And your grand total is…

There are two vets at my animal hospital: Dr. Smooth and Dr. Timid.

Dr. Smooth just graduated from vet school. He’s young. He’s hip. He has a soul patch.

Dr. Timid is middle aged, quiet and serious. She always looks worried, like she is about to tell you something went horribly wrong and your dog will, in fact, never regain control of his bowels. Have fun with the slip and slide!

So of course Dr. Timid was working today.

My dog was in the back of the hospital getting a heartworm pill and a nail trim. I was waiting in the lobby looking at a freaked out boxer when Dr. Timid came from the back and ushered me into a small room.

Dr. Timid looked especially concerned today. She told me that the dog has an ear infection, and that he has to be hospitalized for the heartworm treatment.

The vet looked so worried that I kept expecting her to say “…and then he will die!” But Dr. Timid’s real concern was the bill:
Dr. Timid: “So, with all the heartworm and ear care it’s going to be $261.”
Me: “Okay.”
Dr. Timid: “Is that okay?”
Me: “Is that an option? I’ve spent over $1,200 this summer treating this dog’s heartworm. I’m not going to start raging about $261. Do I pay in the front?”
I don’t know if she expected bawling and hysterics, but Dr. Timid appeared relieved that she wasn’t getting a show.