Am I being overly sensitive?
 

I began seeing a new vet this year. I generally really like the vet and her office staff seems very friendly. That said, I have 4 cats and now 2 dogs. The oldest two cats are 6 years old and I've had them since they were kittens and the younger two are rescues I've adopted within the past two years. I got Mojo at the beginning of this year always knowing I would get another Yorkie. He was doing well on his house breaking and it's summer, so I thought it would be a great time to bring home another. I truly believe everybody needs a buddy, so I just brought Maci home this past weekend.

My problem is, every time I bring a new pet in, I get a comment to the effect of, "oh, it's another one?" First of all, though these pets may be new to the vet, they are not new to me, with the exception of the pups. Everyone is fully vetted, on high quality food, and gets daily (practically constant) attention from me. I work from home, so they are hardly ever alone.

Trust me, my furry family is complete for a while, but I really feel like they're judging me for having multiple pets. When I called to make Maci's first vet appointment, the receptionist said "oh, another puppy?" I responded with, yes, I only have one other.

I'm sorry, I'm probably overly hormonal. In fact, I know I am right now. However, it really irritates me that I've gotten multiple comments from these people. You think they'd be happy to see that I'm a responsible pet owner and that all my furkids are healthy.

I think that would irritate me too. I know it would. You can always research some new vets. I know I was unhappy with some things at my vet and I found one an hour away that I choose to drive to now just because of their people skills and over all skills.
Maybe its time to go on a search :)
Sometimes the Vets counter help have alot to be desired LOL

Is this the Vet's attitude or just the office staff? One office worker in particular? Or all that you encounter there?

Some people are just not trained in reception and are awkward at greetings. but, it could seem, as their job depends on pets, that they would be happy to see new animals at their practice.

I agree w Breny - occasionally the counter ppl at a vet can get a little crabby. At my vet there is only one who can get crabby, but I cringe when its her who answers the phone. I know there will be a sigh, condescending comment, etc. The others are a pure joy and very pleasant, plus I find the majority of the vets who practice there to have outstanding knowledge and a real heart for animals (it is a large practice) - so I keep going. Also, I just found out on another thread, not all vets have staff there overnight w the admitted animals, and my vet does.

I would find another vet if I were you. You would think they would be happy you are providing a good home to mult animals.

I would be irritated too... that's right on up there when I got a comment from the vet because I brought Chip in because his paw pad broke open and was bleeding a lot and he was limping. The vet said to me "Oh you made me stay open for this?" She also told me that if my dog keels over to not come crying to her. I almost pulled her across the table. Needless to say, I found a new vet.

Some people just don't know how to keep their comments to themselves. It's none of their business if you have 50 pets, as long as they are fed properly, vetted properly, and cared for in their every need. You shouldn't have to feel like you need to explain that to anyone. If it's just the office staff I would maybe mention the comments to the office manager or the vet and maybe they can speak with the staff. If the vet is making comments, I would change vets, IMO. If a vet is making snarky comments like that, then it sounds like he would just be in his profession for all the wrong reasons.

Wow... just wow! I agree with you completely. It's not anyone's business how many pets I have, as long as they're well cared for. I'm not going there to be judged.

I know I've heard it from multiple people there and definitely once from the vet. When the vet made the comment, I told her they may be new to her, but not to me. The vet tried to backtrack saying that she didn't mean it like that, but I was still offended by the comment because her vet tech had made an almost identical comment when showing us to the exam room.

They treat my animals very well. The morning Mojo was neutered; they just carried him around with them so he wouldn't have to sit in a cage alone. The vet is an advocate against over vaccinating, which I appreciate. It stinks because I’m in a small town with only a few vets. I stopped seeing a different vet for multiple reasons and was traveling an hour to another animal hospital for the past few years. With the hours I work, it got to be too much after a while. This vet was actually recommended to me by another YT member and I’ve heard good things about her around town.

Under those circumstances, I wouldn't switch. They say things they regret sometimes. It's an exhausting and annoying job at times. They get grumpy.

It definitely is their business how many animals are in the house. Hoarding is a big issue (not saying by any means that 6 animals is hoarding). Disease could spread through all of them, etc., etc.

Getting two pups close together isn't really recommended, so there might have been concern about that. As long as the vet doesn't keep at it, I'd let it go. And ignore the staff.

Maybe if one of those comments is made again, you could have some half-joking yet meant comment back. I certainly am not the most gifted person in tact (husband will verify this!), but there has got to be a way to have a comment ready to get your point across. Kind of, "yes another one - since I'm able to provide, I'm willing to save another. Small animal adopted, small dent in homeless pet population!"

