I called the Sarasota Veterinary Emergency Hospital at roughly 11:30 PM on a Friday night, having been referred by another clinic - whose story will be subimitted separately.
I arrived home to find my feline friend with symptoms that I recognized as urinary blockage. This feline has a history of the illness, but has not exhibited symptoms in the past four years. We had since moved since his previous hospitalization in October.
Alarmed at the sudden findings, I called the local animal emergency, who referred me to this place. When I made it clear that I have been unemployed for the past year, and I will need to work out terms (since I was given a generous offer yesterday that begins Monday... I am confident that I can pay an emergency visit in full in two weeks time) - however, kitty is gravely ill *tonight*...
The female answering the phone was doing her job, told me they did not accept payments. I asked to speak to the veterinarian.
After a short hold, Dr. Jim Spiezio (I had to call back to ascertain his first name) came on the line. After hearing the symptoms, AND the fact that I could offer no payment AT the time, he stated "Well you can try [some office] in Tampa".
The southernmost part of Tampa from my location is 97 miles. So I begged.
He was not concerned for the welfare of the cat. He informed me that the "owners of the hospital do not accept payments". When I asked the owners name, he told me he was not going to tell me. When I told him I have a right to know, he didn't even fake a disconnection... But slammed the phone down.
Suspicious, no?
If I had nothing to hide, I'd have certainly given a name.
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