The Vet Lost My Dog [Has Been Found]

Lcrazyhor77 on 05/10/2017 - 12:19
Last edited 13/10/2017 - 16:36 by 1 other user

Hi Guys, first off, I'm never that active on here, but I love the site, keep it up.

Ok, this past Monday I took my dog Kuma to the vet for vaccinations, microchipping and desexing. After everything had been done, they contacted me to pick him up. We are in the waiting room for at least 15 mins then get asked through to the back room where they tell us he just escaped and ran down the main road (very busy traffic area). My only focus was to get my dog back, so out the door I went with one of the staff before we split up and started searching separately. There were a few sightings not long after he escaped, but nothing concrete since then.

I haven't done any work this week and have been out night and day searching for the poor bugger. All relevant authorities have been contacted, I started a facebook post which has been received very well and widely with lots of people helping search, but no luck.

It's getting to the stage now where it appears he is either dead or stolen :(

If I get Kuma back, I won't go down this route, but I'm wondering how I would go about taking legal action against the vet. I will wait until next week before I begin any sort of action.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Pets

Comments

  • poboy on 05/10/2017 - 12:27
    +11

    That sucks. Do you believe that he was lost as you waited?

    • crazyhor77 on 05/10/2017 - 12:33
      +10

      Yeah I do, all the sightings of him happened within half hour of that time.

    • crazyhor77 on 05/10/2017 - 12:35
      +87

      There's a bit more to it than that. Financial things aside from searching instead of working plus the costs of a new pet, it has been an emotional roller coaster for me and my family.

      • oscargamer on 05/10/2017 - 13:57
        +16

        I hear you, but would the stress of a suit, maybe with some money at the end of it, actually help you?

        • ozkiwi75 on 06/10/2017 - 23:54
          +19

          It might not help them, but it might encourage the vet to think harder about their practices and duty of care to the pet owners. Most owners think of their pets as family members. Imagine if you took your kid to the hospital and then goes missing while you're waiting. Wouldn't you want that not to happen to others?

        • fefris on 07/10/2017 - 13:33
          -1

          @nahi11:

          http://theconversation.com/why-losing-a-dog-can-be-harder-than-losing-a-relative-or-friend-68207\

          http://www.ehbonline.org/article/S0162-3095(99)80001-4/abstract

        • callum9999 on 08/10/2017 - 03:37
          +4

          @nahi11: Love isn't a rational behaviour, I'd hope people would be able to understand that.

          (And no, I'm not stating losing a dog is equivalent to losing a child)

        • ialam99 on 09/10/2017 - 13:20
          +5

          @ozkiwi75: well according to Oscargamer, you should just ask the hospital to reimburse you the cost of another child

        • ssyl9 on 09/10/2017 - 14:03
          -1

          @nahi11:

          ya, losing a pet is much more stressful

          kids creates nothing but stress and trouble.

          pets give comfort and companionship.

          There is a great different between that

        • baldur on 09/10/2017 - 14:38
          +2

          so you prefer your pets over your children?
          wow.

        • John on 09/10/2017 - 18:49
          +2

          @ssyl9: If kids create nothing but stress and trouble maybe its because you aren't their real parent. And I hope for that sake, you never reproduce

        • mikeangelo on 09/10/2017 - 19:06

          @nahi11:

          whilst I agree with you, that comment has no place on OzBargain due to being home for major tight arses and raising kids is expensive!

    • Randxyz123 on 05/10/2017 - 14:06
      +21

      Have you ever owned a pet ? It’s more to it than that. When my previous dog passed it took me 4 years to get another…

      It wasn’t that I couldn’t get another it was that it’s extemely upsetting.

      All the best OP.

      Is someone from the vet in constant contact with you ?

      • oscargamer on 05/10/2017 - 14:14
        +19

        Absolutely. And loved each and every one of them. Cried my eyes out only earlier this year when my old dog had to be put down. My best mate.

        Like others have said below, nothing is going to help the op, apart from finding the dog.

        Can't see how involving lawyers and the nastiness that follows, will help at all.

        • pais on 05/10/2017 - 23:33
          +4

          Can't see how involving lawyers and the nastiness that follows, will help at all.

          It'd undoubtedly cost more than one could hope to recuperate.

          My dog is part of my family but in the eyes of the law, she is merely chattel. The loss for OP that a court would recognise would be the value of the property (maybe a few grand for a pedigree or a very little for a mongrel). It sucks, but that's the reality.

