caviabella

How do you handle discrimination against small animals at your practice?

Here's an example of what I mean, I was just sharing this story today so it's fresh in my mind.

I have six guinea pigs who are my absolute world. They're really smart and loving little companions. I used to see a regular vet but eventually found a board certified exotics vet an hour away (the only one around here). One day I saw that one of my pigs was dragging her back legs. My regular vet would have closed by the time I got there and so I took her to the old vet. I thought I was losing her and was absolutely sobbing.

A man in the waiting room tried to comfort me about my "cat". (I use a cat carrier for them.) When I said it was a guinea pig his whole attitude changed. He laughed at me and said "It's just a guinea pig. People eat those." I said "People eat cats too and yours looks scrumptious!" The staff overheard and said it was okay for him to say that because it was "just a guinea pig" but saying that about a cat was rude and if I said anything again they wouldn't see us.

This is just one of many examples of people treating small pets as disposable. I've also gone to vets that just prescribed any old antibiotic and the diagnosis was far off. (Diagnosed with bumblefoot when in reality it was a bladder stone.) It's actually really sad. Even some vets don't care.

I still sing it every time I walk in the rain. Yes, I stop and open my mouth and make the ah ah ah ah ah ah ah noises and everything. I regret nothing.

Hey, I give you credit for not agreeing with him at least! I was young and dumb when I got my first two pigs and purchased them from a pet store. All the other pigs have been rescues. It's insane how even vets have that mindset. A different time I had to go to the old vet (its was just a popped cyst on her skin I wanted cleaned out so didn't want to go so far) the vet made a comment "Whoa, she's so alert it's like she's aware of her surroundings!!" And I was like "Wha...what? Of course she knows???" Like do they know guinea pigs are just as alive as a cat or dog?

What made you guys start a restaurant, escape rooms, etc.? I think it sounds super fun but I definitely wouldn't expect a bike shop/restaurant combo. Follow up question: if we come by, what should we get?

Also My boyfriend and I met you at the Andrew Dice Clay show. You seemed quiet and I was worried I was bothering you so I didn't say much. My sister and I were obsessed with you when we were little. Seriously your show was our favorite. I learned to drive a motorcycle before I learned to ride a bicycle because you got me so obsessed. (And because I have a grandpa cool enough to let a little kid drive his motorcycle.) Thank you again for taking the time to take a picture with me!