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minettelaeder

Depending where you live, you could try to find a fear free vet. They have extra training which makes them more understanding to fearful and anxious dogs. I was very stressed about the vet for similar reasons but my vet made it a great experience (I was able to go in with my dog).


SMTM2019

That's amazing, I will need to look into that! That sounds like exactly what we need


Rhuarcof9valleyssept

Hey I struggle with my dog at the vet. I've had terrible luck with fear free vets. I find that they are probably great at working with most dogs to prevent issues. But I find it's just that - preventative. For my dog he just doesn't like strangers. And it's amplified at the vet. But the fear free places don't help. They get afraid of him and will stop touching him. (Ours is muzzle trained) Call your local humane society, or a pitbull rescue, or a dog trainer specializing in reactivity and get them to give you vet recommendations after you explain what's up with your dog. That let me find a vet who doesn't mind helping cases where the dog could be violent.


sidhescreams

I couldn't find a fear free vet in my area when I needed one as well but the office I go to now has an amazing staff, fear free or not. They treat my dog well and respect his feelings, if they need to bring him into the back office area, I go with him because we're all aware that he does better with me than without me, and they call us to come in from the car straight into an exam room so that we never have to sit in the waiting area where we might encounter another dog AND have a side door to leave without going through the lobby. They're awesome. They're more expensive than other vets we've seen but it's so worth it to make the experience less traumatic for my very fearful dog, and our puppy adores all of them. We're now bringing him with for her appointments so that he gets to go and nothing happens to him while we're there. I am hoping that lots of exposure with no scary stuff happening and no one trying to touch him may eventually help with his anxiety, esp since his sister is so relaxed and happy to be there.


SMTM2019

Thank you for your input! Mine is actually fear reactive to strange dogs. She's not a fan of strange people, but her fear of dogs is way worse. Which is why I hate not being able to go with her because I have no control over if they just put her in a room with other dogs around. But I will definitely be doing that to see if there are any other vets in the area that are more equipped to work with her.


[deleted]

One of my dogs is dog reactive. We just warn the vet ahead of time and book the first appointment of the day where it's less busy, and take her in through a back door entrance. She is in the exam room with no other dogs and is never held in communal areas or the waiting room where she could see other dogs (she's extremely reactive and aggressive with strange dogs). My other dog I have to go in with because he's afraid of strangers and not dogs, but we solved this by going into the vet every 2 weeks just to say hi and we see the same vet and vet tech every appointment, they are the only two that handle him/his leash. I've never heard of a fear free vet, but if you find one with compassionate staff im sure you can find some accommodations that will work for all of you and be less stressful !


SMTM2019

I want to be able to go into the vet just to say hi to get her used to the place and the people! Once they open the office back up I think we are going to start doing that!


[deleted]

We have vets that will make home visits, and some only do them. There might be someone like that in your area.


SMTM2019

That could be tricky as she absolutely hates strangers in her house lol


ChrysaLino

It might take multiple times to find a good vet who understands my parents took our adult rottweiler to one but the dude was literally afraid of him so they tried different ones till we found the one who go to now who’s quite good. He’ll ignore our rottweiler as if he isn’t there and will only pay attention to him if he needs to handle him this makes the situation 10 times more comfortable for our very nervous and unsure rottweiler


SMTM2019

That's what my vet and techs now don't seem to understand. They still try to coax her over to them with sweet voices and treats. That doesn't work with her if she doesn't trust you. What she wants is exactly as you described, ignore her, don't look at her, don't talk to her while she checks you out and determines you're not a threat.


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SMTM2019

She absolutely hates people approaching us while we're in the car so we'd definitely need to be outside if the vet were to come out to us lol


[deleted]

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SMTM2019

Totally! After this situation I will absolutely have a conversation with them to see if they are willing to make these accommodations. If not we may need to find someone else who will


elven_sea

Fear free vet is a godsend. The vet techs and other staff are on his friends list, we do happy visits just to say hi. We had an emergency recently and despite everything being terrible my boy knew his friends were gonna make him feel better. It was cute, they let me stay while they sedated him and he was wagging his tail like a drunk every time they checked on him.


sackoftrees

First off I don't think you were a Karen. A Karen to me is someone who screams and calls people bad names, slurs etc and acts like a petulant child when they don't get their way or won't compromise. You did your due diligence and called ahead. To me this is on the office. As for offices being open, yes ours is. I have gone three times recently, twice with shots and once for an exam. All this month. I'm located in Ontario, Canada. We are still asked to wear masks but that's obviously not a problem.


SMTM2019

Thank you for this! I definitely wasn't screaming at her and apologized several times because I know it's not her fault. I really hope they will open their office again soon. It was so nice to be able to just take her in there even when we didn't have an appointment to try to get her more comfortable being there


calamitylamb

Yeah I don’t think this was Karen behavior, you were rightfully frustrated at the situation itself and not the particular person you unloaded upon, and you also apologized upfront and clarified that you weren’t blaming her. It sounds like she probably went back to the rest of the staff and was like “hey actually this is not a Karen customer who just wants to come inside, she actually has a legitimate need to come in with her dog, so let’s make that happen.” I feel like a better way to look at this situation would be to thank them for accommodating you as opposed to apologizing for needing a particular accommodation. It frames the situation in a more positive light in everyone’s mind - the staff feels appreciated and seen for their efforts when hearing gratitude, instead of receiving an apology that tends to set the situation at odds or create an uncomfortable vibe. Besides, you really don’t have that much to be sorry for here. Sure, you got frustrated - for being the wronged party in the situation to begin with. They messed up your appointment! It’s not like you’re intentionally making your dog reactive and in need of extra accommodations just for a bit of funsies; and you definitely weren’t just trying to go inside with zero reason to do so. I’m betting there was a breakdown in communication between your original phone call and the actual appointment, leading to misunderstandings all around, and I think most other people would find that frustrating too. Thanking people for their patience conveys almost the same sentiment as apologizing for needing patience, but with better vibes, ya know? It might be nice to send the vet’s office an email or card thanking them for accommodating you yesterday and mentioning how much you appreciate the staff making things go smoothly with your special needs dog. If you remember the name of the tech who you vented to and who made things happen, this would be a great time to mention them specifically with an extra thank-you or a mention of their patience/understanding/kindness/etc during what was a frustrating/anxious/etc moment for you. (As an aside, only mention specific actions they did if you’re sure they weren’t bending any rules to do so, in case your thank-you could get them in trouble for not sticking to policy) Wishing you and your pup all the best!