          OP could maybe make some noise, but IME vets are very much dog people and shitting on them is unlikely to help the situation. Shit situation all around.

      • snook on 06/10/2017 - 12:46

        I have multiple dogs of varying ages so that when one dies, it's bearable because there's usually another one you love just as much.

      • Munki on 06/10/2017 - 15:29
        +3

        13 years on and I still can't bear the thought of getting another dog…I lost a family member that day…

      • oscargamer on 05/10/2017 - 18:13

        really?

        you are likening a genuine mistake, which led to a dog running away, to a murder?

        HA !

        • ninetyNineCents on 05/10/2017 - 21:56
          -4

          of course it may have been a mistake, but money isnt a fair repayment. If a doctor tries their hardest but a relative dies you dont "charge" them money, you accept they did their best in good faith and leave it at that.

        • Slippery Fish on 06/10/2017 - 07:52
          +1

          @ninetyNineCents: I bring them an unspoiled virgin and force them to make me another person -.- …

        • stonkered on 06/10/2017 - 10:50
          +1

          @ninetyNineCents:

          At least get the analogy right;

          Medical team literally loses patient somewhere between pre-op and recovery.

          Hospital department doesn't even bother to contact their legal department as the patients relatives knew the team tried their best so are happy to move on in good faith.

        • Well Wasted on 10/10/2017 - 09:11

          a car accident can result in death… these people were paid to look after the dog and failed in their duty of care. this is what they get paid to do on a daily basis… and they still f☆●k it up. pathetic …

  • Unknown1 on 05/10/2017 - 12:34
    +14

    "If I get Kuma back, I won't go down this route, but I'm wondering how I would go about taking legal action against the vet."

    Ask yourself will this make you happy? adding all the extra stress of losing a pet member with legal action?

    I understand that you are angry but I don't think taking legal action is the best idea.

    Meanwhile, have you posted a lost ad on Gumtree?

    Also try:
    http://i.imgur.com/4llhbxY.jpg

    There is also the option of buying a tape recorder and put it on loop calling his name.

    It might also be worth your while to contact a Bloodhound Breeder and ask if they will lend you a helping hand.

    • crazyhor77 on 05/10/2017 - 12:37
      +31

      I know it won't make me happy, but I want them to learn a lesson from this. I don't want them to close down, but take enough of a hit to learn from their mistake and address it.

      Thanks, will look into some sniffer dogs.

      • Slippery Fish on 06/10/2017 - 07:58
        +47

        Lol @you, vets are vets because they are animal lovers, I'm certain it upsets them too. You don't need to punish them, it's nothing but a waste of energy.

        I think it would be appropriate for them to buy your next dog if that's your wish, but vengeance won't bring your dog back.

        • Aussie Smurfette on 06/10/2017 - 08:27
          +53

          Vets are in it for the money, I don't believe many love animals more than $$$

        • Slippery Fish on 06/10/2017 - 08:34
          -7

          @Aussie Smurfette: what a horrible outlook you have on life.

        • centrelink on 06/10/2017 - 09:10
          +3

          @Slippery Fish:

          It's alright, humans is a pretty scummy race where we conditioned ourselves to depend our life on a number

        • Ozpit on 06/10/2017 - 09:16
          +20

          Plenty of med docs fall into this category too, especially surgeons.

        • PAZMAT on 06/10/2017 - 12:05
          +10

          @Aussie Smurfette: have you ever actually looked up how much vets get paid?

        • resisting the urge on 06/10/2017 - 12:26
          +10

          @Aussie Smurfette: Wrong. Mine certainly isn't.

          But some are, it's worth vetting them the first time before you go back.

          You can for a list of simple requirements, and rate them out of five:

          • Skilled
          • Experienced
          • Humanity
          • Knows my breed and its problems
          • Understands animals
          • Charges reasonably
          • Etc.

          Even if they overcharge, they may still meet the other requirements.

          If you are not sure about your choice, visit the other vets in your area. Perhaps talk to other pet-people before forming a view. But be careful, a lot of vets spend more effort treating the humans than caring for the animals. In my area, very few knew of the good vet, and he's sooo much better than the others it's a one-horse race.

