24-hour care needed for pets | Letters

Published 4:23 pm Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Several months ago, a local resident submitted a letter criticizing local vets for keeping “bankers’ hours.” At the time, I thought, “That’s certainly not my experience here,” but didn’t take it any further. Now, I feel I must respond.

About five years ago, my sweet, elderly dog, Suzie suddenly became seriously ill. The veterinarian told me to come in immediately even though it was after the normal closing time. She confirmed that it was indeed serious and proceeded to treat Suzie there in the clinic and even took her home overnight to monitor her condition.

The next morning, I received a call before 7 a.m. and was told that I should come to the clinic as soon as possible because Suzie was deteriorating. Suzie did not survive her illness but could not have received better, more compassionate care. Nor could I have received more compassionate care as the grieving owner.

It would be great to have on-island, 24-hour emergency veterinary care in such a small community, I don’t know if that is even economically feasible. However, it is unrealistic and frankly, insulting to expect any professional to be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, never leave the island and have no personal life.

It is especially insulting to be accused of keeping “bankers’ hours.” (The bankers I know don’t keep those hours either.) We should be very grateful for the professionals who have chosen to live here and provide the excellent veterinary care to which we have access.

Martha J. Huleatte, Ed.D.

San Juan Island