Maybe they'll get the hint.;)

Actually, you should probably ask Ann "Wylie's Mom". She's the queen of wording things! - After I read my witty remark above; not so witty!

I think I would over look snotty comments if I was receiving quality care. To me, knowing my girls are being taken care of means more than getting my feelings hurt.

I had a vet in the past with great people skills, staff was great, but I didn't feel she was giving Maddie proper care with her eye issues. I left worried if she really knew what was going on with Maddie, I found out she didn't.

Here you and I will disagree. I contend that it is absolutely no one's business how many pets I have in my household as long as they are healthy and well cared for. The vet has written evidence that they are all healthy and always have been fully vetted. The vet and her staff comment on how healthy and well adjusted my pets are every time I bring one in. As for getting two pups too close together, that is just someone's opinion based on how successfully *most* people would handle the situation. I happen to be home full time with my dogs, so it is not an issue. You are absolutely entitled to your opinion, though. I mean that with the utmost respect. (I know it's hard to interpret tone sometimes.)

To me, it's like telling me I have too many kids. If I had 6 human children and was able to support all of them and provide a healthy, loving environment for them, would someone have the right to tell me I had too many kids?

I think I am going to have a talk with the vet if the comment is ever made again. I do believe they provide quality care. I would hate to have to switch because of their insensitive comments.

Actually, I think I am going to speak with the vet regardless of whether another comment it made during our next visit. I would think the vet would want to be aware of the situation before losing 6 patients.

I love my vet so much and I know he doesn't care if I had 20, Thankfully all the staff has been nice to my face, we also get a multi pet discount. I would mention it to the vet if there is an issue with the office staff, remind them you are the reason they have a job.I have 4 yorkie and 3 cats and they never comment.. Before I had my Yorkies I took my other pets to a different vet for years, I boarded my Cairns with them and the office manger told me I couldn't board Champion any more because he didn't walk on a leash. I was very upset but never mentioned that to my vet, About a year later I came in and she was gone, I asked the vet and she had been fired for several complaints from pet owners. I told him what she had said to me and he was upset that I hadn't told him. She was trying to control his business.

WOW I'm really sorry that your Vet office is that way. You are correct it's no one's business how many pet's you have as long as they are healthy and happy.

I love my Vet office. I know when my Molly passed in October, I swore I would never get any more. Then two weeks later I adopted Willow. When I brought her in, they told me they had a bet going on in the office as to when I would have a another. LOL
The I adopted Allie in March after my Annie had passed on New yera's Eve. When I brought her in, they asked me what took so long. LOL

I did want to clarify that those kinds of comments aren't acceptable and it's absolutely fine to have 6 animals as long as they are all well cared for.

But yes, vets and physicians do care how many you have. First, physicians care because they want to know about psychological issues like hoarding and they want to know how likely it is for you to be exposed to zoonotic diseases. It also gives a picture of what your environment is like.

A very common question in vet med is "does this pet have any friends at home". No other animals in the house, much less chance of certain things (esp. in teh case of indoor cats that never go outside). If they understand the exposure level that the animal has on a daily basis, it can help with a diagnosis. Also, if an owner comes in saying that cat x has loose stool, but yet they also get out of the owner that 20 other cats are present, then vet knows that is probably just a guess, etc. Not all owners are good ones. Some are really terrible, actually. They don't know what they're doing and do not give each animal the attention that it needs. So even though you wouldn't fall into this category, a lot of owners do and it's hard to vet staff to tell at times.

Are you sure it wasn't just in a joking fashion? As a way to to make conversation?

Over at my dads house, we have 2 cats and 3 dogs (when I'm there) and we ourselves joke that have a crazy zoo.

Sure, it's none of their business but I wouldn't take it personally. I feel like sometimes people just are looking for something to say. It's like when you see a huge dog like a Great Dane, most peoples comments are "he's like a horse!" or something like that. Just how a lot of convo starters with Yorkies are "they are so tiny!"

My step-grandmother is 84 and had 13 children. People often joke with her "How did you do it?!?" or "I can't believe you had that many kids!" and she always laughs that she does not know how she did it. Now straight up telling someone they have too many kids is rude but a lot of people will have their opinions about children too. It's not unheard of.

I do understand your point and it's valid. This vet has only seen me for the past year, but does have complete records on everybody. Heck, I'll admit I may even be overly sensitive about the issue. If it was my practice, I'd want to know if someone was offended, though, even if it was unintentional. If the staff is as nice and friendly as they seem, I'm sure they would want it pointed out that they're making potentially hurtful remarks.

