Open House - What would make you want to attend?

Select up to 7 answers.

4 Comments

  • Chris Miner - 13 years ago

    As a 28-year client of Pet Authority, I was shocked by Dan's comments. Knowing the vets and staff all these years, it never even crossed my mind that a surgical demonstration would be anything less than educational, professional, and ABSOLUTELY SAFE for the patient involved.

    I agree with Karen, and welcome the opportunity to observe surgery by a skilled vet. I've also added the Heimlich maneuver to the list of options offered. The greater our knowledge, the more situations we can handle ourselves...especially when time counts. To quote Maya Angelou, "We do the best we can. When we know better, we do better."

    ~Chris Miner

  • Dr. Hutchinson - 13 years ago

    Mr. Kecskes,

    I'm sorry that I wasn't very clear with the surgery observation event we're considering for the open house. It was difficult to make a short choice for the poll that clearly articulated the aim of the Open House/Demos. This is by no means a sure thing, and I brought it up here to get feedback from owners, positive and negative. I appreciate you taking the time to share your feelings.

    The Open House would be taking place outside our normal business hours. It's a special event which allows us to safely welcome clients into the whole hospital to learn about it. As such, a schedule would allow clients to be able to attend specific events that are of interest to them, whether it's a brief presentation by a vendor or staff members, a demonstration of equipment, or a tour of the hospital.

    With regard to a potential anesthesia or surgical procedure event:
    •At no time would we ever allow observers without the owner's foreknowledge and consent. We take patient and client confidentiality very seriously!
    •At no time would we be putting a pet's life or well-being at risk.
    •At no time would a patient be undergoing an unnecessary procedure.
    •Patients would likely be selected from staff-owned pets or rescue dogs needing a spay/neuter prior to adoption.

    The goal of the Open House is to let clients see behind the scenes. We want owners to be comfortable with what goes on in the hospital and this is an opportunity to make that completely transparent. We're also able to demonstrate how we go about things like blood draws, laboratory work, vaccination appointments, etc. I field a LOT of questions about routine procedures (because they are not routine for the owner) - so we have an opportunity to educate in a unique and profound way: by showing exactly what we do.

    This isn't about making a show of any particular pet. It's about providing owners a perspective that is normally not available to them, so that they can understand just how intensely the employees focus on caring for pets in the hospital. None of the staff members take caring for pets lightly, as we all recognize how important they are to their families. No matter the surrounding circumstances, we would practice the safest, best medicine we know how to practice.

    As planning continues for the Open House, I will make sure that your comments are brought to the discussion so that we can provide a positive experience for owners.

    -Dr. Hutchinson

  • Karen Wahls - 13 years ago

    Unlike Dan I would welcome any opportunity to observe procedures or surgeries that would increase my knowledge of the kinds of treatments that could be necessary to keep my dog healthy. It wouldn't be a "show" but rather a unique opportunity to gain knowledge and I'm sure that no pet would be part of a demonstration without obtaining very informed consent from the owner.
    The staff at Pet Authority has always demonstrated the highest level of concern for not only the pet but the owner. They clearly understand the bond between a pet and it's person and would never do anything to cause additional anxiety to either.
    Dan should realize that any educational demonstration presented by the doctor would not be harmful to the pet.
    Thanks for the chance to increase my knowledge. Karen Wahls

  • Dan Kecskes - 13 years ago

    I want to go on record that I do not want my dog to have any part of a " live surgery or procedure demonstrations" of any kind.
    I am a little taken back at the statement "We would schedule surgery and procedure demos during certain times so that people would know when to show up."
    I will be rethinking the surgery my dog needs to have, as I do not want him part of some "SHOW".
    Disappointed to say the least.
    Dan Kecskes

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