Saturday, February 16, 2013

Ass Clown Redux



So I've been neglecting my little blog. Life took some strange twists and turns in 2012, most of which I'm happy to leave behind, but there were learning experiences all the same. I've found myself in yet another full circle yet again: I'm doing relief work for Boss Man. I'm not so sure this is a good thing. The F bomb has reentered my vocabulary out of either necessity or a requirement of working there.
Today was a shot clinic day, and with good weather and the promise of spring we were busy. It was the typical mix of new puppies and old clients, those who were happy with us and those who will never be happy.
Then I get a guy who comes in after speaking to a co worker. He went to give his dog a bath, the collar is embedded and the dog won't let him near him (big surprise). So he stopped by to get some tranquilizers so he can get the collar cut off the dog. I go through the whole ritual of what he needs to do, that the dog will probably need veterinary attention, etc., then off to find Boss Man to get the script written. I hand him the chart and the following conversation ensues:

BM: Is the dog here?
ME: No, the owner is. He can't get near the dog. He needs to tranq the dog so he can get close enough to cut the collar off.
BM: Does he look stupid?
ME: How smart can he be if the dog has an effing embedded collar?
BM: Let me talk to him.

Seriously. An embedded collar does not happen overnight. Most embedded collar cases are a guarantee of neglect charges. While I would really like to give this assclown the benefit of the doubt, such as he was out of town and this happened under someone else's watch, still, there is no excuse for an embedded collar.

Preaching to the choir here: We all have busy lives. Pets are a responsibility, and a duty. Part of ensuring their well being is checking them. All pets should have a visual inspection daily. No less than weekly, a pet owner needs to go over their pet with their hands and check. Check teeth, sniff ears and skin, check foot pads and between toes. Anything different needs attention. If a collar is too small, get rid of it or replace it. Whether the pet never leaves your side or lives outdoors guarding your property there should always be a good going over. With the exception of feral cats, all pets should tolerate a quick general inspection. If this is impossible, get yourself a good trainer for help, or reconsider pet ownership.
Embedded collars are signs of weeks or even months of neglect, and shouldn't happen. Ever.