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May 11, 2006
All right, now I'm really pissed.
We figured that just in case this bird had an undiagnosed illness, we'd better take it to a vet and see if we can determine whyit died. If it had an undiagnosed illness, then the birds back at the store may be ill.
I made the appointment with the vet first. Then I called the store to let them know we'd lost the bird. Since the bird died within 48 hours of leaving their care, I thought they'd like to know.
The owner answered the phone. She was all about her liability. She assured me the bird almost certainly died of stress, and that if we want to she'll give us half off another. And we need to tell her our decision by tomorrow, because she can't hold the offer open past then.
Screw that, I don't want to give her any more of my money.
I want my son to feel better. I want to know why the bird died. If it did die of stress, I want to know how we can do better next time. I was actually worried about disease spreading to the rest of their stock. Yes, it would be nice to be offered a refund, or something, but that is not why I called.
How far it goes to be kind and sympathetic to people. It doesn't take much. Instead, I get told that it was likely our fault and receive a grudging offer off another bird? Bite me.
Posted by lynx at May 11, 2006 10:50 AM
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Comments
sheesh. Mind you, I hate pet stores on principle & refuse to do business with them. We buy our pet food & supplies at a store which doesn't sell any animals.
How are the kids holding up?
Are there any bird rescues in your area? We have an organization here that rehomes all kinds of exotic birds but they also do budgies & lovebirds & finches etc...... Our local SCPA's also get birds pretty regularly. Usually you end up with an animal that's pretty sturdy. My hammie came from the SPCA and came with a certificate for a free vet check.....
Posted by: hornblower at May 11, 2006 11:47 AM
Sounds as if Connor had things well under control, so stress probably wasn't the cause. It will be interesting to see what the vet determines.
Stupid Pet Lady.
Sorry to hear about it.
Posted by: Lynne at May 11, 2006 12:29 PM
You know, we've always gotten our cats as strays or rescues. If we bought one we would only think of going to the SPCA. Perhaps we'd buy from a breeder if we wanted a pure breed of some type. I didn't even *think* about that for the budgies. *smacks self upside the head*
Stress could be the cause, I believe. It is possible, and I've prepared myself (and Connor) for that verdict. I can't believe the lady at the store doesn't give a fig about knowing, though.
Posted by: MamaLynx ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.caerdroia.org/116/nav-commenters.gif)
at May 11, 2006 1:16 PM
Oh, that really sucks. And pet store lady is a jackass.
I'm so sorry your boys are having to go through this. :(
Posted by: KathyJo at May 11, 2006 5:47 PM
Of course they gave you only until tomorrow. It may take longer for the autopsy results. They get you with the: do I want to get one half-off now, or risk paying full price later when the doctor says it's our fault.
You're right: bite me (or you).
Posted by: Mark L at May 11, 2006 8:00 PM
Mark? Are you offering to bite my wife?
Posted by: Jeff Medcalf at May 11, 2006 8:48 PM
We had the same problem with hamsters. The first one died within 2 days, so we got another. This one was fine for over a year, until it got out of its cage and the dog wanted to play with it (this particular dog is known for its abilities as a ratter). Poor thing. So, we got another. This one died. We got another, it started to get sick, we took it to the vet who gave us some medicine, but it still died. Then we gave up. It's not very good for a young person's confidence to keep having little creatures die on you. I hear birds are hardier than hamseters, though, so you may be ok.
Posted by: Alexandra at May 14, 2006 9:44 AM