In 2005, Veterinary Doctor Aileen Ruiz was forced to evacuate from her home in New Orleans. Like many others displaced by Hurricane Katrina, Dr. Ruiz went to stay with a friend. Her friend happened to live in Lawrenceville.
"Lawrenceville reminds me a lot of the Uptown and Magazine Street areas of New Orleans," says Dr. Ruiz. "It's very artsy, and it really makes me feel like I'm back home."
Fortunately for the animal lovers of Pittsburgh, Dr. Ruiz found the city so appealing that she decided to stay, and will be opening The Big Easy animal hospital in Lawrenceville on July 5.
Located at 5328 Butler Street, the full service animal hospital will feature modern diagnostics and surgical facilities, which offer wellness, prevention, and urgent care for dogs and cats, as well as pocket animals like ferrets and guinea pigs.
While The Big Easy's facilities are state of the art, Dr. Ruiz wants to offer a very personal and compassionate style of service, with a mom and pop flair. She's literally brought her mom here to work as the receptionist!
Dr. Ruiz is a Cuban American, born in Miami. "My mother and I are both bilingual, which will make us the first bilingual English and Spanish veterinary hospital in Pittsburgh," Dr. Ruiz points out.
The Big Easy will host an open house on Saturday, July 10 from 5-8 p.m., with music provided by DJ Zombo.
The Big Easy will accept walk-ins Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Doctor's appointments can be scheduled on Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
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Source: Dr. Aileen Ruiz,
The Big EasyWriter:
John FarleyPhotograph copyright John Farley