Veterinary clinic closes without warning

LITCHFIELD — Toll Gate Animal Clinic, an animal hospital on Route 202, and its accompanying dog day spa, were closed unexpectedly Monday “for the foreseeable future.”

The owners, Dr. Jennifer Coons and Matthew Coons, posted a message on the clinic’s Facebook page Monday, telling their customers of the closing.

“With a heavy heart and scattered mind, we are saddened to announce our closure for the foreseeable future. Over the coming weeks, we do hope to reverse this post but for now, our hands have been urged in this direction. Please know that we will continue to do our best to distribute any patient records, prescriptions, or belongings that may be with us until our pending return,” the post said.

The Coons encouraged customers to visit a neighboring veterinary hospital for care for their pets.

“If it is a matter that would be better handled by one of our team members, please call us directly at 860-361-6464. Though it may be delayed, we will return your call at our earliest convenience,” the Coons wrote.

Matthew and Jennifer Coons could not be reached for comment Monday. The answering machine at the clinic asked callers to leave a message.

Tail Waggers, a boarding kennel and day care facility located on the property in a barn above the clinic and other buildings, was open Monday, however.

Staff members there were waiting on customers, some of whom arrived in the afternoon to pick up their pets or drop them off.

One of the employees, who would not comment on the status of the clinic, said, “We are open. We’re very busy and we’re happy at our jobs. We are not saying anything about our employer.”

Joe Tralongo, a new customer who recently adopted a dog from the West Haven animal shelter, was sitting in his truck outside the animal clinic Monday afternoon. His new dog, Haylee, a small pit bull mix, was in the back seat. He was surprised to learn that the clinic was closed.

“I made an appointment,” he said, while Haylee snuffled from her perch in the truck behind him. “I didn’t know they were closed.”

Melissa Simonelli, an Otis, Mass., resident and head veterinary technician at the clinic, said she and others employed at the clinic found the door locked when they arrived for work Monday. Customers, she said, were arriving for appointments.

“People were lined up at the door and couldn’t get in,” she said.

There are no animal patients staying at the clinic, Simonelli said.

Emily M. Olson / Hearst Connecticut Media / Joe Tralongo, a new customer who recently adopted Haylee, a dog from the West Haven animal shelter, in his truck outside the Toll Gate Animal Clinic Monday afternoon. He had a scheduled appointment and was surprised to learn the clinic was closed.

Emily M. Olson / Hearst Connecticut Media / Toll Gate Animal Clinic, which is located at Tail Waggers kennel and pet day care in Litchfield, closed on Monday. Customers who arrived for appointments found the door locked and a statement from the owners on Facebook about the closure. The kennel and day care are still open.