FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Andrea Rodgers
Phone: 202-422-2692
Email: missa@askmissa.com
Website: www.ppeah.com
First African-American Owned Animal Hospital in Alexandria,
Virginia to Host Open House to Raise Funds for Washington Humane Society
Paws, Purrs & Exotics Animal Hospital, Alexandria's
newest, state-of-the art veterinary hospital, located at 133 South Peyton
Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, is hosting an Open House on Saturday July 18, 2009
from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The Open House will feature: free services for pets,
hospital tours, product samples and information, vendors, pet adoption,
children’s activities such as face painting and balloon animals, and
refreshments.
“We are bringing those whose businesses serve animals in our community
together to celebrate our opening and to raise funds for the Washington Humane
Society”, said owner Dr. Elton Vyfhuis. I have supported the WHS for years by
volunteering performing surgeries for them at their National Capital Area Spay
& Neuter Center, and am excited that the first event at our new hospital
will support the great work that the Washington Humane Society does in our
community."
"We want the event to be family-friendly, as we want to establish a long-term
relationship with our clients, their families and their pets. We will host an
open house to showcase our new clinic and look forward to serving the Alexandria
community, as well as surrounding area. ” Dr. Nia Perkins said. Paws, Purrs
& Exotics Animal Hospital will offer high-quality, affordable veterinary
care for dogs, cats, small mammals and exotics. Their services include general
medicine, surgery, digital radiography, grooming, day boarding and daycare
services, and professional training. For details, call the hospital at
703-549-PAWS (7297)
For more information, contact Andrea Rodgers at 202-422-2692,missa@askmissa.com, or visit http://www.ppeah.com.
About Dr. Nia M. Perkins, D.V.M
Dr. Nia M. Perkins is a native of Chicago, Illinois where most of her
family still resides. She received her undergraduate degree from Xavier
University in New Orleans, Louisiana (her second home) and her DVM degree from
Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine in May 2002.
Dr. Perkins came to Alexandria,Virginia right out of veterinary school and
has practiced at various clinics in the area. She mainly takes care of dogs,
cats, and the occasional pocket pet, but Dr. Vyfhuis is determined to make her
more exotics savvy. Although she is not a specialist, Dr. Perkins does have a
special interest in skin issues.
In addition to spending time with her four year old son, Jourdan, and their
Japanese Chin, "Miles Davis" (in the picture), she loves going to the
movies, scanning entertainment blogs (her favorite is theybf.com founded by her sister Natasha!), and
just enjoying friends and family.
About Dr. Elton Vyfhuis, D.V.M.
Dr. Vyfhuis' veterinary career began with a promise from his parents,
that he would get a puppy from a family friend. He begged and pleaded for this
puppy, and even though his parents never gave in, his favorite aunt did. She
asked him to dog-sit her Chow puppy for a few days, and he never let go! She
surrendered the pup, but retained visiting rights.
After that, Dr. Vyfhuis started accumulating pets, including a temperamental
cat, an unpredictable dog, a hamster, budgerigar, 5 chickens, 2 rabbits, 2 more
cats, 9 more dogs and 2 snakes.
Of course, it takes more than a love of animals to become a veterinarian.
When faced with the decision of what degree to pursue as a senior at Banneker
High School in Washington, D.C., his interest in medicine, nature, and the art
of science made it a "no-brainer".
As an undergraduate at University of Maryland, Eastern Shore, in the honors
program for animal science, it was the core pre-vet coursework in which he
excelled. "Things come a lot easier when you enjoy doing them". He graduated
from his college a "Super Senior" in 1997.
Dr. Vyfhuis went to vet school at Tuskegee University in Alabama in 1998. He
is grateful that Tuskegee stressed hands-on experience, as much as learning the
scientific advances in the veterinary field.
"Maybe because my parents resisted giving me a puppy for so long, I still get
a thrill out of seeing what species will show up in my exam room." Dr. Vyfhuis
has no children but does have one great dog, "Ubu", a 10 year-old black female
chow-lab mix who works as resident greeter. He also has a ball python named
"Sylk," who was rescued from squalor conditions in Tuskegee Alabama in
2000.
"I hope to help as many snakes, birds, rodents, cats, dogs and any
other animals as I possibly can".
About The Washington Humane Society
The Washington Humane Society is the oldest animal protection agency in
Washington, D.C. Since 1870, WHS’s open door policy has served homeless, lost,
and abused animals in DC; providing protection from cruelty, shelter from the
elements, and a second chance at a loving home. No call for help goes
unanswered, and no animal is ever turned away.
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