Deputy Dog No Animal Left Behind!

[cattitude]

So what would they do if someone walked in with an injured animal said "I found this dog on the side of the road" and walked out? They would probably call tri-county, yes?

She said that they would refer the person to an ER vet. Then she chuckled and said, "Mrs. J, as much as you are in here you know that if you brought in a stray we would work with you." That's the point...they know I pay them.

Years ago you used to be able to pay vets a monthly amount until you could pay off the balance. Not any more. It's just the way things are. They need their money, it's a business. They also have a credit service that you can finance any large amounts for unexpected vet costs.

 

[BS Gal]

Okay..

I just spoke with Tri-County Shelter. They will send an injured animal to a vet that they have an agreement with. These vets work with the Shelter. If an owner comes forward, the owner is responsible for the bill. If no owner comes forward, the bill is paid through shelter funds and/or rescue groups etc. depending on what happens with the animal..where it goes.

I talked with my vet..they do not treat animals without payment. Just the way it is..burned too many times. They will refer you to an emergency hospital or the shelter. However, they do work out things with their regular clients. They are unware of the oath that states vets are required to treat animal without payment.

I have hesitated to post in this thread. Abbey jumps the fence but we are working on remedies. I would die if something happened to her. But, if she is out of the yard and something does it is MY fault. Do people drive up my road fast? Yes. But it IS MY responsibility to protect my animals. It is not the responsibility of the person who hits an animal to pay any vet bills.

Now, granted I think people should stop, inquire about the animal, etc. But sometimes that just isn't possible. Sometimes they may not even realize they hit an animal. What about a frantic dog or cat that actually runs into the vehicle? What about an animal that grazes the car, is injured and then lays to die as the subject dog in this thread?

As Appy posted, "in a perfect world." Well it's not. People don't pay the vet bills as they promise...people let their pets run loose..and not everyone cares about animals. It sucks, but it's reality.

Well put, Catt.

 

[pixiegirl]

She said that they would refer the person to an ER vet. Then she chuckled and said, "Mrs. J, as much as you are in here you know that if you brought in a stray we would work with you." That's the point...they know I pay them.

Years ago you used to be able to pay vets a monthly amount until you could pay off the balance. Not any more. It's just the way things are. They need their money, it's a business. They also have a credit service that you can finance any large amounts for unexpected vet costs.

Not you in particular. If Joe Blow walked in off the street with a dog that had been hit and left I doubt that they would chase him down into the parking lot and force him to take the dog with him. They would call Tri-county and the ball would roll from there.

 

[cattitude]

Not you in particular. If Joe Blow walked in off the street with a dog that had been hit and left I doubt that they would chase him down into the parking lot and force him to take the dog with him. They would call Tri-county and the ball would roll from there.

So you're saying somebody walks in and just "deposits" an injured animal on the counter and leaves? I would imagine they would take care of it. But there ya go.... Happens all the time with rescue..people tie their pets up outside the shelter, dump them on the doorstep of a rescue..but they "found" them...see where I'm going here.

Pixie, I agree with your ideals...I want to save the animal world and when I was your age I thought I could. I know now that's not possible. I do what I can. We are dealing with humans.

 

[Toxick]

If Joe Blow walked in off the street with a dog that had been hit and left I doubt that they would chase him down into the parking lot and force him to take the dog with him. They would call Tri-county and the ball would roll from there.

That's my point too - it seems like there's suggestions that's there's a policy of "No Good Deed Goes Unpunished", and if that's the case, that's just begging for apathy, and for animals to be left on the side of the road for dead.

I hate to see animals suffer, but if I'm going enter into a battle of wills and incur bills, fees and fines when I try to help, then I'm not going to bother.

 

[BarbinMD]

Okay..

They are unware of the oath that states vets are required to treat animal without payment.

Here's the oath that all vets take: Veterinary Oath


"Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health, the relief of animal suffering, the conservation of livestock resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.

I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics.

I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence."

It does not spell out that they will do it free of charge, but it does say they will use their knowledge and skills the relieve an animal's suffering.

The way my vet explained it is that they will not allow any animal to suffer that it is a sort of "public service for not allowing the animal to lay there and die a painful death."

I think if an animal is brought in the vet may encourage the person to pay; however, as it's been explained to me they are not allowed to let an animal suffer. They also said if a dog is brought in with a broken leg, they would stabilize him in a cage until animal control can pick him up.

I don't believe there is a vet in this county, or at least I certainly hope not, that if one of us walked in with an animal who was in pain would not take care of him---within limits of course. After all, it is a tax write-off for them too.

The day I took Deputy Dog in, there were no questions asked, other than after he said he was gone, he asked if I'd like him to take care of him from there. I said "yes," and turned and left.

I've taken injured animals to vets in North Carolina, Japan, Virginia & now here and never once has money even been mentioned. May have to do with the tears I was shedding at the time. Eager to get that crazy lady out of there. Honestly, I also expected to pay, and was surprised when it was never mentioned. Oh well, that's more money to go to the next rescue, right?

 

[cattitude]

Well Barb, I can't comment on your experiences except on the latter and you took in a dead animal. Doesn't cost the vet much to dispose of it.

