North Park’s Bodhi Animal Clinic gets new vets

The Bodhi Veterinary Clinic and Animal Hospital at 2200 University Avenue in North Park has changed hands. The new owner is Tracy Dowdy, CVPM (certified veterinary practice manager). The purchase price was not disclosed.

After a total renovation, the $3 million “green” building — with solar energy, solar skylight tubes, LED lighting, and xeriscaping — was opened by longtime veterinarian Dr. Robert Nagell in mid-2011. He moved his practice from the former house-turned-office at 2646 University Avenue.

In an email, Dr. Nagell said he and partner Chris Chandler sold the practice but still own the building. “Currently I am taking time to pursue some educational opportunities, and looking into the possibility of teaching,” Dr. Nagell said. He called Bodhi “the fulfillment of a dream.”

The yelp.com website currently gives Bodhi an overall rating of four stars out of five, with 199 reviews. Most reviews are favorable, but some reviewers complained that prices are higher than at other veterinarian facilities.

Commenting on the new owner, Dr. Nagell said, “I think as with any change of ownership there may be concerns or issues about differences in policies and practice style by clients that are used to a previous style.” He added that “the overall focus on providing excellent patient care and great client service has always been present, and I know it continues to be a focus.”

Originally constructed as a Jack LaLanne gym, the building later became controversial as a gay bathhouse. It was closed by the San Diego city attorney's office in 2007, citing the state’s Red Light Abatement Act (signed into law by California governor Hiram Johnson in 1913).

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