FOLEY, Ala. — If anybody says they like visiting the doctor, ask them to have their head examined.

That goes double for animals, who can’t clearly voice their displeasure.

But, the patients at Magnolia by the Gulf Veterinary clinic in Gulf Shores let their owners, the vets and the clinic staff know they are not happy about the situation. They bark, meow, growl and hiss. Some sit down and have to be carried into an examination room.

It’s all in a days work for Dr. Lee Ann McGill and her associate, Dr. Neisje Langston. McGill founded the clinic 22 years ago and Langston joined the practice in 2006.

The practice was honored recently with a “Vet Spotlight” award from the Baldwin County Humane Society (BARC).

According to BARC director Sonja Presley, “For 22 years, Dr. McGill has been providing veterinary care, boarding and grooming services to BARC’s adoptable dogs and cats. Dr. McGill’s annual fundraisers Paws Meet Claus pet portraits at her Foley vet clinic and Mystic Krewe of K9 Kritters at her Gulf Shores vet clinic have raised thousands of dollars for (BARC) to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals.

“Dr. Langston is amazing with administering the heartworm treatments to our rescued dogs. She is essential to our transport and dog adoption programs where BARC! saves dogs from Baldwin County high-rate kill shelters and transports them to ‘furever’ homes throughout the New England area, including Canada. Drs. McGill and Langston make sure the dogs have pre-adoptive care including spayed/neutered, current vaccinations and an interstate health certificate so they’re eligible for transport. We recently achieved a milestone with our 100th dog going on transport.”

McGill said, “We always work with them. Fosters and strays make very good pets.”

Deciding to become a veterinarian was easy for both women.

“There was never a doubt,”said McGill, who grew up in Florida and completed her undergraduate work and trained as a vet at Auburn University. “I love animals and was focused on a career with them.”

Langston had similar feelings as a youngster. She is from Kentucky, and was an undergraduate at the University of Kentucky and completed her veterinary training at Auburn. She came to the area when her father-in-law moved here, bringing her and her husband, fellow veterinarian Adam Langston.

The love of animals extends to both women’s home life.

Langston has two dogs, one cat and while not livestock, she has two children, 5 and 9 years of age.

McGill has a dog and two cats, and is responsible for the many clinic cats and dogs.

The vets have also taken care of many of Baldwin County Humane Society’s animals.

The practice has seen several animals come in at once, and it’s common for a few to be at the clinic getting over treatable illnesses before adoption.

“We treat a variety of maladies,” said Langston. “And we give them all the tests they need to make sure they are healthy and adoptable.”

Sometimes a furry life is at stake.

“The best part is saving a pet’s life,” said McGill, noting that the pair have treated many heartworm infestations.

The veterinarians had some advice for pet owners.

“We see a lot of vomiting and diarrhea from dietary indiscretions,” chuckled McGill. She noted that sago palms are toxic to pets, and pets get into trouble by chewing on the plants.

“We see a lot of liver failure,” added Langston.

That comes from dogs getting into chocolate such as Easter candy or sugar-free treats that contain sweeteners not good for dogs.

And selecting the right pet for your lifestyle is key. A person who lives in an apartment might be happier with a cat or small dog, while someone with a lot of room might like a larger dog, both McGill and Langston say.

“The problems we see involve overfeeding and discipline,” Langston says.

Both women recall a favorite patient.

“Digger was a chocolate Lab,” said McGill. “He came in with his ‘sister,’ a Basset. They had been given up by their owner and came to get neutered.”

The vets discovered that Digger had a blood disorder, and worked to get him well enough to live with his new owner.

“Pets are great,” said Langston. “They don’t talk back.”

“And they give unconditional love,” added McGill.

“We like supporting BARC. They do so much,” said McGill. “More people should help any way they can.”