Where Does the Name “Zutilla” come from?
Dr. Gregory and Atilla
The name “Zutilla” comes from a combination of the names of Dr. Gregory’s two beloved dogs, Zulu and Atilla.
Zulu was a male black Labrador Retriever mix Dr. Gregory got when she was 11 years old. Zulu unfortunately passed away in 2007. Atilla is a female German Shepherd mix Dr. Gregory got immediately before entering veterinary school.
Atilla is still Dr. Gregory’s companion today and can occasionally be seen accompanying Dr. Gregory on her housecalls. Since both pets played influential roles in her life, Dr. Gregory saw no more fitting tribute than to name the company after them.
Dr. Gregory’s Philosophy
Zutilla Veterinary Housecalls was built from two desires:
(1) To provide a more personalized veterinary experience for the pet owner. Oftentimes in a hospital setting, it is difficult for the veterinarian to spend a large amount of time with the pet owner because other pets and clients are waiting to be attended to. By using a housecall vet, the focus is 100% on the client so more time can be spent to ensure a thorough understanding by the pet owner of the pet’s health.
(2) To reduce stress levels for pets receiving veterinary care. Have you ever taken your dog on a trip to the veterinary hospital and he starts shaking and whining as soon as you walk through the door, assuming you can get him in the door? Or perhaps her tail is tucked as far under her body as it can possibly go? Maybe your cat hides under the bed for the next three days from the stress of the trip.
Dr. Star Gregory | Zutilla Veterinary Housecalls
Many times pets are frightened simply by the sight or smells in a veterinary hospital. Sometimes the presence of other pets in the waiting area adds to the stress. Other pets are simply frightened of being handled by strangers. Zutilla Veterinary Housecalls removes these stress factors and increases the potential for an enjoyable veterinary experience for your beloved pet. Dr. Gregory will take the time necessary for your pet to get used to her before beginning any procedures. A lot of times it only takes a few minutes of quiet speaking and slow moving for a pet to become acclimated to a veterinarian. Even if your pet is insistent on not getting becoming “friends” with Dr. Gregory and is still anxious, be assured that the stress is minimal, and certainly less than if he were in an unfamiliar environment without his owner present.
Who Is Dr. Gregory?
Star Gregory grew up in northern New Jersey. She obtained her undergraduate education from Spelman College in Atlanta, GA. where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. Star then continued to veterinary school in Alabama at Tuskegee University where she graduated with honors as well. After veterinary school, she worked for 2 years in corporate practice. Unsatisfied, Dr. Gregory started Zutilla to provide more personal care for her patients.
Dr. Star Gregory, DVM | Zutilla Veterinary Housecalls
Dr. Gregory resides with her husband Michael, her son Eli, Atilla, Asani (Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix), and Lucky (Labrador Retriever Mix).
Contact Us
404-859-9246 or drgregory@zutillavet.com
