be a positive influence in the community.

The clinic also provides free initial exams and rabies vaccinations to any pet adopted from the Parma Animal Shelter or any other local shelter.

Rahman, a member and former president of the Cleveland Academy of Veterinarian Medicine, describes himself as a "general practitioner" for animals. Birds, iguanas, rabbits, ferrets, dogs, cats and some more exotic pets can get their eyes examined, an EKG or bladder stones removed at his clinic.

"Our goal is to provide the community with the most current diagnostics and treatments presently available," Rahman said.

"This is done in a caring environment with reasonable fees."

His mission is to respect the trust and loyalty of his clients who the veterinarian said he tries to communicate with "openly and honestly."

"Our mission is to maximize the health of their pets," he said.

The Aaron Animal Clinic was located on Broadview Road near Grantwood from about 1980 to 1997 when it moved further south to 7640 Broadview Road, near the Pleasant Valley Shopping Center. For information or to schedule an appointment, call (216) 901-9980.