UGH!!! What's Your Rant?

[Sarah]

Originally Posted by Miss Vicky

Have you ever asked your vet if they would be willing to match prices? The hospital where I work has a policy of matching the prices found on the internet or elsewhere (provided that the price is not below our cost) and will even ship the medication if convenience is the deciding factor between purchasing it with us or elsewhere. We'd rather make less profit on an item than none at all.

That's understandable! I haven't thought about asking them to match prices though. Really, I just get the medicines and treatments.. like the Malaseb pads, oticare powder, ointments and things like that.. at the vet, and get the things I need more frequently.. shampoos, grooming supplies, food, treats, vitamins.. at the pet store.

As for the pushing of the food - if you're talking about Prescription food, there's a huge difference between what is sold at vets and what is found in the stores and a reason why it is by prescription only. Also, when it comes to the prices you pay for regular pet food, there is a huge difference in quality between brands like Science Diet, Eukanuba, and Royal Canin versus other, lower cost, brands. People have it in their heads that it's all a money making scheme, but the fact of the matter is that if you feed higher quality foods, you're less likely to encounter problems like food allergies, urinary crystal formation, pancreatitis, and other food related issues.

Oh yeah, I definitely understand about the prescription food. I'm just talking about regular Science Diet, which is available elsewhere, obviously. My little one loves Eukanuba the most. Unfortunately, I have to drive an hour to get her food, biscuits, and treats; My vet's hospital only carries Science Diet. I've looked at the Royal Canin, but haven't picked it up.. it seems like it was quite breed specific (Lily is a schnauzer/poodle mix), and I think I remember the protein being a bit lower than the Eukanuba. It is super important to feed them quality food. My sister's dog (a Westie) has the WORST allergies, and we have tried everything to help him not be so itchy. The only thing that has ever truly worked is Nutro Max dog food. Nothing else, not even medicines, special shampoos, or other treatments. He's to the point now that he doesn't give a crap about what you're eating, even if you offer it to him. He's a Nutro only guy. It's like he knows he'll start itching like crazy if he eats something else.

As for not being able to afford "exorbitant" emergency fees. Like I said, this wasn't something that just happened. She could easily have avoided those fees by simply showing up when we were open.

Yeah really, that is 100% her fault for letting her dog get to the point that she'd need to take it to the emergency clinic for emaciation. And like you said, she wasted a lot of time standing there arguing with you that she could have been using to get to the clinic. Emaciation, like you said, doesn't just happen instantaneously. She should have had the gumption to get her dog in earlier (and spare herself the emergency needs) instead of waiting until it was on the brink. People just don't have common sense about things anymore, it seems like. You gotta watch the fuzzybutts like little babies, 'cuz they are. I have a general rule: if Lily seems slightly different.. eating habits, potty time, vomit, whatever.. I start doing a little research online, then I call and ask questions to see if I should bring her in. I don't know if that annoys the vet people or not, but the fact that they answer me honestly keeps me going back to the same hospital.

[Miss Vicky]

Originally Posted by Sarah

My sister's dog (a Westie) has the WORST allergies, and we have tried everything to help him not be so itchy.

Yeah, it's a Westie. If you get a Westie, expect to deal with allergies. Seriously, we carry these special hypo-allergenic dog treats from Purina called Gentle Snackers. Guess what breed is pictured on the package?

That's ridiculous that your vet sells regular Science Diet for more than the pet stores. Most veterinary clinics don't even carry maintenance diets because the average person doesn't think to go to a vet to buy dog or cat food unless their animal has a medical condition that requires special food; they think of either the pet store or the grocery store instead. So if you're going to carry those diets, you really need to give your clients a reason to buy it from you.

[strandinthewind]

Originally Posted by skcin

Oh, absolutely. My vet is 20 miles away, but we like him & he's much cheaper than the one 2 miles down the road from us.

Also, lots of places run low cost vaccination & routine checkup clinics. There is simply no excuse not to provide basic vet care for a pet.

AND -- the drug companies tend to over vaccinate -- or at least the dosage and frequency are too frequent. The AKC and the drug companies and the respectable breeders fight over this all of the time.

