Gage Animal Hospital

06/17/2023

Dear Clients and Friends of Dr. Shipman,

With great sorrow, I regret to inform you of Dr. Shipman’s passing. He died peacefully at home on June 14, 2023 surrounded by his family and pets.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/kansascity/name/robert-shipman-obituary?id=52258980

Rob dedicated his life to caring for and healing animals; and his unwavering commitment to the well-being of pets and wildlife alike was extraordinary. His passion, expertise, and compassion touched all of our lives, and he will be sorely missed.

I want to express my deep gratitude for the generous outpouring of support in the form of your Facebook posts, letters, emails, and calls. Rob truly enjoyed hearing the stories many of you shared, and would often remember the names of pets he treated even decades ago. Each sentiment brought a smile to his face, and some prompted further recordings for his book, which I will continue to work on.

You have all meant so very much to Rob. My family and I are deeply thankful for your role in making his life's work so joyful.

A Funeral Mass will be held Monday, June 19, 2023, at 10:30 am at St Gregory’s Catholic Church in Marysville . A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, July 16, 2023, at 2:00 pm at Kay McFarland Japanese Garden in Topeka.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Northeast Kansas Wildlife Rescue, PO Box 312, Silver Lake, KS, 66539.

With heartfelt regards,
Kate Shipman and Family

View Robert H. Shipman Jr., D.V.M.'s obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

05/16/2023

A message from Dr. Shipman:

Dear Clients and Longtime Friends,

Forty-six years ago in May, I graduated from veterinary school and began my career with Dr. Alan Bradbury at Gage Animal Hospital. Every single day of those 46 years, I have felt truly blessed to be able to do the work I loved in the place I loved.

It is with great sadness that I write this letter. I have a terminal illness, stage IV renal cancer, that has progressed to the point that there is no hope of my return to practice. In April, out of concern for family, I made the difficult decision to arrange the sale of Gage. This past Monday, Gage was purchased by the Drs. Bob and Joy Thayer. You may have met them. They are employed at Emergency Animal Clinic of Topeka as Managers/Veterinarians.

Over the years, I have built a strong bond with you and your pets. I have shared in the joy of new puppies and kittens, celebrated the milestones of your beloved animals, and mourned the loss of those who, at best, have lives too short in proportion to human lifespan. Truly, I have felt honored to care for your dearest of dogs and cats, and to be a part of their lives.

I am filled with gratitude for the trust and support you have shown me. The relationships we have built have been the highlight of my career and I will cherish them always.

I understand this news may come as a shock to some of you, and I apologize for any distress this may cause. Know that the memories we shared, of your dogs, cats, and wildlife, will remain in my heart forever.

I have settled down to write a book about the many animals you have loved, and I have cared for, these many years. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives and for giving me the opportunity to care for your beloved animals. It has been a privilege and an honor.

I would love to hear from you. You may text me at 785-256-0598; email me at [email protected], or send correspondence to PO Box 23566, Overland Park KS, 66283.

Sincerely,

Dr. Shipman

09/11/2022

Today on the anniversary of 9/11, we remember those who were lost and their legacies that live on ... including the canine heroes at Ground Zero, their handlers and veterinary teams.

09/10/2022

This adorable feral kitten wandered onto a longtime client’s porch in early summer. Our client, a cat lover, immediately brought the kitten into Gage Animal Hospital for testing for Feline Leukemia and FIP. Fortunately both were negative! The kitten is now five months old and, because of the loving care our client has provided, is no longer feral! As was the plan from the beginning, the kitten, now named Auggie, is healthy and ready for adoption through GAH! As always, priority for adoption through GAH is given to well established clients. However, others are welcome to apply for adoption but must be able to present evidence of responsible veterinary care (from any veterinary hospital) on previous pets.

If interested, please phone us at (785) 272-8876. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have, and arrange a time for you to meet Auggie! As always, there is no adoption fee when adopting through GAH. In addition, all initial immunizations as well as sterilization is provided at no cost. All of us here at GAH and our client who has provided Auggie such loving care look forward to Auggie finding his forever human.

08/11/2022

Early this summer, difficulties arose for a Bald Eagle family residing in their cozy aerie (eagles’ nest) in southwest Topeka, near Lake Sherwood.

A worker who had been observing the eagle family from his office window, became concerned for one of two eaglets born in the spring. The eaglet had been on the ground for an extended period of time without the parents’ care. The worker walked nearby, suspecting something awry. The eaglet, around 11 or 12 weeks old, appeared emaciated and near death. For reasons unknown, (perhaps scarcity of food) the parents no longer felt they could support this eaglet, and, instead, devoted their parenting efforts on the other eaglet born at the same time. Northeast Kansas Wildlife Rescue was called. A rescuer came to retrieve the bird for immediate transport to Gage Animal Hospital.