          A good way to begin is by actually seeing if they treat native animals that have been injured. Beware though, all say they do- but few will actually take any effort to treat native fauna. They won't give them antibiotics or other simple drugs as these cost money- they seem to prefer to euthanase the poor things. Ask at your local WIRES or wildlife group; the local wildlife carers know all the vets around them, and can probably tell you the good ones straight out.

        • jaten on 06/10/2017 - 13:03
          +10

          @Slippery Fish: I've had a vet try to sell me a miracle drug for my sick cat that worked out around $300 a week. Pretty much was no question about wether or not to buy it at the time because I loved the cat and it had been part of our family for close to two decades. They were really pushy with it so afterwards I gave it a bit of research and consulted a different vet and it turns out it was pretty much a way to extort people's money (no evidence or cases suggesting it worked, crazy price for what it was).

          Definitely not saying every vet does it for the money, but there are definitely some scummy practices in the industry.

        • Unknown1 on 06/10/2017 - 16:33
          -7

          @Aussie Smurfette:

          Please, everyone stop responding to Aussie Smurfette
          he is obviously a troll.

        • [Deactivated] on 06/10/2017 - 19:15
          -7

          @Aussie Smurfette: you need a higher education score to be a vet than a doctor and I'm pretty sure people care more about their health than their pets and are willing pay much more to keep themselves alive.

        • pizzip on 06/10/2017 - 19:18
          +6

          @Unknown1:

          Do you even know what a troll is or is troll just something you call people you even slightly disagree with? Go to the YouTube comment section, 4chan or one of the political subreddits and you'll quickly find out what a real troll looks like. Not saying I agree or not with Aussie Smurfette's comment but it doesn't even rate a 1/10 on the troll scale.

        • psylence on 06/10/2017 - 20:07
          -1

          @Aussie Smurfette:

          Really? How many vet students at 18 years old going into uni do you think have money as their first priority?

        • Unknown1 on 06/10/2017 - 22:39

          @pizzip:

          "Do you even know what a troll is or is troll just something you call people you even slightly disagree with?"

          Trolls, in my opinion, is a person who posts an obviously false claim for the direct purpose of getting a negative response out of someone or a group of people.

          Apparently, Aussie Smurfette has won so good job guys, two thumbs up.

        • Tpyin on 07/10/2017 - 02:27
          +2

          This is what I use to think until I made a vet friend. The stories of negligence due to bad management and incompetence/bad skills is unbelievable. And I'm not saying all vets are like this but there are vets who care more about money- just like in any field. I think it's not about vengeance for the op but more about justice and like he says he doesn't want this to happen to someone else. Sounds like op is doing everything to get his dog back. What is the vet clinic doing?

          Op, I really feel for you. In NSW there use to be a service that checks local pounds for you that matches your dog's description-including any new dogs that are brought in. Not sure if Tassie also has this service. I hope your doggy comes back to you soon.

        • Some Human on 07/10/2017 - 08:51
          +1

          @Unknown1:

          I agree with aussie smurfette. If a vet was making the same money as say a shop assistant at a pet shop, do you think they would still put themselves through years and years of schooling knowing there was no higher reward at the end?

        • ihavecentsnotsense on 07/10/2017 - 09:21
          +5

          @Aussie Smurfette: Vets don't earn that much money for the long hours they have to work, not to mention the emotional toll of the job.

        • Unknown1 on 07/10/2017 - 12:46
          +1

          @Super Kami Dende:

          The industry average for a Vet is $90,000. This is a terrible salary when compared to that of most Engineers, Doctors, and actuaries.

          Even some teachers are on a similar or higher salary than $90,000, teaching is not only an easy degree* but once they are finished they are employed in an industry where they can bludge for 14 weeks of the year.

          If money is the major factor for vets why not study these degrees instead?

          "If a vet was making the same money as say a shop assistant at a pet shop, do you think they would still put themselves through years and years of schooling knowing there was no higher reward at the end?"

          Degrees exist which requires less work, the pay is similar and is focused on animals.

          If people studying Veterinary Science factored both money and working with animals into the equation why don't they become zoologists? Or Rangers? or Marine biologists? Because in the majority of these jobs either an Environmental Science or Zoology degree both of can be easily obtained within two to three years.

          "do you think they would still put themselves through years and years of schooling knowing there was no higher reward at the end?"

          People studying a bachelor of Pharmacy are putting themselves through University and they earn a similar wage to those working at Costco. So what exactly is your point?

