Hi, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Melissa and I am one of the people who answer the phone at the vet's office. I schedule appointments as well as being a technician. I understand that it's difficult when you can't get in to see the doctor during a problem, we all get upset when our animals are sick, but sometimes there is a real, valid reason that we can't be seen. I have had to turn MANY people away with sick Iguana's when my one (of four dr's) dr who sees reptiles is on vacation. "But he hasn't eaten in 2 weeks" in a normal situation would warrant coming in, but if Dr. K isn't there all I can do is refer to someone else. I am also the person you complain to when the doctor is running late and also the person the doctor complains to when he/she is overbooked. You may not see this...some doctors, not all, will be sweet as can be to you in the room but will ream me later for something that could have waited. My only bird doctor refuses to see any birds before 9am or after 5pm and will only see 2 on saturday. I have NO control over his policy. Another piece of reality is that not every "emergency" is really an emergency. Don't flame me for saying this but I have had people call for "emergency toe nail trims" and "emergency vaccines". In my clinic we define emergency as immediatly life-threatening. I have had people demanding to come in "right now" for things that could wait for an appointment and not willing to rearrange their schedule because it is not convenient. Unless the doctor who sees your animal type (reptiles, exotics) is away, I can always get you in within 24 hours if you can be flexible but if you are demanding Dr. S at 5:30 pm (our most popular appt time) it may take a few days to get that time slot. I agree that not every receptionist/tech is as knowledgeable on each animal as another may be, but in general we do our best. If we can't answer a question we ask the Dr., it may take us some time (unless it is a true emergency, animal in the clinic, not breathing etc. my Dr.'s refuse to be interupted) but we will get an answer. Please remember you catch more flies (although who would want to) with honey than with vinegar. Melissa Meeko, Percy, Snoopy and Bear [Posted in FML issue 2833]