BAD vet...just had to vent! - YorkieTalk.com Forums

JohnnieWalker · 03-19-2012, 12:52 PM

I finally made the very tough decision to have my 13 yr old Lhasa Apso put down and called the vet to set up the appointment. I had been to their office a month or so before to get some info on the procedure and to find out, how far in advance I had to call for the appointment. I was told, 2-3 days. O.K. So when the time came and I was just barely able to even speak on the phone, I was told, they wouldn't be able to get me in for another 11 days! I was shocked (and still am) that they would have me agonize over this for almost another 2 weeks. It's not like I'm making an appointment for a well-puppy exam! No, my dog is not in pain as far as I know. So it's not exactly an emergency.But when it took me 4 times to even pick up the phone to make the call....then I just want this to be over with. For his AND my sake. They offered to put the dog down for me, if I would bring him by and just leave him. That made me even angrier! I owe this to my dog to be there for him! How can they be so insensitive?? Yes, I took the offered appointment in 2 weeks but will I keep it? No way in hell! I have two Yorkies that are their patients and they will NEVER see me or any of my dogs again. Yes, I'm very upset and will be for a long time. As for my old dog: he's still with me but I have to pick up the phone again and make that same agonizing call one more time. This time, hopefully somebody will show more compassion. Thanks for listening y'all!

Maximo · 03-19-2012, 12:57 PM

I am so sorry for you and your Lhasa.

I agree, I would not return to a vet's office if they made me wait 11 days. They should take you in the next day.

I pray you can find another vet and that you and your little one will be treated with compassion in this difficult time.

kjc · 03-19-2012, 12:59 PM

It amazes and sickens me that 'professionals' can be so heartless. I'm so sorry you are being put though this....

Joyce Adams · 03-19-2012, 01:00 PM

I'm so sorry for you and your dog, this is terrible and I pray that you can find a compassionate vet..(((HUGS)))

navillusc · 03-19-2012, 01:03 PM

I am so sorry. I know what a tough decision that is, and you just want it to be over. I had to have my first Shep/Lab PTS several years ago and my vet had moved away so I had to find one to do it. One vet I called...their office staff were so inconsiderate...wanted me to come in for counseling so they could determine if I should have her put down or not. My poor girl was old, and pretty much out of it, and she had lived 6 months beyond the time we thought we were going to lose her anyway because she had lost the use of her back legs for a couple weeks then suddenly was able to walk fine again. It was awful, and we took her to a different vet who had us come right down...no questions asked...and brought us in through the back door with her gurney.

I send our sympathies, and I do hope things work okay for you at this terrible and very sad time.

carmen in nj · 03-19-2012, 01:18 PM

OMG, how can they do that to you, specially when you are their client, you are right, find a new vet, you need to be treated with most compassion at this hard time.. that is one thing i keep telling my son, is you have to understand the PAIN of the human, with the pain of the animal.. and treat both with Lots of compassion..
hugs and hope you can resolve this soon..

lovespandp · 03-19-2012, 01:19 PM

First let me tell you I am sorry for the loss of your Lhasa Apso- The way they handled that is unacceptable in my book! That is so wrong of them. I agree with you 100%, I would not go back!

You know what my Mom has been going to the same vet for years! Well she recently noticed a hole in Bellas (Siamese Cat) behind, it was an anal gland abscess. I told my Mom to take her to my vet bc I know he won’t charge her an arm and a leg, Well she didn’t listen. My Mom took her to her Vet. She gets there and they tell her the surgery is going to be $1000, or since Bella NEEDED a dental they would do both for $700. My Mom does not have that type of money, they were not willing to work with her or anything! They sent her home and wanted to recheck her in a week! Knowing that Bella has a hole in her butt area and knowing how bad and infected this is going to get without the proper treatment how can you just send one of you long time clients home??

I was livid, I called my vet and he told me to send my Mom in. He only charged her 294.00$ for surgery! I told my Mom she is never going back to that vet again, that was so wrong!!

