Anyone that really knows me knows that I am a pessimistic person. I, however, prefer not to think of it as pessimism. I, my friends, am a realist. The definition of realist is as follows: a person who tends to view or represent things as they really are. Yes, that is me. This is me more so than it ever has been. People, as a whole, have really disappointed me, especially since graduating vet school. I suppose it is because it has become more obvious. I have somewhat grown accustomed to clients absurd requests and declining of services for there sick and dying animals. Nothing breaks my heart more than to watch an unwell pet walk through the door with next to nothing done to heal or safe it’s life. Unfortunately, this happens. This happens A LOT.
Today, for example, a sweet black cat with epistaxis (nosebleed) and dyspnea (breathing difficulty) came to me for a visit. The kitty has been like this for a few days but the nosebleed is more recent (blood tends to make people freak out a bit more). The owner, a very nice older man, was a very heavy smoker as far as I could smell. The kitty was mostly indoors but occasionally crossed over the threshold for a leisurely visit to the great outdoors. Not up to date on vaccines and not on heartworm/flea prevention. Yes people, cats do get heartworms. He claimed to only be able to afford the office visit, but after some poking and prodding, we were able to convince him that the cat in the very least needed some medication. He finally agreed. Only problem is, I have no idea what is wrong with this cat, and I had to completely guess on medication. This was just one of a few this morning that played out exactly the same. “What’s wrong with my pet? I can’t afford testing so can’t you just give me some medicine? Why is this so expensive?” Blah Blah Blah. Here’s a brilliant idea! If you can’t afford to take care of a pet (healthy or sick), then maybe you shouldn’t have one. Ya know, kinda like kids, oh wait… Or maybe, you could give up all your addictions (alcohol, smoking, drugs, shopping, etc.) and have more money to spend on your “family” member. Just a thought…
All this brings me to my main point. If I am sitting here waiting on a sick or hurt pet to visit me, and this person arrives with no money to spend. What in the hell is the point? Why would you waste my time, your time and stress your pet out to come up here and tell me that you just want me to tell you what is wrong with your pet. Hold on a second. Let me go to the back. I just recharged my crystal ball so it should be up and running. Sorry sir, it’s currently not operational, but luckily I have my magic wand. Let me go grab it. Oh again, I’m very sorry, I’m fresh out of fairy dust and my wand just won’t work without it.
I’m sorry for being so bitter, but this is real. I suppose I chose the wrong profession. But, I can see how this would apply to many other professions as well. I am steadily getting more resentful all the while. It really is just a damn shame. I fear it will only get worse as the economy gets worse. I just hope and pray that something will change. I hope people will respect life and health more, human or animal. I hope people will respect and care for others’ thoughts, values and opinions. I hope people will stop being so materialistic and focus on what really matters in life. These are a few of my hopes. Hey, we can all hope for something, right? But then again, I am a realist.
Not So Cheery,
Tara
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