Colorado Peace Ride

Leanna Scotti, Redding

Dollar rules at vet clinic

I recently had to give my pet emergency care. Luckily his old master loved him enough to pay for his hospital stay, or he wouldve been given away. You see, according to the veterinary clinic he was taken to, if you cannot pay for services rendered to your pet, the clinic has 10 days to find him a home. He would not be allowed to leave with the master he loves so very much, if such master could not pay the bill. I was told by the clinic that if a master does not have money to pay for said services, that then falls under the Abandonment Act.

I understand that such places are not in business to lose money, so I asked if a payment plan would be acceptable. I was told they do not have a system for any kind of payment plan. My pet has become my little shadow, and I wouldve hated to lose him due to the dirty dollar bill. Its no wonder it is said, Money is the root of all evil.

I hope someday clinics offering any kind of care for humans or animals will think twice before they turn down payment plans from folks like myself, who want care for their loved one and are more than willing to pay. Giving someones pet away, or putting them down because of lack of payment upon services rendered, is not the way to handle things. In fact its not much different than giving someones child away, because they couldnt put huge meals on the table. I know how much my Arco wouldve missed me, if that had happened to me.

My mother lost her best friend from a vet clinic in Redding where shed brought her since she was a pup. Recently mothers dog lost her life because she couldnt afford to pay for her pets care, and when asked, was told there was not a payment plan available. That clinic not only lost my mother in any further care of her animals, but they also lost one of their pet patients they had cared for during her whole life, minus one or two times. Its very sad caregivers cant see past the greenback. Good luck, anyone needing care for your animals. Make sure you have cash or plastic.

Tags: Your Animals