I have rescued, fostered, you name it...countless animals over the last 30 or so years, some sick, some injured -- one even turned out to have rabies. It has ALWAYS cost me money and time and I have always willingly accepted the responsibility and the fact that it would cost me. It's what I do.

If I saw an animal on the side of the road, I can honestly say that cost would never enter into my mind and certainly wouldn't determine whether or not I would attempt to rescue/save that animal. My love for animals is not bound by money.

 

[BarbinMD]

If I saw an animal on the side of the road, I can honestly say that cost would never enter into my mind and certainly wouldn't determine whether or not I would attempt to rescue/save that animal. My love for animals is not bound by money.

And I appreciate that very much, Cattitude. It's unfortunate, but everyone does not feel that way. If so, good old Deputy Dog would have not have laid outside for 19+ hours while he froze to death. No offense, but you're not the kind of person I'm trying to reach through this campaign. But rather, you are the kind I would like to join forces with.

You hit the nail on the head though when you said it does not cost much to dispose of a dead dog. It also costs "change" to euthanise an animal according to my vet. I'm not advocating euthanising every animal that's laying alongside the road, but rather get more of them to the vets to have the vets make the determination. If the vet tells the person that they can't accept it to take it to Tricounty, one of two things will most likely happen, the person will transport to the vet or they will refuse. At that point, what option does the vet have other than to call Animal Control. However, at least this animal is not lieing alongside the road dieing. If an animal is suffering that change may not be much to us or to a vet, but to some it is a lot.

My whole purpose in this Deputy Dog's No Animal Left Behind campaign was not to stir up a hornets nest, but rather to try to reach the people that leave the animals lay behind like yesterday's trash. No, money was not my concern when I walked in the door with Deputy Dog. Neither was it the young man who found him. But, it may very well have been the person who left him lie after hitting him or the people who "thought he was dead." I have done rescue for years and if getting an animal cared for means giving up a little then that's what I do. As you know, animals have no voice, I feel that I owe it to them to speak for them. Whatever it takes, I will do.

 

[BS Gal]

And I appreciate that very much, Cattitude. It's unfortunate, but everyone does not feel that way. If so, good old Deputy Dog would have not have laid outside for 19+ hours while he froze to death. No offense, but you're not the kind of person I'm trying to reach through this campaign. But rather, you are the kind I would like to join forces with.

You hit the nail on the head though when you said it does not cost much to dispose of a dead dog. It also costs "change" to euthanise an animal according to my vet. I'm not advocating euthanising every animal that's laying alongside the road, but rather get more of them to the vets to have the vets make the determination. If the vet tells the person that they can't accept it to take it to Tricounty, one of two things will most likely happen, the person will transport to the vet or they will refuse. At that point, what option does the vet have other than to call Animal Control. However, at least this animal is not lieing alongside the road dieing. If an animal is suffering that change may not be much to us or to a vet, but to some it is a lot.

My whole purpose in this Deputy Dog's No Animal Left Behind campaign was not to stir up a hornets nest, but rather to try to reach the people that leave the animals lay behind like yesterday's trash. No, money was not my concern when I walked in the door with Deputy Dog. Neither was it the young man who found him. But, it may very well have been the person who left him lie after hitting him or the people who "thought he was dead." I have done rescue for years and if getting an animal cared for means giving up a little then that's what I do. As you know, animals have no voice, I feel that I owe it to them to speak for them. Whatever it takes, I will do.

So why were you bad-mouthing Appy and I in another thread? You didn't give names, but it was obvious. Appy is the most animal loving person I know, but still, you had to bash us in your thread. Not fair in my opinion.

 

[BarbinMD]

So why were you bad-mouthing Appy and I in another thread? You didn't give names, but it was obvious. Appy is the most animal loving person I know, but still, you had to bash us in your thread. Not fair in my opinion.

First of all, I'm not quite sure of the "bashing thread." However, if you took offense to it, you might considering reading the below posts.

<<Give me your credit card #. The next time I find an injured animal, JUST IN CASE THE VET NEEDS IT, I'll give it to them. >>

<<She said they can refuse treatment of any animal..I knew what you were saying was BS>>>

I came here to look for support from other animal lovers. I have done rescue for many years and have seen lots, but...the Deputy Dog case was a tough one. I didn't come here to play games. I was looking for help in protecting all of the Deputy Dogs in our county.

 

[Mikeinsmd]

First of all, I'm not quite sure of the "bashing thread." However, if you took offense to it, you might considering reading the below posts. <<Give me your credit card #. The next time I find an injured animal, JUST IN CASE THE VET NEEDS IT, I'll give it to them. >> <<She said they can refuse treatment of any animal..I knew what you were saying was BS>>>
I came here to look for support from other animal lovers. I have done rescue for many years and have seen lots, but...the Deputy Dog case was a tough one. I didn't come here to play games. I was looking for help in protecting all of the Deputy Dogs in our county.

Yanno if Deputy would have been on a leash in accordance with MD law, he would still be alive.

 

[BS Gal]

First of all, I'm not quite sure of the "bashing thread." However, if you took offense to it, you might considering reading the below posts.

