Daisy

Today wasn't a bad day at work...until the end. And it wasn't bad as in horrible, but bad because our last case took an emotional toll on me.

This guy called in at the end of the day and said his brother's dog had some lacerations on it and wanted to get it taken care of. He came in, the doctor took a look at the dog and diagnosed it with hot spots and a flea allergy. She made up a treatment plan and gave it to the guy. He and his father argued for 20 min. about the cost and how they shouldn't do anything because it was the brother's dog and it was the brother's responsibility to get it taken care of. The argument ended with the father walking out of the exam room and slamming the door. The other son told us to do everything, so we did. We worked with him to bring the cost down and wound up cutting about $100 off of the original estimate.

After we were done treating the dog, which was way beyond closing time, I go up front to charge the guy out. He is waiting for his father. When his father gets there, the doctor explains what was done and why. The father refused all medication, said it wasn't his problem to take care of, it was the brother's. The guy who brought him in was arguing with him about how they needed to get the medication because it's what the dog needed and he was arguing so passionately, that it seriously broke my heart. He was trying to get his father to look at the dog's wounds and the father wouldn't even glance. At the end, all that was paid for was services done, no medication. Before they left, the guy who brought the dog in shook the doctor's hand, thanked her profusely and apologized for his father's behavior; said that the difference between he and his father was that he cared about the dog wanted to get her treated.

I can't tell you why, but this made me feel so sad and heart broken. To me, this was much worse than the countless clients who have come in and declined services for their pets that really needed it...much worse than the clients who have left crying or have had to relinquish their pet to us because they couldn't afford treatment. There was just something about this guy and the way he was fighting for the treatment and what the dog needed to make her feel better. And it wasn't even a trauma or serious condition; just a few wounds and an infection. I think it was his passion and his father's coldness about the whole situation that bothered me the most. I can not stop thinking about it, I even cried a little on the way home.

This is what I do...I dwell on things...things that don't even affect me. I just wish there was something we could have done. Hell, if I owned the place, I probably would have just given them the medication because it's what the dog needed...It even crossed my mind to pay for it myself.

As much as a bitch about people how much I hate them, I still love helping people who really need it. It makes me feel good to know that I helped someone, or something, and to see them feel better. And, as much as a bitch about my job, the best part about it is seeing these animals get help and get better. I may not have a direct hand in helping, but at least I get to witness it.

Anyway, I am sure I will have a hard time falling asleep tonight because I will keep thinking about this. And, I am sure I am not adequately explaining this or getting my feelings across...most of you probably think I'm crazy, huh?

Music: Grant Lee Buffalo - In My Room