No matter what the animal, Dr. Eric Shaver and East Holmes Veterinary Clinic can help

Dr. Eric Shaver has seen some pretty strange birds in his time. In fact, in his 25 years of practice in Berlin, he's had his hands on a lot of unusual animals, from ill amphibians to zebras who have lost their zip. And while some might freak out over finding a snake in the garden or spying a spider in the bedroom, Dr. Shaver actually welcomes these animals into his care and provides their owners with the services they need to enjoy their pets for years to come.

Shaver, owner and veterinarian of East Holmes Veterinary Clinic, grew up in Geauga County where his parents' farm and the dedication of a motivated 4-H advisor instilled in him a love of agriculture.

"When people asked my dad what he raised, he would say he raised boys," laughed Shaver, whose three brothers also work in various agricultural careers.

"He grew an interest in agriculture in all of us. We had a small goat and Jersey cow dairy, a flock of sheep, hogs for meat and chickens for eggs, so I had a broad exposure to livestock growing up."

That exposure lead Shaver to enroll in veterinary science courses in high school through Penn State University and to become involved in a veterinary science club through the 4-H program in his county. It was the enthusiasm of the 4-H leader that greatly influenced Shaver's decision to become a veterinarian.

"Our instructor was very motivated. We toured the Cleveland Natural History Museum and got a behind-the-scenes look at how they assembled dinosaur skeletons. The 4-H program instructor then lead the group in assembling a horse skeleton."

Shaver was fascinated with the process, inspiring him to pursue a career in veterinary science and anchoring him to 4-H, later involving his daughter Katy, who is now finishing her third year in the early admissions pathway for Ohio State University's Doctor of Pharmacy program. He still serves on the 4-H llama committee and as the Holmes County Fair Veterinarian, offering veterinary service to fair participants when needed.

Shaver and his staff strive to offer other educational opportunities to the community as well, presenting regular meetings on dairy, equine, llama and alpaca, as well as teaching the OARDC lambing courses every other year and offering presentations on pet health topics.

When he first came to Holmes County, Shaver said 90 percent of his business was caring for large animals and livestock. Now it's a 50-50 mix with an amazing variety for a rural community, including not only dogs and cats, cattle and horses, but also exotic pets and livestock like ostriches, emu, white-tailed deer, potbellied pigs, birds, reptiles and more.

What's the strangest patient he has ever handled?

"I once had a tarantula unable to shed her skin, and when that happens, they're unable to eat. Female tarantulas can live to be 30, and this one was only 8 years old. The owner couldn't find anyone to see her, so I said I'd take a look."

Shaver confessed that there were things he didn't learn about in veterinary school, tarantula care being one, so he had to use all of his resources. He was able to consult with an online source specifically designed for veterinarians and came up with a course of anesthesia for the tarantula, allowing him to remove her paper-thin skin.

"She went home and ate a cricket, and the owner was thrilled. It was a very rewarding experience for everyone involved."

Shaver's success isn't solely his own. He depends on the help of 18 staff members, including his wife and office manager, Cheryl, licensed veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, kennel, grooming and reception staff, and now, in addition to Dr. Amity Wise and Dr. Aaron Wise, the clinic has welcomed two new doctors. Dr. Kristen Mierzwiak, a Michigan State graduate, who has a strong interest in both small and large animals, and Dr. Austin Hinds, a Mississippi State graduate, who has been at OSU for four years in the food animal residency program and is soon-to-be board certified in food animal internal medicine. This brings the number of doctors at East Holmes Veterinary Clinic to five, the most the practice has ever had.

Together, Shaver and his staff operate two clinics, one in Berlin and one in Millersburg. The full-service facility in Berlin offers standard veterinary services, a well-stocked pharmacy, boarding, grooming, and a complete in-house laboratory including an endoscope, two x-ray machines, a power dental float, and state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment, while the Millersburg satellite office behind Holmes Fire District 1 operates as a wellness clinic, mainly for small animal exams and minor medical issues with large animals. For clients with transportation difficulties or pet emergencies, the clinic offers house calls, 24-hour emergency care and pick-up and drop-off services.

So whether it's a Caiman crocodile or a prize quarter horse that's feeling a bit cranky, Shaver and his staff at East Holmes Veterinary Clinic are well-equipped and ready to help, even if the request is a little bit on the wild side.

"We don't always profess to be experts," admitted Shaver, "but we're always willing to do our best."

The Berlin office of East Holmes Veterinary Clinic is open Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, from 7 a.m. to noon, and is closed on Sunday, though after-hours emergency calls can be made to 330-893-3650. Call 330-674-5591 or 330-893-2057 for the Millersburg office hours or to schedule an appointment.

This article was underwritten by East Holmes Veterinary Clinic.