Some vets just do not care anymore! That is so wrong. I am so sorry you had to go through this- I hope you are able to find a better vet that treats you how you and your furbabies should be treated! ((hugs))

impish · 03-19-2012, 01:23 PM

I have a suggestion for you - what we did for our beloved cat. We did a search in the area for housecall vet mobile vet and home euthenasia services and located a very reputable vet who came to our home and took her time and put our baby out of his misery. We ended up paying the same as it cost at a doctors office and our cat was much more relaxed in his home enviornment.

It was worth it a thousand times over and I wouldn't do it any other way now.

God bless and I'm so sorry you're having to go through this. We've been through it twice in the last year and it is never easy.

Nancy1999 · 03-19-2012, 01:26 PM

I see it differently than the rest of you; maybe they think you will change your mind? I'm sure people have made this decision on the spur of the moment and later regretted it, maybe they have experienced that. You say the dog isn't in any pain, why do you want to put him down? If I were a vet, it would be very hard for me to put down a dog just because he was old. When you say you were in the office a month or so before, did you talk to the vet or just the receptionist?

Beabble · 03-19-2012, 01:53 PM

I'm so, so sorry for what you're going through. please know my thoughts and prayers are with you in this very difficult time and the days ahead. Letting go of our furkids is one of the hardest things we'll ever do....

Yorkiemom1 · 03-19-2012, 02:19 PM

When someone makes such an agonizing phone call, my vet will cancel appointments to make room for the family to bring the pet in. They tell the client they have a family that needs to come in and spend some time with their ill pet as they euthanize him, would they mind rescheduling their appointment? Apparently, there has NEVER been an instance where anyone refused. I have told them if I EVER have an appointment with them, (and it isnt an emergency) and someone calls in with such heartbreaking request, cancel me IMMEDIATELY, schedule the family berevement (sp??) time, and then just call to let me know......I can not believe your vet handled this ANY other way....

yorkieusa · 03-19-2012, 02:21 PM

I'm so sorry you had to go through that with those insensitive people. It's hard enough to make the call, but most vets will take people on a same-day basis. I hope you can find someone who has a heart.

Lovetodream88 · 03-19-2012, 03:27 PM

Why do you want to put him down if he is not in pain?

Yorkiemom1 · 03-19-2012, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

Why do you want to put him down if he is not in pain?

Excellent question......????????? and maybe the vet knows the dog is not actually ill enough to be put down, especially if he isnt suffering......???????
Initially, I totally MISSED those angles......

gracielove · 03-19-2012, 03:57 PM

There are people who decide to put a pet down when the pet becomes "inconvenient" and many vets will refuse to do that type of thing. I am assuming your vet knows what the issues are with your pet and agrees that it does need to be done. I could perhaps see why they would make you wait if your were not already a client but if they agree that the animal needs to be put down I think it is unkind to both you and the pet to have to wait that length of time.

Our vets have their clients come in at the end of office hours so they don't have to be around other people and can grieve without the concern of others watching. They will do it within 48 hours of the request as it is not scheduled during the regular appointment hours.

03-19-2012, 12:52 PM	#1
JohnnieWalker Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: In the sticks, MN Posts: 219	BAD vet...just had to vent! I finally made the very tough decision to have my 13 yr old Lhasa Apso put down and called the vet to set up the appointment. I had been to their office a month or so before to get some info on the procedure and to find out, how far in advance I had to call for the appointment. I was told, 2-3 days. O.K. So when the time came and I was just barely able to even speak on the phone, I was told, they wouldn't be able to get me in for another 11 days! I was shocked (and still am) that they would have me agonize over this for almost another 2 weeks. It's not like I'm making an appointment for a well-puppy exam! No, my dog is not in pain as far as I know. So it's not exactly an emergency.But when it took me 4 times to even pick up the phone to make the call....then I just want this to be over with. For his AND my sake. They offered to put the dog down for me, if I would bring him by and just leave him. That made me even angrier! I owe this to my dog to be there for him! How can they be so insensitive?? Yes, I took the offered appointment in 2 weeks but will I keep it? No way in hell! I have two Yorkies that are their patients and they will NEVER see me or any of my dogs again. Yes, I'm very upset and will be for a long time. As for my old dog: he's still with me but I have to pick up the phone again and make that same agonizing call one more time. This time, hopefully somebody will show more compassion. Thanks for listening y'all! __________________ *Money will buy you a pretty good dog, but it won't buy the wag of his tail." - Henry Wheeler Shaw*