[strandinthewind]

Originally Posted by Miss Vicky

. . . . Also, when it comes to the prices you pay for regular pet food, there is a huge difference in quality between brands like Science Diet, Eukanuba, and Royal Canin versus other, lower cost, brands. People have it in their heads that it's all a money making scheme, but the fact of the matter is that if you feed higher quality foods, you're less likely to encounter problems like food allergies, urinary crystal formation, pancreatitis, and other food related issues . . . .

Oh come on -- you know those vibrant colors in Purina Beneful are so put there for flavor and because the they entice the dogs and cats

For those not in the know, the colors occur pretty much solely in the cheapest quality food becaue food dye is WAY cheaper than providing better ingrediant and stupid humans go "LOOK AT THE PRETTY COLORS -- I BET THAT TASTES YUMMY" -- when, in reality, they do nothing to enhance the quality of the food and IMO and the opinion of may others, the colors are harmful to the animal.

I use Dick Van Patten's food right now, but I also like the Chicken Soup stuff.

[trackaghost]

Originally Posted by skcin

Sure it is, Sharon. But I would hope that I could be mature & unselfish enough to be able to make the right choice if ever I became financially unable to care for my pets properly. I would have to find them someone who could.

Animals DEPEND on their owners. If you can't handle it financially, then don't get a pet. I love animals - LOVE them. But if I couldn't afford them, I would NOT have any. No doubt.

Well, I bow to your superior mature and unselfish nature because if I had a pet for years and suddenly found myself unemployed I couldn't give it away just on the off-chance that it might get ill during the time I was down on my luck. Call me irresponsible. I'm not talking about deciding to get a pet you can't afford but one you already own.
But thanks for the lesson in pet care.

[strandinthewind]

^^^

I think you both are talking about two different things. I think one is talking abouyt being destitute and the animal is suffering from it, in which case the humane thing is to give the animal away even temporarily or find some other solution like begging for free care, etc.

I think the other is talking about a financial strain (perhaps temporary) - in which case the animal likely should stay.

Then again, I may just be plain wrong

[GarboSpeaks!]

I basically hate people. There are a LOT of good ones out there, but the majority are pretentious, self absorbed, holier than thou individuals. Like when you ask people a question, or try to befriend someone and they don't give you the time of day. Not even a "F" off or anything. And even if it WERE an "F" off, it's like "just who the F do you think YOU are????"
75% I venture out into the world for goodness it backfires. Then you try to find solace and good online....it backfires. Man, I'm gonna be hermit w/ 80 cats, some dogs and a hamster.
Just in general we are in a socieety of ME ME ME. The story of the person @ the vet office....the "ex" etc.
A funny thing I like to do. I live where I work, so frequently get the knock on the door requesting my time. My time is done @ 6p.m, so bugger off. Anyway, the next time I deal w/ those people, I find where they work. I ask them if say for example they work @ Safeway....if when the store is closed, but I need a carton of milk, since they work there, might they let me in. Little subtle things like that. Generally the person looks @ me like I am on crack, but then it dawns on them as they are giving me "that look" that my question is a reflection of their previous stupidity. Part of me feels bad rubbing it back at them, but if people just stopped and thought for a second tempers wouldn't escalate in a myriad of situations. Alas....people don't stop to think however, and for that, we'll all have daily "UGH'S!!!!!!" lol

[Ghost_Tracker]

I'm not trying to "politicize" this thread, but my current rant is -

Charismatic people with 180 I.Q.'s who "play the race card" to get to be President, and then think that us unwashed less-intelligent heathens aren't gonna pick up on it after a few days...

[skcin]

Originally Posted by trackaghost

Well, I bow to your superior mature and unselfish nature because if I had a pet for years and suddenly found myself unemployed I couldn't give it away just on the off-chance that it might get ill during the time I was down on my luck. Call me irresponsible. I'm not talking about deciding to get a pet you can't afford but one you already own.
But thanks for the lesson in pet care.

You're welcome, Ms. Bloody Defensive.

F*ck, Sharon, you know my husband just lost his job, but I'm not giving my pets away for Christ's sake! You're totally misunderstanding me here. I'd be willing to bet that you (and Sarah and Dee and Jannie) would do everything in your power to care for your pet(s) if your financial situation took a turn for the worse - borrow money, go without things, rearrange your budget, work out a payment plan with a vet, credit cards, etc. - because you guys are PREPARED to do that for your pet. You knew when you got your pet(s) that you would be responsible for caring for them, feeding them and taking them to the vet when needed. YOU made the conscious decision to take on that responsibility, as did I. I think we all remember Homer's love for Cash - he loved that dog so much, and it put him in debt to do it, but he got him the care he needed, he didn't let him suffer. Vet bills are a huge reason that my mother, after the last of her 5 cats died, decided not to get any more pets - EVER. And she has had at least 1 pet for almost her entire life. Is it tough on her? Yes. But she knows in her heart that she simply can't afford it anymore.

