Not All Animal Doctors Practice Charity Work

Dear Ann Landers: This letter is for “J.B. in Rochester,” who considered herself a “good Samaritan” for trying to help someone else’s dog. She was upset because a vet refused to remove porcupine quills from the dog’s face and back until she had paid the owner’s previous bill.

A good Samaritan is one who does a generous deed and is willing to accept all the consequences, even if it means money out of his own pocket. In my opinion, J.B. is no good Samaritan. She is simply another person expecting free veterinary care on a Saturday night. - Jeffrey R. Wieser, DVM, Brookfield, Ill.

Dear Dr. Wieser: Thanks for your comment. Keep reading for more: From Mesquite, Texas: Most animal doctors went through at least eight years of college to get their degrees. They have college loans plus the expenses of running a veterinary practice. As far as I know, there is no Medicaid for pets. The only resources for indigent pet owners are humane societies and the SPCA. Doctors, dentists and restaurants refuse services unless they are paid. Why shouldn’t veterinarians?

Milford, N.J.: I have practiced veterinary medicine for 54 years and have never refused treatment in an emergency, regardless of the owner’s ability to pay. Of course, I have been stuck several times. So what? I won’t die any richer or poorer, so why not show a little kindness along the way? - Dr. Harold M.S. Smith Portland, Ore.: That vet who refused to remove the porcupine quills from the dog’s face until he was paid is in the wrong profession. He should be a loan officer.

Hopewell Junction, N.Y.: When my dog was hit by a car, the vet said it would cost $700 to repair the leg. He refused to reduce his fee. Then, he said, “Since you can’t afford the $700, I can amputate the leg for $250.” I’m still seething.

Mesa, Ariz.: I had a kitten with neurological problems from birth - seizures, the whole bit. When the kitten was 9 months old, he had an attack that left him paralyzed. I prayed he would show some improvement, but he became worse. I found the number of a vet in the phone book, called him at home at 8 p.m. and pleaded with him to come to my house and end the kitten’s suffering. Dr. Kleban came over promptly, gave the kitten an injection that put him to sleep and ended his agony. Two days later, we received a sympathy card from Dr. Kleban, not a bill. I had to call to find out what I owed him.

Covington, La.: I am a veterinarian who has never turned down an injured or suffering animal for any reason. How many other health professionals must master surgery, internal medicine, anesthesia, dentistry, ophthalmology and dermatology to become successful? Becoming an animal doctor is a seven-day-a-week job often paid with a handshake and a thank you. Watching a recovered patient walk out with a wagging tail is the best reward for most of us. - Dr. Rusty Maher

Dear Dr. Maher: You certainly found the ideal occupation for someone with your kind heart and gentle spirit. Bless you. I hope the next letter was joking - but I wouldn’t bet on it:

Dear Ann Landers: A vet I know retired with a huge bundle of money and guess what he is doing now? Raising porcupines. - No Name, No Address