FRIENDS THAT HELP US GROW

Written by Sal Salafia, Certified Avian Specialist, Founder of Exotic Pet Birds Inc.

We all know that in life, it takes many positive influences to grow. As a company, we have been so fortunate to have had the opportunity to grow because of all the positive influences we have received. We've told you over the years about the many knowledgeable breeders who have and continue to help us. We've made it so clear that we each help each other learn and grow here as a community, but today, for my Special Blog post, I want to tell you about 2 Special people. Dr. Christopher Brunson + Dr. Jess Christman. Both of these people have helped our animals in so many ways. They have, as a result of their extensive knowledge and care, helped us grow. You have surely heard us sing praises of New Hope Veterinary Wellness Center, run and founded by Dr. Brunson.

This year, he had to deal with a personal loss and, as a result, needed to temporarily restructure to keep up with the demands of a well-loved, growing practice. Through no fault of his own, this left us looking for support for our animals. As luck would have it, the world has a way of working in mysterious ways. One day, my wife, Jamie, and I got the opportunity to consult with a lovely couple looking to buy a pet bird. Have you guessed it yet? One of those lovely people turned out to be Dr. Jess Christman. Just weeks after learning we needed medical support, in walked "Jess" as we all lovingly call her today. Jess does not currently see birds in her practice at the moment due to the time constraints of her busy client base, but she picked us up as a client, and we can not be more thankful. Coming into our facility and doing vet exams here in our state-of-the-art grooming room. Jess has been in the "behindclosed door" parts of EPBI, she works in our quarantine sections of the building coming into our facility to see our birds on her day off from Clark Animal Hospital on her day off.

Answering my texts for questions about our animals on days off, Jess is so much more than a friend to us all here. She is an angel who walked through our doors when we needed her the most. Jess is a true testament to the power of the EPBI/EPRI community. This community gives back and grows us in so many ways. As a “pet store" owner their is no finer compliment than to have a Dr. in veterinary medicine select your facility to obtain a pet, use your grooming program and board their pet with you - Yet Jess does all of the above and this is even more a testimanet to what we do here as Jess has full access to all our sensitive quarantine zones including our boarding, quarantine rooms and boarding rooms. She knows our operation procedures, and we are just overjoyed to have her supporting us and utilizing our full service facility after having the most exclusive "back stage pass". We don't "need" to have a veterinarian at our disposal to run a pet business in this country, but we won't operate this company without one guiding and supporting us. We have 2 great people we know we can reach out to if the time ever arises. As the company's founder, it is absolutely a moment of great pride that I share that Jess is not the first veterinarian to obtain their pet here. She is the first to support our community with her talents and overall knowledge. Let's all give a great big cheer to Dr. Jess Christman + Dr. Christopher Brunson, who have continued to support the people and animals of EPBL /EPRI through their knowledge and talent! Today's post should give you a great sense of comfort to know we are growing as a community and picking up some very cool people to join us along the way! Much love and appreciation to each and every one of you, as the journey is so much more fun with you all here. Is there any wonder why PETS+ named us as one of America's Coolest Pet Businesses in 2025?