Video: Tupelo Animal Hospital Rebuilt In Aftermath Of Tornado

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TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – On the afternoon of April 28th, a client had just left Dilworth Small Animal Hospital on West Jackson Street, when the tornado hit.

The pictures tell the story.This awning from a nearby daycare slammed into the animal hospital’s roof.Luckily no staff, or patients were hurt.

“It was just a loud, loud boom and then all of a sudden, water coming down and we were all hiding under the x ray table,” recalls Sara Nelms, an associate veterinarian at Dilworth Animal Hospital.

There was extensive water damage to several rooms, equipment and other supplies.

Shortly after the tornado hit, offers of help and assistance were coming in from friends, clients and even strangers.Staffers say it’s another reason they’re thankful they are in North Mississippi.

“All of our colleagues in town reached out to us, offered facilities, their equipment,” Laurie Dilworth said.

Laurie Dilworth was able to bring in a mobile home and set up shop in back of her clinic.Almost immediately, contractors began working to repair the damage, replace water soaked equipment and improve the facility.

None of the staff at Dilworth Animal Hospital had to miss work throughout the repairs.

Now, they’re getting ready for an annual Halloween open house, and a celebration.

“This time we will do a grand reopening, where we’re proud to show off what we’ve managed to do and how we’ve rebuilt,” Dilworth said.

The open house takes place Tuesday afternoon.

Guests are asked to bring pet treats or food that will go to the Lee County Humane Society.It runs from 3:30 pm until 6 pm at Dilworth Small Animal Hospital at 2214 W Jackson St. www.dilworthsmallanimalhospital.com