It's funny you mention that because one of my first thoughts was that I only have about 6lbs combined of dog in my house! Of course, the cats do contribute another 32lbs of furriness to the household... All joking aside, I think my point is that I have plenty of room for all of my four legged family members. :rolleyes:

I think it bothers me because there have been multiple comments. This wasn't an isolated incident. Does that make sense?

You can always mention something to your vet about how you take the comment. He/She may feel comfortable enough with you that they "think" they can joke with you in this fashion. I only have 3 dogs and have certainly gotten those "Oh, another one" comments from family. They know I love my pets like people so I just smile and start showing pictures. :)

I am a veterinary Technician, and i have to say i know how you feel. I take very good care of all 3 of my dogs, and they all get the best food, and vet care , anything and everything they need. I have also fostered alot of animals, kittens, birds, puppies, senior dogs.... etc, And sometimes when i come to work with another foster, they say, " oh my goodness , another?" OR , " why i am i surprised, i cant beleive you brought home another!" And i finally said one day, why does it matter to you guys? I love doing it, i have found every single one loving permanant homes, and it makes me feel good, like im helping. I give them everything they need, pay for all ther medical care. SO they way i see it, why do they care? SO then finally one of the girls i work with, said i think what you do is great, and you have helped so many that may be dead if it wasnt for you. I think sometimes, if you dont tell people how you feel, they dont realize thats how they came off. So i know that if i ever made someone feel that way at my vet clinic, i would want to know, so i could avoid doing it again.

I see no negative connotation at all, when someone says "Another one?" To me, they are simply saying they remember you from before and with a different animal. I think that people who have lots of pets are some of the most loving people I know, and I can see myself saying "Another one?" as just saying “Oh you have a new pet”. Do you feel the slightest bit guilty about having “another one”? Maybe you think they are judging you in a negative way?

I actually considered this, but I don't think so. And the more I thought about it, the more I'm sure it's the same receptionist making the comments. The vet did make one comment once, but I think all the others were probably from the same woman. You can never really know what's going on in someone else's head, but I do kind of feel there's a slight tone with the comments.

You may be reading other things, such as lack of smile or some type of attitude. Perhaps. someone here can give you a snappy comeback for next time. Let's see, how about, "Without people like me, you'd be out of a job!" :p

Nancy, I'm totally using that if the vet makes another comment! ;)

Lol, for your vet I’d use the line, “Without me, you’ll never get that new boat!” :D

Yeah, it sometimes not just what is said, but what is said & HOW it is said. I think of my daughter as a teen. She could say "have a nice day" in such a way in such a way she may as well have flipped you off.

This is seems to really really be bothering you. My only recommendation would be to not wait until the next visit. I think going in and nicely let them know that you are bothered. More than likely, the receptionist doesn't realize that you are taking offense to it.

OK, probably being too open on a public forum here but... from someone who grew up in a very critical household, I can overanalyze a statement with the best of them!!! I sleep much better at night now that I no longer let it eat at me until it impacts my health and/or happiness. I have found that 99.9% of the time, it was not said to try to hurt your feelings or out of spite. In the few times that I did believe the comment was malice in nature, it also feels pretty nice to walk away with that person knowing that you intend to call their bluff on any snide remarks moving forward.

But again, in my opinion, don't wait. Just go in and tell them how much you have enjoyed the services you have received there but that something has been eating at you and would appreciate two minutes to just "clear the air". You will feel so much better afterwards.

I wish you the best of luck especially because finding a vet that you truly love and fully trust with your babies can be so difficult.

:goodpost:

It would annoy me. My whole family- my parents, my sister, and I use the same vet between us we have 4 dogs and 2 cats (3 until very recently)- we joke with them that we should have a wing there named after us- and they will sometimes jokingly(?) try to send us home with strays- but it is all in fun. I honestly think it is inappropriate for a receptionist to comment on your pets in a negative fashion at all. If they think there is a problem they should have the vet investigate and address it. And, if all animals in the house are well taken care of, vetted, in good condition, etc. they should keep their nose out of how many pets you have.

I would say something to her or to the vet. If she was saying in a sarcastic manner. I think you would know the difference if it was sarcastic or joking. And as someone else mentioned, I would do it now. Not on my next visit. Makes me appreciate the two sweethearts that work at my vet's office. They are wonderful, wonderful ladies.

Hey I have a 17 year old son that can act and talk just like your daughter, Think they could be related?