Learning to walk before I run

edinburgher

Another £50 spend on party stuff for DD and £70 for 6 months flea treatment for both cats. I have decided to leave our current practice as they are very unreliable. As well as failing to spot Tabby cat's broken foot first time, they *always* phone my wife (even when I call them, ask them to call me back and confirm they have my number (Maine Coon wasn't even registered by my wife)) and they casually mentioned that Tabby was 5 months overdue for vaccinations today and would need to restart the medication. When I asked why, they blamed an automated system and Coronavirus (didn't realise autodiallers were susceptible to viruses). It's just not good enough and to get no sort of apology just compounds everything else. Will try another local practice that has a good reputation. I've been a customer of theirs for a long time, I do not feel valued despite the ££££ they have had from us over the years.

CCW007

Our vet let us carry on with boosters within 6 months of due date due (rather than 3 that is typical) to COVID so worth asking new practice what their recommendation is.

themadvix

@EssexHebridean that’s interesting. Ours were just over the three months, but I wonder if it makes a difference which jabs it is - ours were due their 3-yearly one, so perhaps timing is more important then?

 Very poor service from your vets Ed, don’t blame you for moving. Mine were the opposite - I kept getting automated reminders their jabs were due, even though I knew they didn’t have them available to book!

powerspowers

You might struggle to get in at a different vets- they are all completely overstretched. Lots of vets leaving the profession and 2 million more pets than there were pre covid 😬 

Suffolk_lass

powerspowers said:

You might struggle to get in at a different vets- they are all completely overstretched. Lots of vets leaving the profession and 2 million more pets than there were pre covid 😬 

Yes, the only way to get in was to pay lots, regularly. We had to sign up to a pet plan to get pup in at the new vets. £16.60 monthly includes all vacc' jabs, flea and tick tabs and 6 monthly health checks.

Stealth cat has not been to old vets where she was registered for years. As an indoor cat we stopped taking her for Cat aids and flu jabs as there was nobody to catch it from. One of the vets there had the sensitivity of a wire brush so we hated going, but she is registered there.

LadyGnome

Just catching up.  Good news on the builder and kitchen painters. Less good news on the vet.  I think you are wise to simplify your approach to your finances a little now that you are back in the black.  You have a longish haul ahead of you and a busy time coming up.  

Is the baby going to bring a birthday present for your DD?  DS2 bought DS1 a scooter when he was born.  I think your DD is older so may be too sophisticated for this sort of subterfuge.

savingholmes

I got my DS a costume from his sister when she was born. He asked how did she know what I wanted with huge wide eyes... he was 5. Definitely worth doing. Made for special photos too as he wore it while cuddling her

edinburgher

@LadyGnome - DD1 has a big sister present, card and badge, but didn't think a birthday present was necessary as there will likely be a fortnight or so between birth and birthday and I'm sure it won't be missed in the general excitement 

LadyGnome

That's fair enough.  One thing I would do is tip off visitors to spend time with her too not just focus on the baby.  The baby won't notice if they get attention or not from visitors but your DD will.

edinburgher

The !!!!!! cat has an open wound on their hindquarters - £150 for an emergency vet appointment 🤬