I don't know when the previous reviewer's experience was, but I do agree that DRAH has a real problem with hiring friendly front desk staff. In the 5 years I've been going there, i can think of only 1 person who ever actually looked at my cats and commented on them. Usually the front desk people don't even look me in the face and let's face it - if you're at the vet, you're either scared cuz something's wrong or you're there for a routine checkup. In the first case, the front desk folks should say something nice to make you feel better, in the second, say something nice to make you feel like you are doing the right thing!! DRAH is EXPENSIVE. No doubt. And I'm not a fan of most of the vets there. But, Dr. Mixson, while not a talker, is very good. She listens and hears you, not just lets you talk and ignores you. She might not be the most talkative, but if you ask her what's going on, she will tell you. Also, she ALWAYS calls to follow up on blood work. And she is a great acupuncturist. Again, it is expensive, but every time i go in for an appointment, the patient before or after me there for acupuncture is happy with the results and what she's done for my oldest (and former feral) cat who has severe arthritis and calcification on her spine - is nothing short of amazing. I get the impression that Dr. Mixson and the other vets there were told at some point to take a more "turn and burn" approach to their patients, b/c they used to take more time with each patient. It's sad really, b/c bedside manner does matter - from the front desk to the vet tech to the vet. I remember one visit, the waiting room was packed, and this woman came from one of the exam rooms, alone with an empty carrier. She was trying not to cry. It was obvious that she came in with a cat but was leaving alone. One person in the waiting room asked if it was over, and the woman nodded. Everyone in the waiting room ininstinctively offered her condolences and I even hugged her. Well that was it, she started bawling, told us all about her cat, and I'm teary eyed now remembering it. Damn it if the front desk girl didn't call out, "Mrs. So-and-so, how do you want to pay today?" Come ON!! How about send a bill for that one, whydontcha??