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| - My 6 year-old golden retriever, Riley, died today.
I am not blaming his death on the veterinarian or any of his staff. In fact, anyone would have been able to predict that Riley was on his way out just by looking at him.
I come from humble beginnings and was looking for a place that could take care of my dog in an economic manner. Christown Animal Hospital could not do this for my dog, or any animal for that matter.
I was introduced to Christown Animal Hospital when my family got 2 little Chihuahua puppies. We took them there to get spayed, and there was some confusion surrounding the operation and the charges. Perfectly understandable - people make mistakes.
Yesterday's visit was our second encounter. Total charges for blood work and medication to treat symptoms was $300. The blood work took 24 hours, so the following morning I called the doctor to get an update. He rattled off scientific terms, and somewhere in the middle of his chanting he must have made a diagnostic. By the end of it, I was confused as to whether or not my dog would make it.
"What are his chances?" I asked.
"Low."
"What would be the cost to treat him?"
"$300....$400...$500."
That doesn't sound right, does it? I asked them to get a copy of the blood work ready because I would be by to get it in 10 minutes. Once I showed up, there were "papers all over the doctors desk" according to the receptionist (the one I had requested the document from), and it would be a moment. Second and third mistake.
Riley had been taken over by autoimmune hemolytic anemia. There were ticks all over his body. The vet that I eventually took him to educated me (in human terms) on how it took over, and before he even suggested I knew that our only choice would be euthanasia. Realistically, treatment would have been thousands of dollars and Riley would have never been the same.
Riley, you are my first love, and I was prepared to sell my soul to be able to save you if there was the option. Instead, I paid $300 to let you suffer for 24 hours while I shoved candy down your throat. That was my mistake.
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