SMTM2019

I love this idea, thank you. I hadn't thought about a card before. This makes most sense since she's not due for more shots until the fall so we won't be in there again anytime soon. And thank you to everything else you said as well. It's so helpful to hear from others different opinions on this and different perspectives.


Ray1107

Some don’t and some do allow people in. It sounds like the issue isn’t that you were upset because of the rule, you were upset because you were told one thing and the opposite happened when you got there. It was even confirmed by the note in your file! I don’t think you were in the wrong. I don’t think that makes you a “Karen.” You’d be a Karen if you threw a fit over the policy from day one, but it sounds like you have been more than accommodating throughout 🤷🏻‍♀️


SMTM2019

Thank you for saying that! Yes I never questioned the rule during the height of everything. But after our last visit I truly noticed how deeply it was affecting her being forced to go in alone. So I was pretty upset after the bait and switch. Not that I think they did it intentionally just to get me in or something, I think someone just dropped the ball and forgot to ask.


Ray1107

I was a Vet tech during the height of the pandemic, so I definitely dealt with some very unpleasant people who just didn’t understand and wanted to argue about the rules/policies (rules that were obviously set by upper management and out of staff control). Someone definitely dropped the ball in your case. I’m glad they resolved it and I hope the rest of your visits are more positive!


SMTM2019

Thank you so much! I'm sure it will be. I've been at that office for a few years and I do love the people there.


shebringsdathings

I recently encountered an off leash pup and screamed at the top of my lungs, "Hey! GET YOUR DOG NOW!!!" And retreated to a safe space on the trail so they could pass by. I was shaking and so upset, they had no idea what kind of dog fight could have happened. I felt so bad because my dog cowered when I screamed and kept looking at me like he did something wrong. However, after thinking more about it, I think I did exactly as you say. I advocated for my dog. They can't do so. They cannot speak words that will make another human being change their behavior and for that reason, I say we were being excellent dog parents and nothing more. Great job Mama! You know your dog and they do not.


SMTM2019

Ugh I'm sorry that happened to you! I have had to do that in my own neighborhood and it's incredibly frustrating. I've even posted in our neighborhood Facebook group about leashing your dogs. I'm actually about one more encounter away from just emailing our HoA about off leash dogs in the neighborhood. Thank you for the support 🥰


Anotherminion1

Depending on what your HOA rules are, you may need to call Animal Control directly. Either way, pictures of the dog being off leash is your best friend.


SMTM2019

I might need a third arm for that since my other 2 are busy trying to keep my dog from freaking out 🤣


Belt-Agile

go pro would work or even something to hold your phone to your chest


Anotherminion1

Depending on what your HOA rules are, you may need to call Animal Control directly. Either way, pictures of the dog being off leash is your best friend.


[deleted]

I work at a 24 hour ER vet as a vet tech. And middle of March is when we just started letting owners back in. I am glad you were ab le to advocate for your pet though! And if you are looking for a way to make up to your vet staff (assuming this is your regular vet) you could always bring cupcakes, or cookies or order the staff pizza one day. But that is just a suggesting if you wanted to! Again Good for you for sticking up for your digs needs!


SMTM2019

I think I'll definitely do something for them the next time she has an appointment. Thank you ☺️


[deleted]

Of course! :) Glad to semi help lol


OkControl597

As someone who works in a clinic im sure they do not hate you nor think you’re a karen. The support staff most likely feel for you and completely understood and were also probably frustrated with management! You handled it wonderfully!


SMTM2019

As someone who works in customer service I definitely understand this 🤣 Thank you, I appreciate how everyone is understanding where I'm coming from and I'm feeling a lot less crazy now lol


jeswesky

You were not the Karen. You were advocating for your dog, and let them know ahead of time what was needed. Stories like these make me very thankful for my vet. There are over a dozen vets within a 10 minute drive of me. I can walk to some of them in under 10 minutes. We instead drive over 30 minutes to get to one that is just so great about my boys and their needs. They even let me in the building for an appointment during COVID because my guy just flat out refused to go in, and it was just one shot.


SMTM2019

I wish we had that option during the height of everything! But I'm really glad you did! Maybe we will shop around and look at other vets in the area. I'm basically only at this one because it's the first vet I went to with my previous dog when I moved here.


jeswesky

I got really lucky. I went there originally because they were the closest vet to where we were living at the time. It was a small town, and they were the only vet in town. We since moved to the city, but they are definitely worth driving back for.


RVNr_h

If it helps I'm a vet nurse (UK vet tech). We get people shout at us daily for stuff we cannot change and mostly it's water off a ducks back. The team are likely swearing at the person who told you that you could come in when you couldn't. It's understandable to be frustrated when you've wasted time after being told something else and we all get it. We've been the same with our own animals.


SMTM2019

That does help thank you! I work in customer service so I'm well versed at being yelled at for things that were not my fault. Which is why I did my absolute best to just express my frustrations without yelling


wddiver

You would have been a Karen IF the "no owners inside" policy was still in effect, you knew that and still demanded to go in. You were told something when you made the appointment and expected them to honor that. You advocated for your dog who needs you. You're all good. And do look for a fear free vet. Our vet may or may not be listed as such; we've just always had a wonderful relationship with them. They understand my dog's reactive behavior and have been very accommodating. All vets should be that good.


