Rant 281 7/10/12 Subject: Callous attitudes

Rant number 281

Today was a bit of a sad day.

Our much beloved rat - Mars had to be put down due to being very unwell.

Now, it was a hard decision to make - what with her being a much beloved pet and all. None the less - it was the best thing for her to not suffer and so we took her to the vets to have her put to sleep.

It must be difficult for vets sometimes. They've got to deliver the very worse news about your little bundle of fur (be it cat, dog, guinea pig, snake (yes, I know they aren't furry, but you know what I mean)) in a calm and non passionate way.

The Vets today, did this just wonderfully. My wife who was very upset (understandably) was in tears so the vet organised for the payment to be done in private. She explained the process of little Mars being put down to us clearly and in an understanding way. All in all, they made what could have been a really horrible experience (and frankly still was) a little bit better, just by showing a little compassion and understanding.

Looking back however, to the last time we had to have a rat put to sleep - it really was a different story.

Upon finding one of our former rats really unwell - we took him to Pets at Home. He was similarly ill to little mars and so it was a similar case.

The experience however, could not have been any more different. For all that these people did their paramount best to make us feel as good as they could - the staff at Pets at Home seemed to be in it just for the money (including doing their best to sell us various expensive options (shame on them).)

I really hate it when people show so little empathy and are so callous. I know you cannot cry at every animal that needs to be put down and that you have no connection to it. You've got to realise however, that it probably means the world to the people who have brought it in. We are a nation of animal lovers and a little compassion, a little respect and a little empathy cost absolutely nothing.

The moral of the story I suppose is simple. If you need some kind of personal service. Go to a local firm - not a large one. The attitude difference can be quite massive. (That and avoid Pets at Home.)

Rant over.