Honoring a Legacy of Care

Avenue Veterinary Clinic is more than a new name — it’s a continuation of a longstanding promise from passionate, dedicated professionals to care for pets and the people who love them. Discover our story and the people who made it possible.

cat under a grey blanket

Two Hospitals, One Shared Purpose

For years, families have relied on Avenue of the Saints Animal Hospital in Waverly and Waverly Veterinary Clinic for dependable veterinary care—care rooted in relationships, clinical excellence, and a deep respect for the human-animal bond. While each practice had its own story and strengths, they were united by the same values: doing what’s right for the patient, taking time with people, and serving the community with integrity.

Now, as Avenue Veterinary Clinic, we carry forward the best of both hospitals — bringing teams, experience, and traditions together under one roof to continue providing thoughtful, individualized care for dogs and cats in our community.

Celebrating Dr. Phyllis Strain’s 30-Year Legacy

After 30 years of dedicated service at Avenue of the Saints Animal Hospital, we proudly celebrate Dr. Phyllis Strain (Frost)‘s incredible legacy as she embarks on her well-deserved retirement. Her retirement marks the end of an era, but it’s a celebration of her incredible journey with us.

Dr. Strain’s journey began in 1994, and for three decades, she has been a pillar of dedicated, compassionate care and veterinary excellence. After graduating from the Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Strain brought her love for animals and expertise to every patient she treated. Over the years, she has formed deep connections with the families and pets she cared for, making her an invaluable member of our clinic and community.

Dr. Strain feels incredibly fortunate to have shared this journey with so many loyal clients and their pets. As she reflects on her time with us, she expresses heartfelt gratitude for the trust and support she received from everyone who walked through the doors of our clinic.

As we honor Dr. Strain’s tremendous contributions, we thank her for her years of dedicated service, compassion, and unwavering commitment to animal health. Her influence will be felt for many years to come, and we wish her nothing but joy and relaxation in her next chapter.

Thank you, Dr. Phyllis Strain, for 30 incredible years! Your legacy of love and care will live on at Avenue of the Saints Animal Hospital.

cat and dog sitting on couch

Honoring Dr. Dick Moeller’s Lifelong Service

The legacy Avenue owes to Waverly Veterinary Clinic is also defined by leadership, community presence, and service above self — qualities embodied by Dr. Dick Moeller.

Dick Moeller puts service above self in all he does. A retired Waverly veterinarian, Dr. Moeller is not only a professional but a humanitarian who has made a difference in his community with his professional skills. He is also a pillar in the Waverly Rotary Club, whose contributions and presence have made a substantive difference in the local group of the international organization.

Dr. Moeller’s story reflects the heart of veterinary medicine in a community like ours: being present, showing up for people, and using your skills to make life better for both animals and the humans who care for them.

    Carrying the Legacy Forward at Avenue Veterinary Clinic

    As Avenue Veterinary Clinic moves forward, our commitment is to honor the foundation laid by Avenue of the Saints Animal Hospital and Waverly Veterinary Clinic by continuing to:

    • Treat each pet with patient-focused, individualized care
    • Prioritize clear communication and education for pet owners
    • Uphold a standard of veterinary excellence grounded in experience and compassion
    • Stay active in the community, we’re proud to serve

    We’re grateful for the trust families have placed in these hospitals, and we’re honored to continue that relationship — now as one united clinic, with the same heart behind every visit.