As a caring pet owner, each time I take my furry companion to the vet for her examination, I feel as if a piece of my heart is absent. I can’t help but anxiously anticipate the moment when she is safely back in my embrace.
Vet visits can be quite distressing for our beloved pets, especially if the appointment runs longer than expected, so it’s essential for us to prioritize their timely pickup.
I assumed all pet owners shared this sentiment until I stumbled upon a story about a puppy who remained at the vet for far too long.
Left Behind
When Dominique Humphries shared a video on TikTok about a puppy whose owner never returned for their appointment, it left many hearts breaking across the internet.
According to Humphries, she made numerous attempts to reach out to the owner of the mixed breed Pit Bull and Labrador Retriever, who repeatedly claimed they were on their way.
As time passed without anyone coming to pick up the gentle pup, the veterinary assistant from Atlanta, Georgia, was baffled by the owner’s decision.
“The owner didn’t want to take the dog home due to concerns about potential health issues, despite the vet confirming there were none. They left the dog in the exam room and didn’t contact us until the next day,” Humphries recounted in an interview with Newsweek.
She also mentioned that the puppy was incredibly sociable and enjoyed playing with people, prompting the Atlanta veterinary team to ensure he received plenty of playtime, even sharing their lunch breaks with him.
The TikTok video quickly went viral, drawing significant concern from viewers for the two-month-old puppy.
Pick-up Day
Finally, after three long days, the owner returned to claim their pup. However, since she was preoccupied with another pet, Humphries couldn’t speak to them.
“They came to pick up the dog on the third day of his stay at my clinic, which made me feel sad because I believe the pup deserves a better home. I haven’t heard from the owner since and I’m worried, but I also don’t want to know if something bad happened to the puppy,” Humphries expressed.
Despite many comments suggesting that the puppy shouldn’t be with such an indifferent owner, Humphries was obliged to follow the veterinary protocols that required her to care for the pup until he was picked up.
“I wish I could have done more for him, but I have to adhere to the protocols of the clinic. I hope he is doing well, and if I receive any updates, I will share them with everyone,” she concluded.
Final Word
The primary lesson from this story is that veterinary clinics should not be treated as doggy daycare centers!
We must remember that our diligent veterinarians have a challenging and often stressful job to keep our furry friends happy and healthy, and it’s our responsibility to ease their burden as much as we can.
So, as the next vet appointment approaches, ensure that you not only groom and nourish your pups but also that you are punctual for both check-in and pickup!
