Dear client redux

Dear Mr Farrier,

Thank you so much for not complaining about the $1500 you footed for your dog's care for ONE night. I am so sorry that he developed DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation - see sidebar) and anaphylactoid shock as a result of a rattlesnake bite.

Thank you for not complaining about the money even after we had to euthanize your dog. I especially appreciate how - even though you had to wait to check out - you never once griped. Oh, and that while you quietly waited, you offered to carry a woman's cat carrier to her car for her, since it was so heavy.

I'll admit, it did make my job a little harder to do when you mentioned while we euthanized your dog that he was your 15 year old daughter's best friend and she doesn't make friends easily. It's hard to see what you're doing with a needle when you're crying yourself. I'm sorry to hear that she couldn't be there herself because she was too sad. I hope for her sake that you find her another companion very soon. Try not to worry too much about the fact that she's a loudmouth and alienates people frequently - I was (am), too - and I turned out okay.

Signed,

Dr You are one of the nicest people I have met in a very long time.