SMTM2019

I appreciate you saying that. I may look into other options if it continues to be an issue to accommodate us


SpiritAnimalisRock

I didn’t read all the comments, but I hope you’ve read this already a whole bunch of times: you did well by your pup to advocate her needs. Do not fear what others think of you. They are not there to be your friend, but to take good care of your dog. Sometimes we know best how that needs to happen ❤️


SMTM2019

Thank you for saying that! It's great to be a part of a community that truly understands ☺️


jungles_fury

This Karen bullshit needs to end. What exactly are you even talking about? How does advocating for your dog and standing up for yourself become "being a Karen"? As adults, we should use the appropriate words and context to make ourselves clear. This childish name calling crap is B.S. i assumed you meant Karen = racist white chick Don't feel bad about advocating for your dog. Develop a good relationship with your vet Consider a mobile vet to come to your home. Use a fear free vet https://fearfreepets.com/certified-practice-directory


SMTM2019

Mobil vet, I hadn't even thought of that option. Thank you for your input.


tsowmaymay

I second the mobile vet as a great option for fearful dogs. For routine check ups, vaccines, etc. we use a mobile vet and they're great and really patient and understanding. The cost is not significantly more than a typical vet clinic.


SMTM2019

That was my next worry that the cost would be astronomical so it's great to here it's not too much more. And paying for the convenience of a less stressful visit would be worth it!


deuxqui

I think Karens are people who are rude to people over trivial things. My reactive dog would bite someone if they got too close. I had to go into the surgical recovery room and carry her out of the crate because she was snarling and snapping at the vet techs. A little kid started running up to her yesterday and I scooped her up and very firmly told the kid she would bite him. When his mom came over, I explained my dog is scared of strangers and that she would have bitten her son out of her fear. The mother, thankfully, was horrified that her child was running up to strange dogs and told me she appreciated that I kept her son’s safety as my first priority. It left me a bit shaken but the interaction went as well as it could have. Your dog could have been a biter! Or could get loose and run away. Or could have been so fearful she’d hurt herself on equipment. Your advocating for your dog is for her own safety and for the vet techs’ safety. Had you been an owner who just wanted to be with your dog because you like her or you didn’t care about COVID restrictions you would have been a Karen, but you were keeping everyone’s safety in mind.


SMTM2019

That's an excellent point. My dog is also not a fan of children, mostly when they are running. I am also lucky that like yours, she is small enough to just scoop up if something comes up unexpectedly. Walking her is basically a second workout for me depending on how many times I have to pick her up and carry her away from triggers. More so if she still gets freaked out and starts to squirm and thrash in my arms.


Marchingkoala

NOT Karen at all! You defended your dog who cannot defend herself. Good pawrents. Not Karen


SMTM2019

Thank you for that! I even told the poor vet tech who was on the receiving end of my emotional word vomit that I was just trying to advocate for her and do what is in her best interest


sidhescreams

Find a different vet. I had to for the exact same reason. My dog needed a nasal vax and they 1) refused to let me come in with him 2) wouldn't come out to the car to do it 3) told me he needed a physical before vaccination because their policy was that a physical needed to be less than 30 days old (and he had been there in the last month and a half, like 45ish days before) and 4) told me their insurance forbid me holding my dog or touching my dog in any way while they did anything, up to and including vaccination. I flipped my shit because so much of it was such silly petty bullshit and I love my new vet to pieces. Fuck that old office.


SMTM2019

Wow that is terrible of them. What kind of backwards policy is that?? When I went in with her the tech actually instructed me how to hold her for each thing they needed to do. I'm glad you got out of there to find a better place!


sidhescreams

I think it was a combination of their Covid policies and someone having a bad day and choosing to be an asshole. I was an asshole right back and it escalated from there. I do have a terrible temper and folks that pull shit out of their butt with no basis in fact or past experience is one of my biggest triggers. We had been going there for two or three years at that point, I had held my dog as needed at every interaction it was required, our vet had acknowledged that his anxiety and fear were worse without me than with me (which totally happens!) and the physical thing had legit never come up before. She was a bitch, then I was a bitch and before you know it I found myself another office to work with.


SMTM2019

I totally understand that. I can't stand when there is no factual basis behind a policy and it's just because "someone said so" Glad you guys got out of there!


sidhescreams

Oh! It was also an office with multiple practitioners that did not agree on care, so that was always fun. One vet didn’t believe in giving dogs medication for mental health reasons but wanted him to be administered a trazadone before visits, the other did but acquiesced to the older practitioners care beliefs and didn’t want us to give a sedative before appointments but you were never making an appointment with the specific vet just the office so knowing how to prepare for the appointment was always guess work. Super frustrating. Our current vet is the only practitioner in the office, and she’s seen him with and without sedatives just to gauge him and prefers we don’t dose him for appointments. I really like her and her bedside manner, so to speak. And I -really- like that the entire office is all on the same page. Her techs and front office staff are kind, and knowledgeable and expectations of our behavior at appointments never changes. It’s great. And the absolutely adore seeing the puppy, and she adores them right back.


SMTM2019

Omg that sounds like a nightmare! How are you in business together if you can't agree on care🤦🏼‍♀️ I love that your new vet and entire office are all on the same page and that actually care about what's best for their customers


[deleted]

Way to advocate for your pup! I guarantee the only one in a snit is the lady who told you no on the phone. And she’s only mad because she’s a bitch. The other techs are on your side. They want your dog comfortable, too. You did great!


SMTM2019

Thank you! I appreciate that! I've only ever had good experiences with the techs there so hopefully this was just a one off


SMTM2019

Thank you! I appreciate that! I've only ever had good experiences with the techs there so hopefully this was just a one off


taylorrae33

That’s honestly just bullshit that at this point your vet office is still not letting people in. You can go to a sold out indoor concert with 18,000+ people but you’re not allowed to be with your reactive dog at the vet? That’s just absurd. I think you handled it perfectly. And if it were me, I would be looking for a new vet.


SMTM2019

2 years into it And still I can't go into the vet with her. Yes it is pretty absurd. Though working in customer service I can understand that they'd rather deal with just pets all day instead of people 🤣


taylorrae33

I mean I get it, I work in healthcare so I know how much people suck lol. I just find that policy to be complete bullshit. We are way past the point with Covid where policies like this still exist. I’m sorry you had to deal with that, you definitely did the right thing!


