I have been following this thread from day one and it truly breaks my heart. The more I am reading and learning, the sadder this thread gets.
Ally173, first let me say that I am so sorry for your ordeal. I can imagine the heartbreak you are feeling and not only that but you must be terrified for you dog as well, wondering and worrying how she is getting along.
Personally, I feel that what was done to you is cruel. Like some of the others, I feel that you were somewhat desperate, pressured and scared. I believe that you made this decision under extreme duress. While I do understand that vets are a financial business, they are also supposed to be in the business of healing and doing what is humane for the pet. I'm sorry but separating a severely ill pet from its owner during a time of crisis is NOT humane or doing what is in the best interest of the dog. So now, not only is this dog incredibly ill, but imagine how terrified and stressed out she must be too! Left in a strange place surrounded by nobody that she knows without even a visit or any contact from the one person she trusts and loves most in this world. We all know this dog is longing for its owner!! How is that not adding extra stress on the dog? Some ill dogs may even give up the fight..
I believe that any vet with a heart would have worked with ally173. It was obvious she had been caring for this dog and its health issues for years, she had the records and the bills to prove it. She was doing everything in her power to help her dog. She was lead astray by a previous bad vet who completely gave her inadequate info and poor medical care to her dog. So, she goes to another vet and their best suggestion is for her to abandon her pet??!! What kind of world is this we live in? This makes me so furious. She is trying to find help, not a new home for her dog. She has already spent 8K on this dog, she does not have another 4K at her disposal at this time. That is not to say that she may not be able to raise the funds or come up with money for future medical expenses either. She was not given a chance. It was an on the spot thing, either give us all the money now, or give us your dog...
ally173, I hate this for you. I truly do. I pray that you can come up with the 4K somehow. If you were able to, then you may have a fighting chance with the animal hospital to get your dog back. I can't see any caring vet withholding a pet from their owner if they are able to pay. I do know at this point there are legal aspects so its a gamble but it couldn't hurt to try. As others have mentioned, you do need to first consider whether or not you can continue to care for this dogs medical expenses. Now that you have a better idea of what is really wrong with your dog, you can have a fighting chance to prevent future attacks. Yet, you would need to be prepared for the event of life long medical issues and expenses.
I agree with many others that Banfield does own some responsibility in this. Continue with your efforts. Media coverage is sometimes the quickest and most effective way to yield results. Bombard your local stations with emails and phone calls.
Good luck to both you and your little one. My prayers are with you. |