New vet opens at site of standoff

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Last year, a bitter dispute over the custody of a cat drove local veterinarian Shirley Koshi to the brink. Faced with alleged cyberbullying over the animal and mounting damage to her business, Dr. Koshi made the tragic decision to end her life on Feb. 16, 2014.

One year later, a new story has emerged in Riverdale.

At the same address previously occupied by Dr. Koshi’s Gentle Hands clinic, a new branch of One Love Animal Hospital opened its doors to neighborhood pets, also on Feb. 16.

“It’s really unfortunate what happened,” said Dennis Miller, who explained that as a veterinarian, he was informed of Dr. Koshi’s passing almost immediately. “We pay attention to these things. The veterinarian community is a pretty tight one.”

Even considering the tragic history of 3547 Johnson Ave., One Love did not think of opening its Riverdale branch anywhere else, Dr. Miller said. He added that he has received a good reception from the community since day one.

“We’ve had people stop by to welcome us to the neighborhood, and then return with their pets for an appointment within the hour,” he said.

Those pets include Coco, a 13-week-old toy poodle, who recently visited One Love with her owner for a banana shake-flavored booster, advice on ear mite treatment and behavioral training tips.

Steadied by veterinary technician Tannaz Zafarnia, the toy poodle gave a short cry as a vaccine needle pricked her front leg.

“We’ve lived in Riverdale about six years,” said Brenda Lebron, who explained that she adopted the puppy for her daughter Jessica Hernandez, a student at the Spuyten Duyvil School (P.S. 24). “We decided to take a chance on the vet because it had the word ‘love’ in its name.”

As Dr. Miller examined swabs from Coco’s ears for mites using a Revolution microscope left behind by Dr. Koshi, Ms. Lebron described how “enamored” her daughter was of her new poodle and how enamored the poodle was of Jessica, 10. She said that if Jessica forgets to say goodbye to Coco when she leaves the apartment, the dog becomes anxious. Ms. Lebron added that she often plays music to soothe the dog.

One Love Animal Hospital, Shirley Koshi, Dennis Miller, Tannaz Zafarnia, pets, veterinarians, Nic Cavell
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