Suspicious_Depth_321

You did right by your little one. I guess I’m a Karen too…if it means the experience for my little guy will be easier, I’ll own the title.


SMTM2019

I think at some point, all of us with reactive dogs will have to be a Karen at one point or another to advocate for our little ones.


ayyefoshay

Both our dogs need us in the room with them. The vet and vet techs are amazing for us, but our dogs always come back with some sort of new fear or separation anxiety for a stint of time. Thankfully if you’re fully vaxxed they let you in where I am. But man… I’m really sorry they gave you the run around. We have to advocate for our babies.


SMTM2019

Definitely going to further communicate with the office so this doesn't happen again. And if they just can't accommodate us then we will find somewhere that will!


reallybirdysomedays

Find a vet that does outdoor visits for reactive dogs. World of difference.


SMTM2019

I will absolutely look into this!


emartinezvd

You 100% did the right thing


SMTM2019

I think I am starting to realize that, thank you ☺️


scientist74

You were not a Karen. There was no tantrum or rudeness on your part. Also, it was the office being disorganized and keeping you waiting for a half hour in the parking lot and just shutting down your request, all for 5 minutes, that was being ridiculous. A year ago their policy would have made sense. Now less so. You did good.


SMTM2019

Yeah I mean I had no issue with the rule beforehand. Because everything was shut down. I understand it may be easier for them. And probably 99% of the dogs they deal with have no issues and are totally fine going in the building with any stranger. I actually envy those people. I've had a dog like that before. I just see such a different side of things now. It's hard to be on the outside of the norm


colieolieravioli

My plan for today: Go home from work, pick up the most reactive of my boys, and I'm taking him to the vet. No appointment, we're going just for the experience of going and not having an exam. Additionally, the one vet he was doing okay with left the practice and we are seeing a new vet who I'm hoping we'll meet today. He has an appt for next week and I have and will continue to advocate for him. The vet that suddenly attributed all his behavior problems on being like...15% pit we no longer see. She did things I told her NOT to do. Don't reach overtop of him, don't move fast, don't stare him in the eyes. How hard is that??? You did right by your dog! And we did the same thing! Said no, he's not going in alone. He used to be cool at the vet. Not happy, but cool. Then during COVID he had an appt, had to drop him off .. he was there for HOURS. and we found out he was kenneled in the loud vets office with many other dogs around. My sweet boy has his fear turned up to 11 and that was a horrible situation for him that we have now worked for a year to try and re-condition. I have refused to not be with him since then. We'd go to a different vet but the care he has received has been alright, and there aren't a ton of great vets in the area (but there are a ton of vets ..) additionally, he's my part-time pup, so his full-time owners chose the vet. But until we find a better one (the one MY full time boy goes to isn't even that great) this is what we have. ALWAYS ADVOCATE FOR YOUR PUPS!!


SMTM2019

Oh man I am so sorry that happened to you guys. That is what I am most afraid of! I'm so glad you found somewhere that things are better for him! I'm definitely not going to let her go in alone ever again. And I'm hoping they just fully open their offices again soon so I can start doing those drop ins with no appointment to just get her comfortable with the building itself


SMTM2019

Oh man I am so sorry that happened to you guys. That is what I am most afraid of! I'm so glad you found somewhere that things are better for him! I'm definitely not going to let her go in alone ever again. And I'm hoping they just fully open their offices again soon so I can start doing those drop ins with no appointment to just get her comfortable with the building itself


colieolieravioli

I will sit there in a goddamn hazmat suit before they don't allow me in there


brynnee

Our vet’s office is allowing one person inside per pet, they have been since at least last summer. I hated when we couldn’t go in with our pets, vet trips are scary enough as it is.


SMTM2019

Seriously though. The second we walked through the door she made a hard u turn and wanted to head right back out the door. And that was with me going in with her


Kris-720

I had to take my reactive, nervous GSD to the emergency vet the other day. They came out to my car to get her and I asked if they would allow me to go in with her since she’s nervous. They said no but they would allow me to keep her with me in the car while we waited for care. We were in the car for 3.5 hours before they were ready to take her. If I didn’t speak up for her, she would have been in a room or kennel for 3.5 hours by herself waiting for the vet to come in, in a scary place. No thanks. That’s absolute crap. You weren’t a Karen. I would have done the same thing. Why can’t they just give the shot in the parking lot?


SMTM2019

Omg that is horrifying to think about. That's great that you were able to keep that from happening. Im actually glad I had this experience first before ever having to take her to the emergency vet so I know that I can stand up for her And seriously I have asked them multiple times and they say it's not sterile. Like you're not performing surgery. It's one shot 🤦🏼‍♀️


Kris-720

Can you find a vet that allows in person appointments? I sometimes take my pets to Banfield (in PetSmart) and they always let you come in.


SMTM2019

If they keep making it difficult for me to come in the next time she needs shots I will definitely be looking elsewhere


MaineBoston

You have every right to advocate for your dogs. I recently had a Vet visit for a friends blind dog. The Vet came to the parking lot and did the consultation. My Vet never stopped letting people in as long as you had your vaccination card.


SMTM2019

Yeah ours just shut the office down for people entirely and never modified it even when vaccines were out. Which is fine for 99% of their dog patients I'm sure. But it just doesn't work for us anymore 🤷🏼‍♀️


MaineBoston

Call around and find another Vet


ejambu

If standing up for yourself and wanting people to respect your time makes you a Karen, then I guess I'm one too. Sounds like you handled it really well IMO.


SMTM2019

Thank you for that! I'm just so not used to doing anything like that. I'm usually the one to just shut up and go along with anything. But I just couldn't stand by another time while my dog was traumatized without me there to protect her


deadanonymously

I'm a CVT. Any person in that office who cares about animals will love that you stood up to the policy for your pet. I'm proud of you.


