BY KENDALL KIRKHAM

neighborsgo assistant editor

Abrams Royal Animal Clinic has been caring for Lake Highlands pets for the past 31 years.

The youngest staff member has been with the clinic for eight years, and the oldest has been there 20 years. What is the key to its long life?

“We take care of pets as we do family members, they just have four legs,” said James Murray, family veterinarian. “It’s so cool because I’ve seen kids grow up and their kids come in with their pets.”

When considering a new pet, Dr. Murray advises to call the veterinarian first and tell them the breeds you are considering. He doesn’t mind giving you the pros and cons of each one to help you make a decision on which would likely be the better pet.

Dr. Murray also has advice for those thinking to start a family. He says if you are getting a dog, get it controlled first before you have a baby, so you don’t have to deal with the stresses of training a retriever to behave while he’s waking up the infant all hours of the night.

Murray’s love for what he does is what keeps people coming back.

“I get paid to see my friends,” Dr. Murray said.

Best Veterinarian/Groomer/Boarder: Abrams Royal Animal Clinic

When: Doctor’s hours: 8:30 a.m. to noon and 2 to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. Clinic hours: 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday – Friday and 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday

Where: 8244 Abrams Road, Dallas, 75231

Contact: 214-349-2260 | abramsroyalanimalclinic.com