Veterinary Rx

Our dogs get more attentive and more respectful medical care than the rest of us do. Here's why:

1. When we take our dogs to the clinic for sick visits, the vets routinely call us a few days later to see how they're doing.

2. All of the staff members at the clinic know our dogs and greet them cheerfully.

3. The vets return our phone calls on the same day.

4. We can find out exactly how much a procedure will cost.

5. Treats are available at every visit.

6. As owners we're never blamed for our dogs' health--the way some dentists run you down for not flossing well enough.

7. The clinic is simply and efficiently furnished. We're not paying for a fancy building or the latest decor.

8. Medicines are dispensed on site.

9. We rarely wait for more than 5 minutes, either in the waiting room or in the examining room.

10. If our vets recommend a special procedure, we know they do so because they believe it's medically necessary, not because they'll make an extra buck.

11. When we check in at the clinic, we're not greeted with the words, "Is your insurance still Blue Cross/Blue Shield?"

12. The dogs are treated with the respect they deserve.

Human doctors and medical administrators could learn a lot from their veterinary counterparts who, by the way, make a lot less money. Speaking of which, you don't get the feeling that money is driving veterinary medicine the way it powers human medicine. Rather, you get the feeling that the patient's health matters the most.