Dealing with a hard decision

[Blueberry]

Many vets can and do offer reduced/free services in certain cases (and especially to their employees).

The ABA model rules of professional responsibility says that I have an ethical obligation to provide 50 hours of pro bono work to folks who can't pay for my services (I'm an attorney). Lots of licensed professions have similar obligations. So yes, professionals do sometimes perform free work for folks who can't afford it - some because it's the right thing, some because a governing board says they should. Yep - I have student loans to pay back. Yep - I have bills to pay. Yep - I have to eat.

As Sandra said, we don't know what the situation with the vet tech was - I was just concerned about the vet putting a long time client in a tough ethical situation when he had the power to stop it. I don't deal with life and death situations much, but I've written off thousands of dollars in fees to keep folks from being in a bad situation. And yes, I sleep well at night (if not in quite as nice a house). Sorry to those I offended by suggesting that the vet consider what I've regularly done.

[Tri Girl]

Oh, Sandra. What a roller coaster ride you've been on.
I'm glad that Bull is coming home with you. I'm sure he's glad, too. You made the right decision. Be at peace with that. There'll always be unexpected expenses in life, but you did what you had to do. Don't feel guilty about the mixte either- you should be able to buy the things you want. That's what we work so very hard for every day. To be able to enjoy life.

I'm glad Bull will be staying with you!!! Pet him from all of us when you see him again!

[sandra]

He's home and doing good. He will be on a special diet for the rest of his life.

No discounts, but that's ok. We are happy to have him home.

[Blueberry]

*so far* the special diet has worked for our kitty. He had the opposite kind of stone from most cats, so his food wasn't really well tested.

It's hard not to feed treats, etc., but it's SO worth it

Hug him from all of us at TE.

[sandra]

they said our stone had been sent of to be tested and they would be able to tell exactly what caused it.

They said treats without a lot of dyes were ok, like Science Diet or Milk Bone, but not to give many. They are accustomed to having one every night at bedtime and it will be hard to get them to bed without it. I really want to cut out treats.

[Blueberry]

Ours was Calcium Oxalate which means kitty needs a basic food. We do break the rules sometimes with natural treats (e.g. freeze dried salmon) - the main thing is you don't want to mess up the pH modification the food is making....

CA

[sandra]

Tired but happy to be home.

[PinkPilot]

Boy, I bet that's one little Bull who got a lot of kisses tonight! I'm so happy things turned out this way for you and your family, sandra. And, of course, for Bull....who is exactly where we all wanted him to be.

Jackpot has been on Science Diet W/D for a long time, which is a special diet for intestinal issues. I'm guessing you probably have to watch protein percentages. For the occasional treat, there are a lot more "wholesome" brands these days than there ever used to be. They'll adjust fine!! Just enjoy your little boy......