          *Teachers or people studying teaching your degree is easier than Engineering, Medicine, veterinary science, and actuary science so deal with it.

          However, this is not saying your job is not hard, I would loathe working with brats that don't want to learn and I'm not much for disciplinary action either.

        • champstarr on 07/10/2017 - 15:30

          @Unknown1: typical response from someone who doesn't have a clue what teachers do.

        • Unknown1 on 07/10/2017 - 17:30
          +3

          @champstarr:

          That is a stereotypical response from a teacher, who just had his ego bruised.

          "doesn't have a clue what teachers do."

          So, sorry to burst your bubble but a teaching degree is not the slightest bit difficult. However, that is not saying that teaching itself is not difficult or that some people find an easy degree difficult.

          So in short, I'm stating that as a degree teaching is one of the easiest and leads to a terrible job.

          If you want the links:

          Easiest degrees ranked:

          Teaching #2
          Link 1

          Teaching #1
          Link 2

          Teaching #1
          Link 3

          Hardest degrees ranked:

          By drop out rate:
          Engineering #2, Computer Science #1, teaching #NA.
          Link 4

          By hours of required study per week:
          Engineering 1st and teaching 3rd last
          Link 5

          By aptitude required:
          Electrical Engineers 115: Doctors:120, on the opposite side of the spectrum teachers have an IQ of 105. The lowest of all degree required fields.
          Link 6

          Don't get upset just because you did an easy degree and probably struggled.

          Remember, the lesson you teach your class "we all have our different strengths and aptitudes".

          So nice playing with you teach.

        • AjsGuns on 07/10/2017 - 18:50
          +9

          @Unknown1:

          Wow you come across as a massive douche. How would you know if he even did a teaching degree? maybe his partner is a teacher so he has an idea of the industry that way. You would have no idea if he struggled or not through a hypothetical teaching degree lol. I agree with you though, teaching is a very easy degree to pass, it is plagued with apathetic and lazy students who couldn't do the course they wanted to do, but you cannot generalise everyone in the course like that. After doing law for a while and working out I hated it, a B.Ed has been a walk in the park. However no teacher is employed straight away, they have to work CRT for a couple of years and I would strongly contend teachers have one of the most important and hardest jobs in our contemporary society. They more than earn their 70k starting salary, they hardly bludge. In fact, all of the teachers I know spend at least 1 of the 2 week "holidays" at school catching up. They also have to do lesson plans, grade papers, go to functions and events (camps, parent-teacher days, excursions, conferences, personal development, sports days etc.), deal with parents after school etc., all outside of their paid hours. On a general workday, teachers rock up at 7:30-8:00am and leave at about 4:30pm, then spend a couple of hours preparing for the next day (anywhere from 1 to 3 usually).

          Also, teaching is a terrible job? That's an opinion, there is a reason lawyers are 3 times more likely to suffer mental illness than other professionals. Teaching primary is a lot of fun and I couldn't think of anything else I'd prefer to do.

        • champstarr on 07/10/2017 - 19:19
          +3

          @AjsGuns: spot on chief. You understand what they go through and correct about everything else. Well done

        • Unknown1 on 07/10/2017 - 20:21
          +2

          @AjsGuns:

          "Wow you come across as a massive douche."

          Please, I don't come across as a massive douche, I am a massive douche. However, that means I tell things like they are despite people's feelings else we end up with a society that gives out trophies to every kid…Oh, wait.

          Furthermore, my opinion on Job Satisfaction for teaching is based on my experience of having sisters who are actual teachers and hate the job. There also plenty of post on Whirlpool asking if teaching degree is worth studying with a majority of the posts stating how the job is a nightmare.

          There's also this:
          Job Satisfaction

          So that's why I'm assuming teaching is a terrible job based upon experience, accounts and stats.

          "How would you know if he even did a teaching degree? maybe his partner is a teacher so he has an idea of the industry that way."

          The reason I'm stating champstarr received below average marks in teacher-related degree is based on his reply.

          It's exactly what my sister, the one that struggled, states constantly.

          She believes that engineering/law/science is the same difficulty as teaching and I've cautioned her not to say that to anyone studying those degrees as she will be ridiculed.

          Based upon champstaarr reply he is not a teacher. Teacher's assistant perhaps?