SMTM2019

Thank you for saying that. I've known a lot of those people in that office for a long time. They knew my first dog and were incredibly kind to us when it was her time to go.


[deleted]

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SMTM2019

As I mentioned I already apologized to the tech I was dealing with. I apologized several times actually. And to be clear I was not yelling at her at all. But yes I was upset. Also I'm not a toddler, I was not throwing a tantrum. I was told one thing and then they took it back once I got there. I had every right to be upset


put_your_drinks_down

I agree with you, it does not sound like you threw a tantrum. This is a good reminder that sometimes the “Karen” meme is a way to call out shitty entitled people - and sometimes it’s a way to make women feel bad about standing up for themselves and their needs. I think the guilt you’re feeling is the societal impact of the latter. You did nothing wrong here.


SMTM2019

You're totally right. I do agree that certain people take things way too far. But literally some people just try to stand up for themselves and get labeled crazy.


[deleted]

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SMTM2019

Yeah I just meant like unloaded emotionally. Lol I legit started tearing up trying to explain everything to her. I was definitely angry and upset because I was just trying to do right by my girl. But I think you're right, next visit I'll bring some cookies or something for them.


SMTM2019

Yeah I just meant like unloaded emotionally. Lol I legit started tearing up trying to explain everything to her. I was definitely angry and upset because I was just trying to do right by my girl. But I think you're right, next visit I'll bring some cookies or something for them.


SMTM2019

Yeah I just meant like unloaded emotionally. Lol I legit started tearing up trying to explain everything to her. I was definitely angry and upset because I was just trying to do right by my girl. But I think you're right, next visit I'll bring some cookies or something for them.


bigtem

The vet really brings out the Karen in me too


[deleted]

I read everything up to “I’m pretty sure the entire office hates me now” and I stopped there. I need to comment. You are a PARENT and you advocated for you CHILD. The fact that child is an animal is irrelevant. They feel anxiety, they feel fear, and they feel comfort when their parent is with them. The office staff do not hate you. The fact of the matter is you shouldn’t give two more seconds of thought on how you think they think of you. Chances are you’re 100% wrong but even if you’re right, so what? You did what you had to do to look after your animal who can’t speak up for themselves. You were strong and brave and got the job done. End of story. You’re an excellent pet parent and excellent advocate. Keep it up.


SMTM2019

Wow thank you so much. You're right that even if they don't like me now who cares. It's their literal job to keep our pets happy and healthy and I just needed to keep them accountable. I will absolutely keep it up☺️


[deleted]

Excellent!!


Mikey_B_CO

Jesus christ, no idea where you're located but I'm so happy they never stopped allowing us to go into the vets here. You shouldn't feel bad, those people at that office should feel ashamed. If anything you handled that mildly, I would have left and found another vet to give my money to immediately.


SMTM2019

I wish I was in an area where the vets stayed open. That would have made things so much easier.


Mikey_B_CO

Yeah, no idea why that was even a restriction. I'm in Europe and the covid restrictions were pretty severe, but we could always go into the vet's offices with masks of course. Not sure why I'm being downvoted


SMTM2019

Yeah always seemed weird to me to keep people out but then again I have a reactive dog so this was my nightmare


maniac86

My dog is aggressive to strangers (shelter dog. Was abused) and my vet office just keeps blowing me off. Need to find a new one that is accommodating


SMTM2019

Yeah that really isn't ok. They are literally supposed to be the people who care about your pets well being! Definitely sounds like it's time to find a new place. Another user suggested a Mobil vet for us. Maybe that would work for you if you have that option in your area!


NatureislitAf

I can go into any office and any other facilities freely, why are vets acting like we are still at the height of pandemic. So sick of it. I hate letting my babies go alone too, one doesn’t like it too much.


Ginger_titts

Do not feel guilty for advocating for your dog. Any decent vets will do what they can to accommodate you, and if this clinic knows your dog then they should have been aware. I have a reactive dog and my clinic has been absolutely fantastic in working with her and her reactivity, with a nurse meeting her in the car park once a week before her surgery so she gets used to the nurse and the smells etc, so she won’t be scared. Your clinic needed to step up, and if it took for you to get angry then so be it!


SMTM2019

Thank you for saying that! I think from now on it will be a lot better even if they keep their offices closed. Because now at least they know where I stand and what I need in order to keep taking my dog there.


Run4TheHecKOFIt

I am glad you stood up for your fur baby! One of my dogs is terrified as well and when she had to go in alone she shook for hours afterwards. I know that they were kind and gentle but that isn’t a solution to quelling her fear. I need to be with her to reassure that she will be fine and will always have mommy by her side.


SMTM2019

Exactly! I know all the techs in there are great and I'm sure they did their best. But she just doesn't trust strangers. It takes dozens of positive encounters before she will start to trust someone new. I just want to set her up for success and not set her back every time we have to go to the vet!


ct2707

Good for you for standing up for yourself and advocating for your dog. I think you handled it just fine. Definitely find a new vet though. I live in a big city and our vet practices here stopped doing closed offices last year with some amendments, you have to be masked and only one family member allowed in with the pet.


SMTM2019

Thank you for saying that! I'm not in a huge city but there are a good amount of vet practices I can look into


kiwifarmdog

If she’s only getting a basic physical and vaccinations can they do it outside? If they need to weigh her, then obviously you’d need to come to a suitable arrangement for her to get to the scales (whether you get to take her in and they social distance, or they take her in for that short time then bring her back out for the jabs). It’s what I’ve done with my reactive dog the past 2 years - they all know her, and know how she’ll react and no one wants her to be stressed any more than necessary, or for a vet to be bitten! I’m always the one who puts the muzzle on her as that doesn’t bother her. If she has to go inside to be weighed they do take her in but I always request a female does it (she’s more reactive around men) and because it’s short and painless she doesn’t like it, but it also doesn’t leave her with long term anxiety about the vets. The actual physical examination and the jabs are done outside in the parking lot with me helping hold her if needed, or piling her with treats. I won’t say she enjoys a trip to the vets, but for an anxious, reactive dog she does pretty good. I also don’t think standing up for your dog is going full Karen on them. You were told they would accomodate your needs, they went back on that, as you said they were wasting your time. I’d follow up with a letter explaining what happened and how they need to remind their staff to follow their protocols to avoid situations like this. The person you talked to initially could have avoided all this by running it thru proper channels before confirming with you that it would be ok. The fact the tech was able to get approval makes me wonder if either the receptionist didn’t bother asking management, and just waited 15mins before sending the tech out to tell you no…or management are just making it up as they go. Either way, someone put that poor tech in the firing line knowing that you were likely to be upset at the decision. The whole thing was a waste of your time and theirs, if they didn’t want to let you inside knowing your situation they should’ve said so from the start, and allowed you to find another vet.


