tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9212251348411401170.post2204317997057676381..comments2023-10-01T10:50:05.348-04:00Comments on The Homeless Parrot: Another rock and hard place storyThe Homeless Parrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02566801733035183569noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9212251348411401170.post-55356881237720874832012-01-04T21:26:56.244-05:002012-01-04T21:26:56.244-05:00Anon re: extending credit. Honestly, we have exten...Anon re: extending credit. Honestly, we have extended credit in some situations in the past. It winds up being such a hassle. Most people don't pay. They are perfectly willing to pay when the animal is in dire need of care, but once the animal is home, the need to pay the bill becomes secondary. <br /><br />I've seen it happen over and over again. And sincerity doesn't seem to predict whether people will pay. I've met some of the sincerest people in my job...at least, I thought they were. And then they don't pay. And we wind up mailing letter after letter, then certified letter, then court, etc. It's just not worth it.The Homeless Parrothttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02566801733035183569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9212251348411401170.post-72242580695358471132012-01-04T21:23:52.377-05:002012-01-04T21:23:52.377-05:00Anon re: extending credit. Honestly, we have exten...Anon re: extending credit. Honestly, we have extended credit in some situations in the past. It winds up being such a hassle. Most people don't pay. They are perfectly willing to pay when the animal is in dire need of care, but once the animal is home, the need to pay the bill becomes secondary. <br /><br />I've seen it happen over and over again. And sincerity doesn't seem to predict whether people will pay. I've met some of the sincerest people in my job...at least, I thought they were. And then they don't pay. And we wind up mailing letter after letter, then certified letter, then court, etc. It's just not worth it.The Homeless Parrothttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02566801733035183569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9212251348411401170.post-30231807257186761492011-12-31T16:05:41.368-05:002011-12-31T16:05:41.368-05:00I disagree with WeldrBrat's comment that peopl...I disagree with WeldrBrat's comment that people shouldn't own animals if they can't afford care, because that doesn't recognize a spectrum of philosophies about how much care an animal should GET. If my value system is that I provide a pet cat with food, water, housing, and annual preventative care, but that's it (meaning in a critical-care situation the animal would likely be euthanized); then that's ok. There's no moral obligation for owners to provide the highest level of care feasible. If you take the approach that people without high amounts of disposable incomes shouldn't own animals -- we'll have a lot more homeless/feral/abandoned animals. And that's to the overall detriment of the animals. So while I appreciate the sentiment, I think WeldrBrat's conclusion is misplaced.<br /><br />I've provided volunteer care as a student for people who take generally good care of their animals and the animals largely have a great quality of life (as well as providing great companionship for their owners). I don't think it's reasonable to suggest they shouldn't own the animals simply because a $2500 treatment is out of reach of their budget.<br /><br />Lastly, and to Homeless Parrot, do you ever consider extending partial credit? Like in this case, would it be possible to charge the full amount, take the $1500 immediately, and then allow the client to pay off the rest over time? Obviously vets are not banks, but in a situation where the client can cough up part of the money ... is it ever worth it to allow them to pay the rest over time?<br /><br />Seems to me that in a case like this one you have nothing to lose (if you're planning to go ahead and do the surgery anyway). Look at it this way: You did the treatment for $1500 and lost money (or, at least, didn't make any). Had you charged them $2100 but allowed them to pay the add'l $600 over time ... maybe they'd pay and maybe they wouldn't, but in the worst case where they don't, you'd be no worse off than you are now. Right?<br /><br />I'm dreading these situations when I get out of school.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9212251348411401170.post-53469846696832646292011-12-28T17:46:11.683-05:002011-12-28T17:46:11.683-05:00I am so impressed with your heart and dedication t...I am so impressed with your heart and dedication to our pets. Please know that your hard work and time put in are greatly appreciated!Laura Pottshttp://www.petsafe.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9212251348411401170.post-92188916836685742662011-12-24T16:25:17.343-05:002011-12-24T16:25:17.343-05:00Sorry HP - I wasn't insinuating that it was. :...Sorry HP - I wasn't insinuating that it was. :) I do see a lot of people who think that they deserve everything for free or little work, and it's not even just veterinary care...I work with biological parents who have lost custody of their children and so many just don't care enough to do everything that they need to do or they're more focused on getting high.<br /><br />I was responding more to WeldrBrat. :) My family isn't awol, just currently out of luck. Considering I'd like to go for my Ph.D, there's not much I can do to help, as sad as it makes me. :/irishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08457027138591615839noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9212251348411401170.post-42433829445562915532011-12-24T12:47:23.507-05:002011-12-24T12:47:23.507-05:00Iris, while people in your family's situation ...Iris, while people in your family's situation are certainly accounting for more and more of my clients, they are still not the majority. The majority of the people I see are entitled and expect free veterinary care for their pets.The Homeless Parrothttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02566801733035183569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9212251348411401170.post-21875429566475170042011-12-22T19:13:18.899-05:002011-12-22T19:13:18.899-05:00That was very sweet of you. Glad it turned out wel...That was very sweet of you. Glad it turned out well and hope the owners were very thankful.Nickihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00547292170354458260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9212251348411401170.post-75056823650713709552011-12-22T18:28:20.646-05:002011-12-22T18:28:20.646-05:00We don't all say Vets are money grubbing.. man...We don't all say Vets are money grubbing.. many of us truly appreciate all our Vets do for us and do our best to show it. You did a good thing for this dog and his family. That is something to be proud of.Elizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13744354426654131900noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9212251348411401170.post-60576219365636612242011-12-22T12:57:48.619-05:002011-12-22T12:57:48.619-05:00Your story brings tears to my eyes, for many reaso...Your story brings tears to my eyes, for many reasons. Thank you for what you did for that dog and her family. Your daughter is blessed to have such a kind, giving, and compassionate mom....know that she will know that some day and love you all the more for it. <br /><br />:)DABThe Nursenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9212251348411401170.post-9850998801757873912011-12-22T12:47:07.621-05:002011-12-22T12:47:07.621-05:00To comment on the previous poster...I agree people...To comment on the previous poster...I agree people that don't have the money should not get animals. But right now I think it's less of that happening, and more people who WERE previously financially secure, having lost jobs or whatever that makes them unable to pay for what they need.<br /><br />We have three dogs. Previously, we would've pretty much been able to afford everything they needed. Then my Dad lost his job. We lost over half our income. 90% of my money goes to the house payment. Right now? No, we can't afford to take the best care of our dogs. Does that mean they go hungry, don't get vaxed, no. But if something major would happen..it'd be a depressing situation.<br /><br />Anyways, off my soapbox.irishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08457027138591615839noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9212251348411401170.post-14795521432545673282011-12-21T20:47:47.982-05:002011-12-21T20:47:47.982-05:00By the time you look back 20 years and think about...By the time you look back 20 years and think about this particular situation... you will have conversed with hundreds..if not, thousands of other Veterinarians that will have gone through the same agonizing predicament.<br /><br />I wish animal owners were educated about the impact from the healthcare industry that is bleeding over into the Veterinarian field. It was already sad, the fact that humans have never quite valued their animals as highly as themselves... unless they can get somebody to heal them for absolutely free.<br /><br />Hon... toughen up. And don't let this cost you what's most important... the short time you really do have with that baby.<br /><br />Bottom line...the cost for everything is going sky high. Nobody should own animals if they can't afford to pay for their medical care. Too many folks have cats and dogs that they aren't caring for, properly. Yet, they're worrying about money for their own groceries. I can only assume their minds have gone awol.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12121820035844661657noreply@blogger.com