        • AjsGuns on 07/10/2017 - 21:13
          -5

          @Unknown1:
          I was trying to be polite, since us teachers beat around the bush and sugarcoat things ;)

          "Furthermore, my opinion on Job Satisfaction for teaching is based on my experience of having sisters who are actual teachers and hate the job. There also plenty of post on Whirlpool asking if teaching degree is worth studying with a majority of the posts stating how the job is a nightmare.
          There's also this:
          Job Satisfaction(superscholar.org)
          So that's why I'm assuming teaching is a terrible job based upon experience, accounts and stats."

          so anecdotal evidence? evidence from your sister who you stated "struggled constantly", which would make me assume she has low self confidence in her ability, fair assumption? Funnily enough, I wrote a essay for Uni a few years ago on teacher self-efficacy and student motivation. According to Klassen and Chiu (2010) "teachers who have a low self-efficacy experience many more difficulties in teaching such as, higher levels of job-related stress and lower levels of job satisfaction". As far as whirlpool, do I really need to reply to that? They are mostly jaded and complain about anything and everything in any profession, the oversupply of graduate lawyers who cannot find work or worked into the ground doing 80+ hour weeks and suffering mental illness, the dire prospects of finding work as an engineer now that the boom is over. In fact, the most recent post is in a thread titled " Australian IT graduates less - job ready" so I guess they complain about IT too. As for the job satisfaction, I could create a article and post it online, it holds no credibility and even still, they rate teaching job satisfaction above psychologists and salespeople. Psychologists are considered to have a pretty comfortable and cruisey life/job.

          "I tell things like they are despite people's feelings else we end up with a society that gives out trophies to every kid…Oh, wait"

          What is wrong with giving a kid a trophy as encouragement? I agree in the sense that we have become a nanny state, some schools have banned kids from playing football for example. However, I cannot see the issue with giving a kid a trophy to encourage them? This is extrinsic motivation, and some kids who can't foster intrinsic motivation can benefit from a short-term incentive/reward such as a trophy as it pushes them to aim hard for success (can link you to a peer reviewed article stating this if you want).

          "It's exactly what my sister, the one that struggled, states constantly.
          She believes that engineering/law/science is the same difficulty as teaching and I've cautioned her not to say that to anyone studying those degrees as she will be ridiculed."

          Probably the only thing I agree with you on. Education is an easy degree. No further discussion needed on this tbh.

          Anyway, I can't be bothered arguing any further, so this will be my last post. You're either purposely being obtuse or just parochial.

        • lovesanimals on 07/10/2017 - 21:38
          +2

          @Aussie Smurfette:
          Hahaha that is laughable….
          Look up the award wage for vets. New graduate vets after studying for at least 5 years - $24.72 per hour. I earned more than that 10 years ago pouring coffees whilst studying to be a vet….
          Maximum earning capacity for an extremely skill, experienced vet (>5 years experience)- about $100K
          Average salary is probably $75000/yr
          I'm bloody good at what I do, and I'm on $70K per year.
          Compare this to lawyers, dentists, doctors, accountants…….
          16 hour working days, dealing with sick patients and their owners, doing the very best you can which is never 'good enough' for some people…
          You're an idiot if you go into the veterinary industry with the view of becoming rich.

        • AjsGuns on 07/10/2017 - 23:56
          +1

          @voolish:
          That is factually incorrect. You need a higher score to get into medicine. You can also transfer into the course, unlike medicine (Postgraduate only if you don't get in straight after year 12). Idk why people perpetuate this myth, my mum believes that also lol.

        • Unknown1 on 08/10/2017 - 01:07
          +2

          @AjsGuns:

          "I was trying to be polite, since us teachers beat around the bush and sugarcoat things ;)"

          Who's the douche now?

          "evidence from your sister who you stated "struggled constantly"

          Wrong, I have evidence from my three sisters all in education.

          "As for the job satisfaction, I could create a article and post it online, it holds no credibility and even still, they rate teaching job satisfaction above psychologists and salespeople. Psychologists are considered to have a pretty comfortable and cruisey life/job."

          Honestly? What evidence have you provided? At least I'm providing a range of sources, the only source you've provided is your own opinion."

          "What is wrong with giving a kid a trophy as encouragement? "

          Decrease competition is capitalists society and decreases motivation required to excel in other areas.

          "Probably the only thing I agree with you on. Education is an easy degree. No further discussion needed on this tbh."

