A recent story reported another house fire started by “a gre

Addison And Cassidy Orzel

I am writing to you to thank a local veterinarian and her staff, Dr. Tammy Wagner from the South Mountain Veterinary Hospital in Mountain Top. Dr. Wagner and her staff extended her heart, expertise and care to my dog and cat when they needed it. They both have terminal cancer and she welcomed them as patients and offered helpful advice. 
She even called me when she received blood-work results for my dog, Jack, to talk to me about it and offer her support. She offered medicinal care for my dog, who is undergoing chemotherapy, and makes herself available to me.
 I was told by several local surgeons that it would be difficult to find a doctor to take my dog on as a patient because of his serious health condition. It boggles my mind that a doctor would find it contradictory to treat a sick animal. Isn&rsquo;t this why they went to college? 
I was told that day-practices are too busy with vaccinations and routine care and that they don&rsquo;t have time for an animal who is chronically ill. I was appalled to find that this is the level of care that is given and accepted by pet owners locally and that many veterinarians find no problem with running their practices in this manner. I have heard countless complaints from other pet owners, who did not even have a serious health issue to deal with like my dog&rsquo;s, state they were disgusted with local veterinarians.
It is time that area pet owners begin to rate local veterinarians so that everyone will be aware of how doctors conduct themselves and their practices. It should range from time waiting for a scheduled appointment, availability during emergencies, willingness to return calls to a pet owner regarding a serious health issue, bedside manner and demeanor, etc. If veterinarians feel the crunch in their wallet and their practices decrease, they will get the message. Even if they become more available only to serve themselves financially, it will help animals in this area. 
The care and welfare of our animals is of paramount importance, and anyone who does not share this sentiment would be better served seeking a line of work other than veterinary medicine. Don&rsquo;t waste loving pet owners&rsquo; time, money and our most precious resource, our pets.