Today was a weird day all around. There was the staff issues that seem to ALWAYS arise in small animal practice. Dramas that happen between different factions. I try to stay out of it. There are two sides to every story and then there's the third side: the truth.
There was also the "new" client who, I guess, thought we were a FREE clinic. He called up and reported his dog has some issues and was in pain but when we tell him an xray is needed (after I do a full physical exam), he suddenly pulls out the "I have no money card." This begins the time and staff consuming process of trying to figure out what to do. No one wants to see an animal suffer. Serendipitously there was a person there at that time that does rescue for a local county. He would've taken the dog (as a surrender), done what he could, and found a good home for him. He does that all the time! But this owner, despite saying he didn't want to see the dog suffer, didn't want to give him up (after saying he did!). Then he ends up leaving without paying for the exam. Nice. Guess I'll tell my debtors I can't pay my student loans and insurance fees this month because I can't and gee, do they want to see me suffer?? Really???
BE UP FRONT. ON THE PHONE. Honestly, perhaps this person would've simply been directed elsewhere.
Again - bills need to be paid for the hospital. Staff is not volunteer. Pets ARE a luxury. NOT a necessity for life. I know this sounds cruel to some but it's the reality of life. Its how we, as a country, ended up in the mess we are in - you are not entitled to a $1000 financed puppy anymore than you are to a 52 inch plamsa TV. If you can't afford it, you shouldn't buy it.
it makes me crazy when people who say they can't afford them have pets, they won't give them up to someone who can care for them but then say they love the pet....
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