          This was basically my only point.

          "Anyway, I can't be bothered arguing any further, so this will be my last post. You're either purposely being obtuse or just parochial."

          No, I agree some people can enjoy teaching. However,
          it's just in my experience that more people seem to hate teaching than love it.

          Also really? utilising an ad hominem which indicates a poor ability to debate? Also, there are more options than me just being obtuse or just parochial and hopefully, your entire argument didn't just hinge on me choosing one of those two options.

          Besides, please remember which one of us is a law dropout before you call another person obtuse.

          Note: Those voting down AjsGuns please stop. This person has the right to express his own opinion even if you disagree with it.

        • AjsGuns on 08/10/2017 - 01:42
          -1

          @Unknown1:

          lol,
          like I said I'm done with the topic, no evidence? go find the article by Klassen and Chiu (2010) and Martin (2011).

          As for personal insults, law dropout really? I transferred after achieving a 77 average over 2 years at a go8 and finishing in the top 15% of my cohort in both years, there was no dropout aspect about it, I have no doubt I would of secured an internship at a mid firm at the very least (trajectory suggested top tier firm) it just wasn't the path I wanted to take. Why would I continue doing something I hate? I'm not a scumbag so I'm not going to lay into you about your posting history where you talk about getting failing grades in every subject and failing Uni among other things.. but you probably shouldn't be calling me a law dropout and telling another guy he "probably struggled through a teaching degree" or "is a teacher's aide". In fact, this issue seems to be a reoccurring theme for you, always trying to assert your intelligence by attempting to talk others down (calling me a dropout, implying another guy is stupid, saying your sister constantly struggled in an easy degree, calling your cousin an arts reject in another topic etc).

          If your miserable with life, I'd urge you to get help instead of trolling and trying (but failing) to make people insecure on an internet forum (being sincere here). Let's just leave it at that. Good luck with getting your stuff sorted, I won't be replying again even if you try and take some jabs.

        • Well Wasted on 10/10/2017 - 09:15

          @psylence: all or nothing…

    • mbck on 05/10/2017 - 12:45

      are you the vet? Lol.

      sorry to hearp OP, I hope Kuma is safe and sound somewhere.

      • Unknown1 on 05/10/2017 - 13:29
        +4

        "are you the vet? Lol."

        I'm not the vet since my main concern is the health of OP family during such an event and not the legal action.

        "I know it won't make me happy, but I want them to learn a lesson from this. I don't want them to close down, but take enough of a hit to learn from their mistake and address it."

        Alright, just make sure your family is ready for the added stress if you decide to take legal action, that is assuming the worse case scenario does occur.

    • crazyhor77 on 05/10/2017 - 14:32
      +9

      i just went to setup his box with a toy and one of my socks from yesterday based on the image you posted, thanks, hope it works!

    • blehgg on 06/10/2017 - 12:00
      +4

      pretty sure vets have indemnity insurance

  • k-rokfm on 05/10/2017 - 12:43
    +12

    Why don’t you ask them what suitable compensation would be and see whether you think it’s fair or not.

    • barbarella on 05/10/2017 - 14:27
      +3

      they may be able to claim through their insurance for compensation for you

  • djkelly69 on 05/10/2017 - 12:45
    +8

    There may be an action in negligence, but it is hard to tell without knowing what happened, and will likely be very hard to prove.

    I would simply ask them what happened to start with.

    • crazyhor77 on 05/10/2017 - 12:50
      +7

      They have already explained it. They took him out to go to the toilet before giving him back to me. They use a special slip lead which vets often use, but I've been told can be easily escaped from if the dog moves in the wrong direction. Then, the gate for the secure area was open, so he bolted.

      • bdl on 05/10/2017 - 16:26
        +33

        They were negligent leaving the gate for the secure area open, knowing that the slip lead is easily escapable, weren't they?

      • Konstantin on 06/10/2017 - 12:07
        +1

        @crazyhor77 yeah something is off here, too many mistakes from a business that runs for years I guess now and well trained staff,
        ehm have you asked if there were other incidents like this one this year (not that they wouldsay the truth)
        have you checked google reviews for this vet if something similar has happened?
        Also the dog would be still high and half sedated, with his balls cut , how fast can he go (sorry Im not an expert with dogs but if my balls were cut and I was sedated Id probably be not able to find the door)

  • altomic on 05/10/2017 - 12:45
    +12

    at least he microchipped.