<<Give me your credit card #. The next time I find an injured animal, JUST IN CASE THE VET NEEDS IT, I'll give it to them. >>

<<She said they can refuse treatment of any animal..I knew what you were saying was BS>>>

I came here to look for support from other animal lovers. I have done rescue for many years and have seen lots, but...the Deputy Dog case was a tough one. I didn't come here to play games. I was looking for help in protecting all of the Deputy Dogs in our county.

And what I'm saying is that you pretty much advertised that you can take an injured animal anywhere and not worry about the cost. That is not the truth. Sooo, when I asked for your cc #, I was saying that the vets are not going to let you drop an animal off without some info. As you said, they may put the animal down. Now I am not going to let that happen if I come across a dog with broken leg that can live. I am an animal lover. So is appy. Let's get it straight. Don't tell people they can walk into any vet with an injured animal and not expect to have some kind of financial responsibility.

 

[BarbinMD]

I called the vet...I asked them..so did Catt...Most of us that would help animals would help if you put a post like this up or not...the ones that would not help might..thinking they go in and drop and animal off and that is not the case...and I can say I think what you said was BULL SHIAT if I want...and I still say it is a good idea but it is BULL SHIAT...now..make a few calls yourself like Catt and I did and tell us what you find out..

Yes, you can say that if you choose. After all...we do have freedom of speech right? So, that goes two ways correct? As I have already said, I discussed this with a vet prior to my posting. Of course I could speak to several different receptionists and get several different answers; hence the reason I spoke directly with the vet. I have explained repeatedly and am not going to waste anymore time explaining myself. I will continue to rescue, I will continue to be the voice for the animals, and I will do it in a respectful manner.

 

[BarbinMD]

Yanno if Deputy would have been on a leash in accordance with MD law, he would still be alive.

How true. However, I'm not sure what the circumstances were as to how he got away. He was pretty matted and appeared to have maybe been on his own for quite some time.

 

[Mikeinsmd]

Yes, you can say that if you choose. After all...we do have freedom of speech right? So, that goes two ways correct? As I have already said, I discussed this with a vet prior to my posting. Of course I could speak to several different receptionists and get several different answers; hence the reason I spoke directly with the vet. I have explained repeatedly and am not going to waste anymore time explaining myself. I will continue to rescue, I will continue to be the voice for the animals, and I will do it in a respectful manner.

Lets have the number & address of this vet so we can take injured animals to him please.

 

[Mikeinsmd]

How true. However, I'm not sure what the circumstances were as to how he got away. He was pretty matted and appeared to have maybe been on his own for quite some time.

From your posts I gathered he was your dog. Is this true?

 

[BS Gal]

Lets have the number & address of this vet so we can take injured animals to him please.

I would like that, also. Does he take rodents?

 

[BarbinMD]

From your posts I gathered he was your dog. Is this true?

No, he was not my dog. I spent less than an hour with the little guy. Unfortunately he had no tags and was not microchipped.

 

[BS Gal]

Deputy Dog was in my life for a very short time, but he left a lasting impression. I will never forget my little friend. In memory of him, please help me spread his word! Animals have no voice. We must speak for them. Barbara Whipkey, trailsendpetsitting@att.net

My name is Deputy Dog. I am a sweet golden retriever mix. Sometime around the 21st of December 2005, I was hit by an automobile on Trapp Rd in St. Mary’s County, MD. I did not sustain life threatening injuries, but the person who hit me did not bother to help me. So there I lay for at least nineteen hours not able to move to seek out help. I was very cold, in pain and shock, while the frost coated my fur with ice. At 3AM on the 22nd, my hero came along! He scooped me up, covered me with a blanket and took me to a warm place. He contacted a member of the St. Mary’s Animal Welfare League and got me into a safe home. The lady helped to dry me off and warm me. I appreciated their help and love, but had already suffered so much. I looked her in the eye and gave her one little wag of my tail. I hope she knows I was saying, “thank you,” but I had no more fight in me. I was rushed to a local veterinary hospital, but unfortunately did not survive the car trip. I left this earth wrapped in a warm blanket, in a warm car, snuggled in someone’s arm who loved me very much. My rescuers believe that I did not need to die. If only that person who hit me had taken me to a veterinary clinic where I could get help, I would be here today to share my story in person. Instead, I died of not only exposure, but also heartache.

Please join me in ensuring that no other dog has to suffer the way I did. Join in Deputy Dog’s No Animal Left Behind Campaign. The goal of this campaign is to educate the public on how they can humanely help innocent animal victims. Please help by spreading my message. If one animal is saved through my campaign, then I did not die in vain.

Veterinarians take an oath obligating them to not allow an animal to suffer. Please, oh please, if you hit an animal, or see an animal that has been hit, get it to a veterinary clinic. You will not be responsible for the costs. I don’t even care if you don’t want to admit that you hit the animal. An animal suffering as I did is much worse than a little white lie. The person who hit me did not mean to do it. It was an accident. Their only crime was leaving me to suffer. Please, don’t leave an animal behind to suffer and die. We have feelings too! No Animal Left Behind!

Now I am confused. Did you pick this dog up?

 

[Wisecrackin"]