03-19-2012, 12:57 PM	#2
Maximo ♥ Maximo and Teddy Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 25,041	I am so sorry for you and your Lhasa. I agree, I would not return to a vet's office if they made me wait 11 days. They should take you in the next day. I pray you can find another vet and that you and your little one will be treated with compassion in this difficult time. __________________ Kristin, Max and Teddy Last edited by Maximo; 03-19-2012 at 01:00 PM.

03-19-2012, 12:59 PM	#3
kjc I♥PeekTinkySaph&Finny Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Posts: 18,866	It amazes and sickens me that 'professionals' can be so heartless. I'm so sorry you are being put though this.... __________________ Kat Chloe Lizzy PeekABooTinkerbell SapphireInfinity

03-19-2012, 01:00 PM	#4
Joyce Adams Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Kentucky Posts: 2,995	I'm so sorry for you and your dog, this is terrible and I pray that you can find a compassionate vet..(((HUGS))) __________________ Have a great day... Mommy to Yoshi and Miss Priss

03-19-2012, 01:03 PM	#5
navillusc Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: FL, USA Posts: 2,767	I am so sorry. I know what a tough decision that is, and you just want it to be over. I had to have my first Shep/Lab PTS several years ago and my vet had moved away so I had to find one to do it. One vet I called...their office staff were so inconsiderate...wanted me to come in for counseling so they could determine if I should have her put down or not. My poor girl was old, and pretty much out of it, and she had lived 6 months beyond the time we thought we were going to lose her anyway because she had lost the use of her back legs for a couple weeks then suddenly was able to walk fine again. It was awful, and we took her to a different vet who had us come right down...no questions asked...and brought us in through the back door with her gurney. I send our sympathies, and I do hope things work okay for you at this terrible and very sad time. __________________ - Cat Brody Mia BriaStormy

03-19-2012, 01:18 PM	#6
carmen in nj Donating YT 4000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Hopatcong, NJ, USA Posts: 4,615 Blog Entries: 74	OMG, how can they do that to you, specially when you are their client, you are right, find a new vet, you need to be treated with most compassion at this hard time.. that is one thing i keep telling my son, is you have to understand the PAIN of the human, with the pain of the animal.. and treat both with Lots of compassion.. hugs and hope you can resolve this soon.. __________________ My Etsy shop is OPEN... Carmen in nj

03-19-2012, 01:19 PM	#7
lovespandp ♥Momma's Bambino♥ Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Ca Posts: 10,026	First let me tell you I am sorry for the loss of your Lhasa Apso- The way they handled that is unacceptable in my book! That is so wrong of them. I agree with you 100%, I would not go back! You know what my Mom has been going to the same vet for years! Well she recently noticed a hole in Bellas (Siamese Cat) behind, it was an anal gland abscess. I told my Mom to take her to my vet bc I know he won’t charge her an arm and a leg, Well she didn’t listen. My Mom took her to her Vet. She gets there and they tell her the surgery is going to be $1000, or since Bella NEEDED a dental they would do both for $700. My Mom does not have that type of money, they were not willing to work with her or anything! They sent her home and wanted to recheck her in a week! Knowing that Bella has a hole in her butt area and knowing how bad and infected this is going to get without the proper treatment how can you just send one of you long time clients home?? I was livid, I called my vet and he told me to send my Mom in. He only charged her 294.00$ for surgery! I told my Mom she is never going back to that vet again, that was so wrong!! Some vets just do not care anymore! That is so wrong. I am so sorry you had to go through this- I hope you are able to find a better vet that treats you how you and your furbabies should be treated! ((hugs)) __________________ "People with nothing to hide don't usually feel the need to say so."