  • The Wololo Wombat on 05/10/2017 - 13:20
    +6

    What do you hope to achieve by suing them? What do you want out of thus? Surely you can talk with the vet directly instead of getting lawyers involved…

    • 87percent on 05/10/2017 - 13:25
      +11

      American mentality.. sue for everything

      • The Wololo Wombat on 05/10/2017 - 13:31
        +10

        Yes, I'm honestly very concerned, I don't want to see this impersonal, harsh demanding attitude increase in Australia.

        Sure, she is entitled to some compensation, but sometimes understanding, forgiveness and humility goes a long way! While she may not extort maximum benefit this way, if we have a culture of this, when the shoes on the other foot, she will benefit :)

        If they refuse to compensate or negotiate, then use lawyers, but OP has not indicated this is the case.

        • Word on 05/10/2017 - 13:35
          +6

          This is Australia and not America, let's try to keep some integrity by keeping a level head.

        • berry580 on 06/10/2017 - 07:55
          +11

          @Word: Being in Australia still means people needs to take responsibility (legal or otherwise) of their actions.

          This is Australia, not bogan land.

        • dealman on 07/10/2017 - 23:01
          +1

          @berry580:

          Nobody said vet is not ready to take responsibility.
          When your first Instinct is to launch a legal case there is something seriously wrong with the society.

        • callum9999 on 08/10/2017 - 03:52

          @dealman: Except that wasn't their first instinct…

          Not that I see any issues with the idea that the vet's negligence caused the OP to lose money so the vet should cover that cost. That's not even taking into account the emotional toll of their actions (though payment for stress is where the "suing culture" starts to look bad).

    • crazyhor77 on 05/10/2017 - 14:19
      +40

      Just to be clear, I've never considered this sort of action before and I'm 40 years old. Taking a member of your family somewhere to be cared for then having them result in death because of negligence I think shouldn't be ignored. If I don't take action and this happens again, I would feel responsible for not doing something earlier.

      • The Wololo Wombat on 05/10/2017 - 14:28
        +2

        I'm not saying it should be ignored, but why is your first approach class action? It's a very serious issues, but can you talk about the issue with the vet first, to see what they can offer? I don't doubt they feel terrible that this has occurred and class action is not going to make it harder for it to happen again.

        • crazyhor77 on 05/10/2017 - 14:30
          +6

          i will talk to the vet, but i want to know what my options are

        • The Wololo Wombat on 05/10/2017 - 14:31

          @crazyhor77: Fair point :) Sorry for your loss!

        • djkelly69 on 05/10/2017 - 17:00
          +11

          FYI Wombat, this is not (or would not) be a class action.

        • The Wololo Wombat on 05/10/2017 - 17:41
          +5

          @djkelly69: Ahh, see this is what happens when I try to sound intelligent! Thanks lol

        • ensanguined on 06/10/2017 - 13:04
          +16

          @zerovelocity: So wrong it's not even worth explaining.

        • crazyhor77 on 06/10/2017 - 16:57
          +7

          @zerovelocity: what the hell am i supposed to learn from this? not take my pets to a vet? i was giving your post the benefit of the doubt up till then.

        • resisting the urge on 12/10/2017 - 13:52
          -1

          @crazyhor77: What to learn? You could try reading?

          Not losing your dog is a good place to start. Not to mention using it as an excuse to sue someone just doing their job. If you think it is your vet's fault entirely, think again: It was your actions before that led to this occurring, be they good or bad. Your puppy's state of mind would be affected by this, and it's upbringing/socialisation skills, ability to be calm at the vet, etc.

          There are many people out there that mistreat pets without realising it, and/or caring. And, we aren't all perfect. If not, the RSPCA could just close multiple operations down. Regulations to stop puppy-factories could be taken off the drawing boards. Police could be a lot safer not having to deal with abused dogs. Judges wouldn't have to hear cases about cruelty. Mistakes lead to abuse everywhere and are very common in our community.

          As much as you get lots of sympathy for fluffy animals online, your posts make it abundantly clear you are really looking for legal advice on how to make the most out of the situation. Perhaps you think OzB is a good place to start as people will only value money here. We get all types.

          Either way, suing is no way to stop it happening again. However it is normal thinking for someone needing vindication to assuage pervasive, conscious guilt, even if understandable. If you really care for your lost pet, you need to consider again if you actually have what it takes to look after one before risking another mistake, as all pet-owners should (and only some do).