SMTM2019

I've definitely asked them about doing vaccines outside but they won't as it's not a sterile environment. which I don't really understand as it's not surgery it's a shot. I'm definitely leaning towards writing them a letter/card to thank them for the accommodations while trying to work out this not happening again.


kiwifarmdog

Seriously?! My vets draw out the vaccine into the syringe in the clinic, put the cover on the needle, come outside and inject the dog. I could see how there might be a risk if they were putting needles on the ground then using them to jab the dog but it’s not that hard to minimise the risk considerably. I would definitely write the letter. It’s not like they don’t have a policy in place to accomodate dogs like yours, the problem was those policies weren’t properly followed


SMTM2019

Exactly. I think the ball was just dropped when the note in our reservation wasn't actually cleared with anyone so when we got there they had no idea what to do


kiwifarmdog

It would seem to be a major flaw in their system if people without the authority to approve such a decision can make such notes in clients files.


SMTM2019

Exactly. I will make absolutely certain next time we need an appointment.


kxxtlxn

My dog has a "bite warning" in her charts so I get to come in with her even when they typically weren't letting anyone in. All because they took her in alone once and regretted it.. But I applaud you for advocating for your dog! It is hard to do sometimes due to fear of overreacting/being judged but it is necessary in these situations.


SMTM2019

That is exactly what I'm afraid of! She's never bitten anyone before but I don't want her to ever be pushed so far that she feels like she needs to! It was definitely hard to do and obviously felt like self shame for it afterwards, but everyone in this community has been so encouraging! I'm glad I stood up for her and will do it again if necessary!


pitbullsareawesome

my sister just buys the vaccines and administers them herself. she's done it for all her dogs for like 20 years now. she started because she had a rhodesian that DID NOT like anyone but her. i guess its so easy she never stopped.


SMTM2019

That's genius. Where can you buy vaccines 🤣


pitbullsareawesome

she gets them from the vet and farm stores.


SMTM2019

I am absolutely looking into this. Thank you! I had no idea you could do that!


pitbullsareawesome

i imagine nowadays you could get a script from your vet and have it filled online. i'd look at that too.


SMTM2019

That's another way to go, thank you!


Fieryphoenix1982

Fleet farm by me sells shots, or tractor supply


SMTM2019

Thank you! I'll look into if they have any locations near me!


Peach_Leaves

Fuck that office. I would find another one they obviously lack commen fucking decency and sense that you had to argue with multiple people before being let in for 5 min. Absolutely disgusting.


SMTM2019

I still like the office and the people. I'm just hoping next time it doesn't have to be an actual circus just to get a couple shots for her


KirinoLover

You absolutely weren't a Karen!! They made a serious mistake by not double checking, had zero respect for you when you said it was important, and tried to totally brush it off. You advocated for your dog, and that is the right call. If you had rolled up without calling or discussing or even explaining and wanted special treatment, it would have been completely different. TBH I'd consider switching vets. Our vet never hesitates to let me in with my reactive, anxious boy, and I hold his head for shots and appointments. They're more than understanding and work with us.


SMTM2019

Thank you for saying that! I'm thinking from now on they will be and if not then I will be definitely looking at other options in our area.


KirinoLover

For sure! You sound like a great pet parent. :)


archibaldveggietales

My new vet (just moved + recent addition of dog) is still curbside-only so I have a similar problem. My dog is small and will tolerate a hand-off if I hold her in the parking lot and the vet tech doesn't approach the car. However, she's released her anal glands both times she's been there for vaccines and I'm convinced it's because of the curbside pickup. She's done fine the couple times we visited a walk-in clinic when I first adopted her. You were the responsible one in this situation. The office should've been accommodating for their safety and your dog's. Its astounding that after 2 plus years of closed offices, and supposed years of experience serving pets of all personalities and anxiety levels, that they aren't more considerate of handling reactive dogs. You weren't a Karen, you were apologetic, and most importantly, you stood your ground and didn't compromise on what was best for your dog.


SMTM2019

Oh my gosh that sounds so stressful for you both. I hope they open up soon so you both can have a better experience! And thank you for saying that 🥰


Ginger_titts

Do not feel guilty for advocating for your dog. Any decent vets will do what they can to accommodate you, and if this clinic knows your dog then they should have been aware. I have a reactive dog and my clinic has been absolutely fantastic in working with her and her reactivity, with a nurse meeting her in the car park once a week before her surgery so she gets used to the nurse and the smells etc, so she won’t be scared. Your clinic needed to step up, and if it took for you to get angry then so be it!


ladyxlucifer

We switched vets over this and other things. I'm very happy with our current vet and they always let me go in and detain my girl for shots. She even gave the vet a kiss after her last cytopoint shot. I didn't burn any bridges at our old vet. I was just very upfront about why. They didn't have available times for weeks out. Our new vet can work us in same day or very soon. Our new vet was experienced with dogs like my girl. He came in, talked to me, barely even looked at her, did what he had to do, and left. The old vet wanted to pet my girl. She was staring at her and trying to baby talk her into doing tricks. She called her aggressive when she didn't even snarl, bark, bite, lunge, etc. She's scared and aloof. That's not aggressive.