That's quite a different story than letting your pet starve, or suffer in pain for days, weeks, or months, because you couldn't (or wouldn't) pay the vet, which it seems this woman did (we don't even know if this was actually the case, she could have just been a neglectful assh*le.) Would it be an incredibly hard decision to give up your pet? God, yes, I'm not saying it's easy. But it would be the right thing to do. If Bubba got really sick and needed tremendous amount of care & we literally could NOT afford it in any way, I would have to be strong enough & love him enough to seek out help for him in some way, rather than let him suffer because I couldn't take him to the vet. To keep him with me would be totally selfish on my part.

Originally Posted by strandinthewind

^^^

I think you both are talking about two different things. I think one is talking abouyt being destitute and the animal is suffering from it, in which case the humane thing is to give the animal away even temporarily or find some other solution like begging for free care, etc.

I think the other is talking about a financial strain (perhaps temporary) - in which case the animal likely should stay.

Then again, I may just be plain wrong

No, you're right. This time.

How many people do you know who one day decide "I think I'll get a dog" or "the kids really want a kitten" or something like that? Getting a pet is not a decision to be taken lightly, like it's no big deal. It's a HUGE responsibility, and people should really think it through & do their research before taking it on. When we decided on a Boxer, I had read up on the breed for WEEKS before we adopted Bub. We know what we could be in for - skin problems (including cancers), hip problems, eye issues, heart disease, stomach problems, etc. We decided it was worth it. Most people don't bother thinking ahead to the "what ifs," they just assume everything will always be fine. THAT'S what I have a problem with. THAT'S what pisses me off.

I hope I've explained myself a bit better. If not, I give up.

[jannieC]

Originally Posted by skcin

F*ck, Sharon, you know my husband just lost his job, but I'm not giving my pets away for Christ's sake!

I am so sorry to hear this- I know it's not related to this thread, but I hope that changes for you soon. I have been there and it's scary. xo

[skcin]

^ Oh, thanks Jannie. We'll be fine for a while, and I really don't want to make this thread about that. Just using it as an example & to let people know that I know what it's like to be in that position. Hopefully we won't get to a point of having to make a decision about our pets, but it's always a very real possibility when things like this happen.

For now, I have a stay at home househusband to cook, clean & take care of the fur kids.

[Miss Vicky]

Originally Posted by skcin

That's quite a different story than letting your pet starve, or suffer in pain for days, weeks, or months, because you couldn't (or wouldn't) pay the vet, which it seems this woman did (we don't even know if this was actually the case, she could have just been a neglectful assh*le.) .

Very true, the idea that the woman didn't have the money to spend is pure speculation, since the subject of money never came up during the confrontation. The only thing she said about the emergency clinic (which I apparently omitted from my original post) was to ask where it was and if it was the closest place to go. She never said "I can't afford that."

And here's what really gets me about this situation: obviously this wasn't a case of the lady simply not feeding her dog, otherwise she wouldn't have bothered to come at all. The two most likely causes that I can come up with for that kind of weight loss are either a foreign body stuck somewhere in the G.I. tract - in which case the first signs would have been severe vomiting and inappetance (refusal to eat) - or diabetes, in which case it would have taken at least a few weeks for the dog to get that underweight, since the dog would still be eating. To me, all signs point to neglect, but maybe it's just that I'm one of those jaded, unsympathetic workers in the veterinary field.

[strandinthewind]

Originally Posted by skcin

. . . No, you're right. This time. . . . .

Listen Cruella - I am ALWAYS right. The sooner you accept that, the sooner your life will be easier

Also and seriously (for a second) - that sucks about your husband

[skcin]

^ If it makes you feel better to think that, then I'll let you. For now.

And meh. Company shut down. Whattayagonnado?

[strandinthewind]

Originally Posted by Miss Vicky

. . . but maybe it's just that I'm one of those jaded, unsympathetic workers in the veterinary field.

You are