Thank You Gift

A client came in today, a younger guy, with his 9 month old dog Rocky, which we have seen since he was 2 months old. The owner was concerned because the pet seemed lethargic, not eating and just wasn't acting like himself. I could tell a difference when he came in because Rocky hopped right onto the scale and it usually takes an act of Congress to get him up there.

The owner goes through the exam w/the doctor and the doctor presents a treatment plan that is $500 so they could figure out what was wrong. This included virus tests, urinalysis, x-rays and blood work. The guy, probably early 20's, signed the treatment plan authorizing the treatment of Rocky. He came up front, where I asked him if he was dropping off. He said yes and asked what time we closed. I told him 6pm and he said, "good, that'll give me time to figure out how I'm going to pay for this." He was very concerned, but wanted to do everything he could for his dog. He and his wife/gf (not sure which one it is), sat down on the bench next to the counter and I could hear him talking to his dad, explaining the treatment plan, trying to find a way to pay for everything. I walked to the back of the hospital and mentioned that I felt bad because this guy was stressing out and concerned about paying this bill. Everyone else felt bad too, so me, a doctor that did not see Rocky and the other manager figured out a way to lower his bill by $400, but allowed him to still get the treatment he needed. He and his g/f were very thankful and profusely thanked us.

Around 530p, he and his g/f came to pick up the dog. It was then that he presented me with two Starbucks gift cards, one for me and one for the other manager, as a thank you for helping him out and allowing him to get the treatment for his dog. I swear I almost cried. I thanked him and told him it was a very sweet thing to do and that we were happy to help out.

This really made my day. It makes me feel so good to help someone out like that, especially for someone who genuinely cares for their pet and is really trying to take care of it. I guess it meant a lot to me because I am rarely included in the many "thank you's" that the hospital receives regarding a pet's treatment. And it's not even the fact that I got a gift card, it is the thought. Speaking for myself, I buy someone something as a thank you because what they did or helped out with really meant a lot to me, so I figure what we did meant a lot to him or else he wouldn't have done it. I am not trying to sound selfish at all, but it just makes me feel so good to know that I helped someone out like that.

Music: Alice in Chains - I Stay Away