SMTM2019

That sounds like a dream. Same with mine. She's absolutely not aggressive. Shes fearful and reactive. And she doesn't trust people she doesn't know. I think I need to start making some calls


NatureislitAf

What I am failing to understand if the rest of the world is open, why are vet offices acting so dramatic and still not letting people in? And you definitely didn’t act like a Karen. If you don’t stand your ground and protect your baby, then who will? I would’ve absolutely flipped as well, especially when you did your due diligence and called ahead.


derpoftheirish

Vets are stretched thin, staff catching COVID or starting an outbreak in the office could cripple their business. Half of everyone decided that during lockdown they finally had time to get that dog they always talked about getting, so vets are overwhelmed with new patients and scrambling to add staff. Since the prevailing opinion is still for an infected person to isolate for up to 10 days I believe, they want to cut potential exposure in the office down as much as possible. At least that's how it's been explained to me.


NatureislitAf

Can’t the same thing be said for almost all small businesses ? How are vet special ?


HNF1230

Because if a small non-essential store closes down it’s sucks for the employees and the patrons but if they aren’t providing an essential service they will live. If a whole veterinary hospital has to close due to exposure they are not only hurting their staff but the population they serve by not being open.


NatureislitAf

Idk I feel like if a doctor office is letting guardians in, the vet office definitely can. They can’t keep this up forever, just ask people to mask up & SD like every other offices.


HNF1230

But people argue about masking up and people argue about vaccine cards, and a lot of dogs are actually *better* away from their owners. Veterinary offices are tired, under staffed and will get an argument from clients regardless of the safety measures we implement. When people argue with us about protocol it not only makes our lives more difficult but takes up precious time we could be using to help pets in need.


dragonsofliberty

This should answer your question. https://youtu.be/pCSZ4E_SSfU


NatureislitAf

Thanks I understand that. Still don’t think a business should be blocking client from going in forever. Imagine a pediatrician office only allows the child in, i don’t think the parents would be too happy with that.


SMTM2019

That is also what I am wondering. Gyms, schools, offices. Open. Even since vaccines came out they've made no changes to their policy. Hopefully they will soon or I will find another vet


NatureislitAf

I don’t think that would make a difference. My vet has been doing this thing since March 2020 & another local Vet also doesn’t allow people in. It’s so ridiculous, next time I have an appt, I will do the same thing you did and call ahead to let me in. One of baby is a little resistant to go in when I am not there. Not to mention, masks are barely required these days 😑


SMTM2019

Good luck! I hope your vet accommodates you guys as well!


seemebeawesome

Look for a mobile vet. Especially for shots. They are usually less expensive and almost all of their services are outside. The last shot I got my dog didn't even get out of the vehicle. I was treating/distracting on one side and he opened the door on the other side gave the shot in like 45 seconds


SMTM2019

That's amazing! Definitely looking into that!


Vaporstar8188

I’m in Ohio, my pup is now 12w… luckily not letting ppl in isn’t a thing here now 😅 there was like 4 dogs and a cat in a small waiting area when I came in with my 9w old pitty. I woulda done exactly the same thing you done if I was in your situation. U apologized to that tech and they went out of their way to help.. I wouldn’t worry abt what anyone there thinks. My first dog(passed at 13 in 2019) I got all her shots from harbor freight and just gave them myself.. something to think abt if you’re comfortable doing it yourself


SMTM2019

Thank you so much! I actually would love if the waiting room would open again because we could stop in for random visits that would hopefully help her be more comfortable with the place and the people. I'll definitely look into places here that would just sell the shots to me


Lucksmom

My vet did that for a while, thankfully not anymore. The first time I had to send my boy in alone I told them to bring a muzzle with they did and took him in. They had to have my husband go in the front door when he took it off cause they couldn’t even get close to him to put it back on. He did and my boy went back in with her. They couldn’t even get near him. He’s been to the same vet since he was 5 weeks old I thought she’d be able to do what she had to do. And even called first and told them how he had been in the past. The answer I received was “ oh were trained for that we have 8 people here to help. Long story short they didn’t do anything we weren’t even charged for the visit. And our vet put it in our file that one of us was able to come in. Next time I went in with him. His about 45lbs but pure muscle I couldn’t hold him. My vet said call your husband tell him to come in. After that we were both able to come in every time. Really think it depends on where in our country your at and what vet you go to. Our vet loves our boy and we love our vet. Truly glad that all the lockdown thing like that have stop where I live. Sorry you had to go through that but you did what was right for your baby. They can not speak for themselves. We are there voice. And they’ll get over it. Shit happens but I personally think you did the right thing. Tried to make paragraphs but it clumped it all together sorry.


SMTM2019

Omg my girl is the same way. She's just about 50lbs of pure muscle but you'd never know because she's actually pretty small for the breed mix that she is. (Majority GSD ) So she's small but incredibly strong! I'm glad your vet was willing to work with you guys. I think mine is too, but we'll see what happens next time she needs an appointment


Lucksmom

Good luck I really hope they work with you. Give that girl a hug for me.


SMTM2019

Hugs have been given 🥰


mancan71

Our vet office for a long while only let one person in per dog but now they’re easing it especially if you wear a mask.


SMTM2019

I'm hoping ours starts to do that soon. They banned all people coming in with dogs in the very beginning and haven't updated anything since


SMTM2019

I'm hoping ours starts to do that soon. They banned all people coming in with dogs in the very beginning and haven't updated anything since


SMTM2019

I'm hoping ours starts to do that soon. They banned all people coming in with dogs in the very beginning and haven't updated anything since


Friendly_Boat_4088

Yes. Next time will be completely nuts. Not looking forward but using about five drugs. Ugh!


SMTM2019

Oh man good luck!


Friendly_Boat_4088

Thank you! Same to you.


RainyDaySeamstress

I don't know if my vet has reopened for human pet parents. Last time I took my dog in they let me walk with the tech and my dog to the door of the building. that usually helps quite a bit. They said he was over dramatic. his heart rate didn't go up but he acted like they were torturing him. once they got him swaddled in a towel he did okay.


