Animal hospital is just what the doctor ordered

JEFF GRANIT staff Dr. Ehab Ibrahim takes a look inside the mouth of a 6-month-old cat named Face during an appointment at the newly opened Jamesburg Veterinary Hospital.

JAMESBURG - Area animals can rest at ease.

Dr. Ehab Ibrahim has opened the Jamesburg Veterinary Hospital, the first place in town to offer medical care to residents' four-legged friends.

"There is no vet in Jamesburg,Monroe Township, Helmetta or Spotswood," Ibrahim said. "It's the perfect spot. I hear ...maybe two or three times a day, 'Thank God, you are open in this area.'"

Since opening for business a month ago at 3 Stockton Ave., Ibrahim has garnered about 50 clients, and the roster keeps growing. The hospital's recent grand opening drewa crowd that included borough officials and professionals involved in making the facility a reality.

"It was very nice," Ibrahim said.

Ibrahim works with everything from cats and dogs to "pocket animals" like hamsters and rats, along with some exotics.

"Anything with fur, I work with," Ibrahim said. "No birds or reptiles. Rats are starting to be very popular. It's a very clean creature."

Ibrahim said the rodents have grown in popularity among kids since some celebrities have them as pets. Pet lovers deem no animal too small or have a life span too short to take to Ibrahimfor treatment.

"Sometimes [children] start with hamsters," Ibrahim said. "If the hamster survives, maybe they'll get a cat."

Though the Jamesburg Veterinary Hospital offers all types of medical care for animals, Ibrahimsaid his passions are emergency treatment and surgery. Already, he has performed eight operations on area pets, he said.

"My surgery skills are pretty good," Ibrahim said. "That is my talent."

Though Ibrahim is passionate about his work, there are times that prove difficult for him, even as a seven-year veterinary veteran. Euthanizing animals is one thing to which one never grows accustomed, he said.

"The moment is a tough time for everybody, even the vet," Ibrahim said. "When the same people [later] bring another dog or puppy to me, that is the best thing I like."

Knowing that clients maintain their trust in his expertise is very important to him, Ibrahim said.

For the time being, the hospital's staff consists of Ibrahimand his certified technician, Denise Salon. The two of them cover everything that needs to be done in the approximately 2,400-square-foot facility, consisting of two examination rooms, a surgery suite, X-ray rooms, a kennel for postoperation recovery and sick animals, a pharmacy area and reception area.

According to Ibrahim, all of the equipment at the facility is top of the line, ensuring that the best qualitymedicine and treatment are provided to every creature that comes through the doors.

Ibrahim's status as a doctor does not stop himfromtaking part in themoremenial tasks involved in keeping the hospital up and running.

"I don't care, I'll sweep or mop, whatever," Ibrahim said.

A seven-year resident of Jamesburg, Ibrahim lives with his wife Dalia, and their two children, Theodore, 2, and AnnaSimone, 8 weeks. Dalia is not likely to be found frequenting the clinic because she is allergic to cats, Ibrahim said.

"I have to change my shirt before I go home. She married the wrong person," Ibrahim joked.

The Ibrahims' own family pet, a Yorkie, recently passed away, but with a newborn baby and a blossoming practice, the couple has enough on their hands for the moment.

Ibrahim said he is not worried about the soon-to-open veterinary practice in Monroe Township because there are enough area animals to go around.

"We need maybe two or three [practices] in this area to cover it," Ibrahim said. "Thatwill keep everybody [fromhaving to leave] the area."

In true community spirit, Ibrahimsaid he hopes to work together with the new facility in Monroe, helping out if equipment is down ormedications are unavailable.

Before opening in Jamesburg, Ibrahim spent eight years working at the Iselin VeterinaryHospital.He still works weekends at the Central Jersey Emergency Clinic in Iselin while the new practice is growing.

But it is nice to be working in his hometown.

"I love Jamesburg," Ibrahim said. For information or to schedule an appointment, call (732) 656-0039.