Dr. Ted Mohr and his staff at the Black Forest Veterinary Clinic are up and running, after the Black Forest fire destroyed their clinic. They reopened July 9 and are temporarily sharing the facility that houses Powers Pet Emergency on Stetson Boulevard in Colorado Springs, Colo. Because of the two separate operations in one building, Mohr said his clients need to call the Black Forest clinicís regular office number at 495-3666 and leave a message. A staff member will return the call as quickly as possible. ìWe know itís an inconvenience,î Mohr said. ìBut thatís the way we have to do it.îMohr said he is grateful to Dr. Lee Wilwerding and the staff at Powers Pet Emergency for making the transition as easy as possible. There were a few bumps in the road like computer issues. ìLittle by little, itís coming together,î he said.ìItís good to see the people again.î Mohr said he was sad to learn about the number of his clients who lost their homes in the fire. ìEverybody is hurting,î he said. ìWeíre trying our best to accommodate their needs.îPlans to move the clinic back to Black Forest are in the works. Mohr has signed a contract to rent space at 12655 Black Forest Road, directly across the street from the old clinic. Remodeling is under way, and he hopes to be moved by early September. ìWeíre excited about getting in there,î Mohr said. However, he doesnít want people visiting the new site until the construction is completed. Updates on the clinicís status will be posted on its website at http://blackforestvetclinic.com and the Facebook page. A sign will be posted at the old site directing people to the new clinic once itís open. Clients can also call for information.To paraphrase an old Beatles song, Mohr and the clinic are getting by with a little help from some friends. Tom Ritz of Patterson Veterinary Supply donated and personally delivered a new anesthesia machine. Clients have been loyal and supportive, and clients Steve Ridgway of Wallace Construction and Brian Rief, owner of Independent Construction & Remodel Inc., have been instrumental in helping the clinic return to Black Forest. Wallace Construction will customize the rental space, and Independent Construction & Remodel will build inside fixtures such as exam tables, a reception desk and custom cabinetry.The Black Forest Veterinary Clinic is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and is currently located at 5956 Stetson Hills Blvd. (Powers and Stetson Hills boulevards).