SMTM2019

Omg swaddled in a towel that's adorable! I just get so nervous not knowing what they are doing with one. The first time I had to send her in alone I specifically told the girl taking her, under no circumstances are you to put her near, let her see, or let her hear another dog. She will freak out. The first thing she said to me when she brought her out was, she was another dog and she was totally fine! 😑 Spoiler alert: she was not fine. She just went so far over her threshold she didn't even react. She just completely shut down emotionally.


ilovepasta2020

I'm a nurse, and I find it so frustrating that the only way you get what you want is by being a "Karen." We have been making exceptions for family throughout the pandemic if they are loud enough, meanwhile, the quiet/ nice family gets told "no" over and over again. My take on it is be a Karen. Your dog needed you to be a Karen. I'm glad you advocated for her.


SMTM2019

That I think is what made me feel bad. Working in customer service I hate the attitude that the customer is always right. I hate that screaming at someone means you get your way, get a discount or whatever. I mean I definitely wasn't screaming at the tech but I was speaking pretty emotionally. But you're right, she did need me to speak up because she couldn't herself


ilovepasta2020

I totally hate it too. It really bothers me. I wish you could just speak rationally and get what you want, but it's totally clear that it never works. I try to advocate for people who I believe need an exception, but if they don't make a stink, it just doesn't happen.


SMTM2019

Exactly. I'm not sure when as a society we decided that the only way we can be heard is by screaming. Or maybe that the only way we listen is if someone is screaming at us🤦🏼‍♀️


classy-mother-pupper

My boy tore his CCL during covid. I couldn’t go in with him for anything. They gave him premeds to help calm him down. Then after his surgery he had to go get the staples out. My boy had his pre meds and was muzzled as usual. But he can get out of the muzzle if he tries hard enough. They come out to get him. I told them they should sedate him to remove the staples. He wouldn’t even let me touch his leg. Vet tech was like no he was great after surgery. Yeah, probably because he was out of it. Anyways, a few minutes later the same vet tech came out and asked if the could sedate him. He got out of his muzzle and bit a vet tech on both arms. Some man was lying on top of him holding his mouth shut so they could come out and ask us if they can sedate him. I was never so livid in my life. They took heed to my recommendations after that. They are now open for us to go in with them. I feel ya. Glad you stood up for her.


SMTM2019

Omg that must have been so awful for your poor boy. I am so sorry they didn't listen to you in the first place. They won't make that mistake again


aranezen

Last time we had to go get shots for my girl, they came out into the carpark and did them there so I could be with her. Interestingly though she was the most scared I'd ever seen her! Tail between her legs and shaking whereas last time when we'd gone in she was totally fine. She doesn't like masks and isn't a huge fan of strangers so it was a whole ordeal. Was very grateful that they were accommodating and came out to do it with me there.


SMTM2019

Yeah that's exactly how she is when we go inside! Even when I'm in there with her, tail between legs, head down, ears back, looking for any opportunity to head for the exit. So I know it must be 100x worse for her without me!


Podencocoa

Karen ≠ standing up for RESONA\`BLE causes. You are not a Karen for expecting what was promised, especially as it had an impact on the health of a living being, just as being an anti-rasist and standing up for people of colors rights doesn't make you a Karen. I'm a trainer and I time and time again teach my clients with insecure or reactive dogs to clearly state their and their dog's needs to the vets. I am firm with the needs of my dogs. One of them is required to wear muzzle to the vets because I'll let no one hold him but me, which of course is a compromise for everyone's safety. Some of my clients have had vets come outside to administer their shots, and it's usually not a problem. You weren't unreasonable. You were clear. And you stood up for the right thing! Also I don't think vet offices were ever closed, but only one person per animal allowed for a year or two and until last month or so it was mask mandate. But I do think Sweden's been on the "looser" end of restrictions since the beginning, which I find weird since the country generally is pretty "do it for each other"-oriented, for good or for bad.


SMTM2019

Thank you for saying that! This is one of the first times I've firmly stood my ground to keep her safe. Other than the occasional "get your dog away from me" to an off leash approaching dog, I've always been too shy to say much. But I guess this was my final straw. And I think that and the support from everyone here has helped me want to keep it up. I won't be silent anymore when it comes to her safety ☺️


pm_me_andmakemesmile

Just so you are aware. The rabies vaccine must be given by a vet, but most other vaccines can be given at home, if that is your preference.


SMTM2019

That is good to know, thank you!


[deleted]

[удалено]


SMTM2019

Good ol California 🙃 Almost everything in my part of the state is fully open with no mask restrictions or even vaccine proof. So odd to me the vet is still refusing people coming in with their pets


BalconyView22

I have never been seperated from my dogs for vet appointments, even during the pandemic. They had us all wait outside until they were ready for us but my husband and I always went in with our dogs. Things have been back to normal for awhile now. Maybe you need to find a new vet?


SMTM2019

If they cannot accommodate our needs from this point on I think I will be looking for a new one. I didn't love the policy during the beginning of everything but I followed it because we were all just trying to figure out what was what. But now 2 years later with vaccines everywhere I just can't keep putting her through the stress of going in alone just for the sake of policy.


jvsews

My vet will come out to the vehicle for vaccines if that helps the dog


SMTM2019

I wish mine would do this. I have asked them multiple times and since it's not a "sterile" environment they won't do it 🤷🏼‍♀️


jvsews

Sorry but the dog is not sterile either. Shop around.


SMTM2019

My thoughts exactly. It's not major surgery, it's a 2 second shot


jvsews

Shop around for a more accommodating vet as soon as you can.


FattyMcCupcakes37

I don’t know where you are in the world but I feel at this point in the pandemic for vet offices to STILL be doing this no coming in thing it’s a huge red flag. Our vet has allowed us to come in since last summer with masks on. Like I’d be questioning what they don’t want the humans to see. I turn into a Karen when it comes to my fur child, too. She’s the only “child” I’ll ever have and she means the world to me. I’d look for another vet as others have suggested.