03-19-2012, 01:23 PM	#8
impish Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: USA Posts: 954	I have a suggestion for you - what we did for our beloved cat. We did a search in the area for housecall vet mobile vet and home euthenasia services and located a very reputable vet who came to our home and took her time and put our baby out of his misery. We ended up paying the same as it cost at a doctors office and our cat was much more relaxed in his home enviornment. It was worth it a thousand times over and I wouldn't do it any other way now. God bless and I'm so sorry you're having to go through this. We've been through it twice in the last year and it is never easy.

03-19-2012, 01:26 PM	#9
Nancy1999 I ♥ Joey & Ralphie! Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Arizona Posts: 25,396 Blog Entries: 2	I see it differently than the rest of you; maybe they think you will change your mind? I'm sure people have made this decision on the spur of the moment and later regretted it, maybe they have experienced that. You say the dog isn't in any pain, why do you want to put him down? If I were a vet, it would be very hard for me to put down a dog just because he was old. When you say you were in the office a month or so before, did you talk to the vet or just the receptionist? __________________ NancyJoey Proud members of the CrAzYcLuB and YAP! ** Just Say No to Puppymills – Join YAP! Yorkshire Terrier Club of America – Breeder Referrals

03-19-2012, 01:53 PM	#10
Beabble YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,104 Blog Entries: 4	I'm so, so sorry for what you're going through. please know my thoughts and prayers are with you in this very difficult time and the days ahead. Letting go of our furkids is one of the hardest things we'll ever do.... __________________ ~Tracy~

03-19-2012, 02:19 PM	#11
Yorkiemom1 Rosehill Yorkies Donating YT Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Houston Texas Posts: 9,462	When someone makes such an agonizing phone call, my vet will cancel appointments to make room for the family to bring the pet in. They tell the client they have a family that needs to come in and spend some time with their ill pet as they euthanize him, would they mind rescheduling their appointment? Apparently, there has NEVER been an instance where anyone refused. I have told them if I EVER have an appointment with them, (and it isnt an emergency) and someone calls in with such heartbreaking request, cancel me IMMEDIATELY, schedule the family berevement (sp??) time, and then just call to let me know......I can not believe your vet handled this ANY other way....

03-19-2012, 02:21 PM	#12
yorkieusa Crazy about Kacee! Donating Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kansas Posts: 21,173	I'm so sorry you had to go through that with those insensitive people. It's hard enough to make the call, but most vets will take people on a same-day basis. I hope you can find someone who has a heart. __________________ Karen Kacee Muffin 1991-2005 Rest in Peace My Little Angel

03-19-2012, 03:27 PM	#13
Lovetodream88 Yorkie mom of 4 Donating YT Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: LaPlata, Md Posts: 23,247	Why do you want to put him down if he is not in pain? __________________ Taylor My babies Joey, Penny ,Ollie & Dixie Callie Mae, you will forever be in my heart!

03-19-2012, 03:57 PM	#15
gracielove YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: NY Posts: 6,582	There are people who decide to put a pet down when the pet becomes "inconvenient" and many vets will refuse to do that type of thing. I am assuming your vet knows what the issues are with your pet and agrees that it does need to be done. I could perhaps see why they would make you wait if your were not already a client but if they agree that the animal needs to be put down I think it is unkind to both you and the pet to have to wait that length of time. Our vets have their clients come in at the end of office hours so they don't have to be around other people and can grieve without the concern of others watching. They will do it within 48 hours of the request as it is not scheduled during the regular appointment hours.