          Your vet had to meet numerous regulations, standards and follow guidance before you walked in. You didn't have to do any of that in becoming to get a dog.

          There are those that argue people should have to be licensed to own a pet.

          You can be as angry as you like about this, but the angrier you get the more likely it is your fault, and both your vet and a judge will know. Try to reassess and learn. None of us are perfect. Not everything we do is without consequence. Try putting your efforts into improving the world instead of pointless ideas about legal recourse.

          I am glad you seem to be trying hard to find your pooch. No doubt everyone reading this hopes that you are not a some troll seeking vindication. That you find your poor dog safe and well, that you reconcile your troubles with your vet and that both you and the dog learn whatever you need to from this so you he doesn't run away again.

      • asianbargain on 07/10/2017 - 08:28

        I dont care what other think op but i agree with you. This isnt about money or compensation

    • Rohangiga on 06/10/2017 - 21:17

      Yeah I agree, sue will not be worth it and will not bring your dog back. Get them to just give you money for a new dog and free microchipping and all

  • shuss2 on 05/10/2017 - 13:28
    +17

    I am really sorry to hear OP. I can't imagine how you must be feeling. I am hoping you find him.

  • Sweet3st on 05/10/2017 - 13:31
    +12

    I'm sure the vet would be insured for this type of thing… public liability. Some insurer will have a $ figure for what a lost dog is worth. I would think you are entitled to some compensation, your dog was left in their professional care.

    • Kangal on 05/10/2017 - 13:48
      +1

      I wouldn't think its anything substantial.
      Overall, I think the OP should dedicate their efforts in finding the pup like in Unknown1's post, rather than compensation legal/or not.

      Though, I do think the vet would only offer you their "sincerest apology" if you do not ask/push for any compensation.
      I would be more concerned if the vet refuses to aid in his recovery, more than anything else.

      • crazyhor77 on 05/10/2017 - 14:21
        +3

        I'm so tired, this is my first downtime since he went missing. I'm asking now because I see it heading this way despite my best efforts.

        • Aussie Smurfette on 06/10/2017 - 08:33
          +1

          What area are you in? I know our area has a Facebook lost pets page and they have lots of handy tips and advice and people share the post.
          Get heaps of flyers printed out, surely the vets can be printing them out for you and nail them to anything and everything.
          I feel for you, this is devastating but as I have seen on our local lost pets page never give up.

        • crazyhor77 on 06/10/2017 - 10:15
          +1

          yeah, we have posted on our local lost pet facebook pages as well as others, lots of fliers, radio and newspaper

        • picklewizard on 06/10/2017 - 13:15
          +1

          @crazyhor77: Radio? You can have a radio ad for a lost dog?

          This situation is really messed up though mate, I'm so sorry :(

        • crazyhor77 on 06/10/2017 - 16:53
          +1

          @picklewizard: yeah, its a public service :)

  • Findo on 05/10/2017 - 13:38
    +3

    They have insurance I think. My friend lost a dog whilst dog walking and had to claim on her insurance policy.

  • sparkles on 05/10/2017 - 13:45
    +3

    I really feel for you, I once walked over a hundred kms in a week looking and calling for a lost pet.

    Have you rung the pounds, the lost dogs homes, posted on Facebook, Gumtree, Lost Pet Finder, local "Lost" posters in shop windows and poles? You can get a flyer added to peoples mail via the post office (at cost). Someone may have him and not know how to return him home. I got some response from Gumtree, and the flyer but I never found my pet, convinced someone kept him. At least, that's what I try to convince myself.

    • crazyhor77 on 05/10/2017 - 14:22
      +4

      Yeah, have done all that plus more. Not sure I've walked 100km but have gone through two tanks of petrol lol

  • sim777 on 05/10/2017 - 13:49
    +3

    There is a vet board that you can refer to (each state has one I believe)- they may follow up and investigate the case.

  • ben10 on 05/10/2017 - 13:51
    +4

    Really sorry this has happened to you and hoping you get your dog back soon. The same thing happened over here at one of the main metropolitan vets - the vet offered a reward ($2000) and tried desperately to get the owner's dog back. The worse part is the vetinary clinic was directly off a four lane busy ++ road - not sure if they ever got the dog back.

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