Upon examination by Dr. Shipman and Dr. Brandt, the eaglet was found to be malnourished and dehydrated. Dr. Shipman administered 60ml. of lactated ringers subcutaneously (under the skin) in the region of the keel bone (in humans, the sternum) and an injection of antibiotics. The bird was then sent to a rehabilitator for force feeding and continuation of fluid therapy. Fortunately, this eaglet responded rapidly and made a full recovery. The eaglet was returned to the area of the aerie. The parents accepted the eaglet’s return. Adult eagles teach young eaglets, by observation, to hunt.

All seemed well. But, in early July, the same worker observed the second eaglet on the ground, unable to fly. Once again, Northeast Kansas Wildlife Rescue was called. This second eaglet was retrieved by a rescuer and brought to GAH. Upon examination, the eaglet was suspected to have a break in the wing. In addition, a cluster of several pin, or blood, feathers (feathers having blood supply, allowing them to continue growth) had been broken. Dr Shipman took radiographs of the suspected wing break. Two small fractures were found in the distal phalanges at the end of the wing ( in humans, fingers) and in the ulna (in humans, forearm). Hopefully, with care, rest, and time, the breaks would heal. The broken feathers, however, would never heal. Since pin feathers remain for four to five years, the bird, without intervention, would be unable to fly well enough to learn to hunt. Dr Shipman made the decision to remove these broken feathers, anticipating new feathers would grow in the exact papilla (small outgrowth of skin) where each broken feather had been removed. With the assistance of the rehabilitator and Dr. Ledbetter, Dr. Shipman undertook this meticulous and delicate procedure. The rehabilitator left GAH with the eaglet and provided watchful care for three weeks. The eaglet, appearing eager to fly, was returned to GAH for radiographs this week to determine the status of the broken bones. The bones were healing! In addition, new feathers were starting to grow from the papillae where the broken feathers had been removed. Arrangements are now being made for transfer of the eaglet to a facility with an adequate eagle flight cage. When bones are healed and feathers are regrown, the eaglet will be released in an area where other Bald Eagles reside. The eaglet will learn, by observing these adult eagles, to hunt.

07/28/2022

Dr. Shipman, Dr. Ledbetter, and Dr. Baker are excited to welcome Dr. Tera Brandt as the newest veterinary staff member here at Gage Animal Hospital.

Last summer as she prepared to enter her senior year at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, she was an extern here at GAH. Dr. Shipman recognized in Dr. Brandt the exact combination of intellect, compassion, and solid knowledge of veterinary medicine that is so necessary in the development of an excellent veterinarian. So with great enthusiasm he offered her a position upon graduation as a veterinarian here at GAH.

As an undergraduate at KSU where she majored in animal science and industry, she earned distinction as a member of the McNair Scholar’s Program and as a member of the Developing Scholars Program. She graduated Cum Laude.

Dr. Brandt entered the College of Veterinary Medicine at KSU where she earned distinction as a member of the Veterinary Research Scholars Program. She received her D.V.M in May of this year. At graduation she was honored as a Steven White Award recipient for integrity, compassion, and professionalism towards clients, patients, and colleges.

As Dr. Brandt completes her first month at GAH, all of us here resoundingly agree that she is an excellent addition to our animal care team!

Committed to excellence in small animal healthcare since 1950.

07/02/2022

ALL DOGS, large dogs, small dogs and in-betweens, are easily frightened by fireworks. While a keen sense of hearing on any other day is an attribute, on the Fourth of July, the high-pitched, shrill missile sounds, the rapid crackling of a string of Black Cats, and the big booms all combine for a terrifying situation. MORE DOGS GO MISSING ON THE FOURTH OF JULY THAN ANY OTHER DAY OF THE YEAR.
At GAH, we recommend keeping your dog inside your home, safely kenneled, and in an enclosed room, all day and all night on the Fourth. Run a fan and play some relaxing music (most dogs enjoy the sound of a piano) to muffle the outdoor noise. Provide them with a cozy blanket and/or a beloved toy. When your dog does need to be outside briefly to take care of business, place a short leash on that pup, young or old, big or little, even if they are going to be outside only briefly in a fenced-in yard. Also, do not rely on a child to take your pet quickly outdoors on a leash, only a responsible adult.
THIS IS NOT A GOOD HOLIDAY TO CELEBRATE WITH YOUR DOG!
Do not deprive that pup that you love so much all the fun, though. Just wait until next weekend, then serve 'em up a grilled hamburger or hotdog, along with a bowl of watermelon. (They'll go for that)!

Committed to excellence in small animal healthcare since 1950.

05/30/2022

In remembrance, all of us here at Gage Animal Hospital give thanks to all of those who have served our country.

04/22/2022

Beautiful Mittens, a member of Dr. Shipman’s feral cat colony, enjoys Earth Day while lounging in her favorite redbud tree.

Committed to excellence in small animal healthcare since 1950.