I am a vet in the NYC metro area...I just left one full time job (management was making it impossible for me to continue there.  It was a very long time coming) and am waiting on my new state board to get its act together for my temp permit so I can begin my new full time job.  I do not have problems covering my bills--I have not had to do an ER shift in years, but I also don't have a child.  I am a newly wed, and my husband pulls down about what I do.  He owns a small house, but before we were married, I did have my own apartment (which was admittedly a steal)  I have the remains of a student loan, but really, its managable.

I also don't have a horse, which I would really love, but that is cost prohibitive for me, but its something I would love.  I settle for a once a week riding lesson on my day off.  My pets are limited to a trio of cats, who are not being spendy at the moment.

It might be time to look at what you NEED vs what you WANT.  Starbucks is a treat for me.  90% of the time I brew my own coffee, and I carry a thermos if it looks like more than one (very large) cup is needed that day.  You can buy Starbucks coffee by the pound at most places--perhaps that is a place to start.  I love cooking, so we don't go out to eat very often (though when we do, it tends to be sushi)  I brought my own lunch to work.  I don't know what your car situation is, but I own my 2002 vehicle with its 242,000 miles on it (I am going to drive that car until it falls apart, too)  I did not have cable at my apartment because I rarely watch TV, and when I did, my DVD player did me well (plus no annoying waiting until next week for the next episode).  I did have the high speed internet, but I also ditched my land phone line in favor of going cell only.  I had a huge garden at my apartment too, and literally would have weeks where I could live off that and my freezer--and you can bet next summer I'll be back at that project.  Given that you have a child who is going to need a lot of stuff (braces, school, such fun!) now is the time to teach him about what is a necessity and what is stuff we just think are necessities (I still want a Wii!  And a new ipod!  The touch that just got upgraded! I don't need one though.  Well, not really :)

You may want to talk to your boss about restructuring your paycheck too--I had a base salary so that I didn't have huge swings pay period to pay period, and I got a bonus check once a quarter, assuming I met certain goals performance wise.  We were so slow the past year that I did not get bonuses for 2 quarters in a row, and then got a small one last quarter.

I'm not trying to come off as a total jerk here--I live comfortably but I also don't have every new gadget as it comes on line, and I think a lot of people get sucked up into that whole mind set--you can be very freaking happy without every single bell and whistle.

NJ DVM September 11th, 2009 09:50:45 AM

This is a real challenge for many veterinarians and why I think we see more add on options in the clinics for specialty foods, supplements, and full-on stores.

I think the wages also began dropping years ago. Hate to say it but the old women earn less concept was a definate discussion at the clinic ten years ago.

After an accident left me unable to produce for a time (and a lawsuit that resulted in some blackballing) I really learned to cut back on the non-essentials.

Budgeting and looking at your current capital outlay is a great suggestion mentioned earlier. There should be a way to increase your income while working smarter and not harder.

Wishing you much luck in this challenge. I moved to an area where I can have a better lifestyle with less money. There is a time to really hit the career trail hard and then a time to look at quality of life--hope you find your way through.

Ark Lady September 11th, 2009 11:01:04 AM

Try googling "frugal living".  I go to several sites...I think one is "cheapskate" something or the other...anyway-there are LOTS of web sites geared to help us live happy with less.

I cut back to the bones after numerous surgeries the last couple years....  I don't EVER just go to the mall to kill time...I plan what I buy.  

I am currently paying off a TightRope procedure for my rescued pitbull...  so it's even tighter now...

But if you look at everything we have, compared to so many who don't....I consider myself blessed to have a tiny house in a country that, in today's world, is stable....  I am dry, fed, and content with my pups...

agadoresmom September 11th, 2009 12:08:36 PM

"How do other veterinarians manage it?"  That one's been on my mind lately.  Dr. M has charged me less than $100 for 2 visits, 2 scripts filled, removing a drain tube, and generally restoring my Shiba's trust in veterinarians (or at least in 1).  In some ways he can annoy the ever loving c*** out of me but that last part (restoring her trust) was worth way more than what I paid, all by itself.  I suspect he's discounting because he's cleaning up another vet's mess but his bills are never as high as I expect them to be so maybe not.  (On the annoying front, the last time he saw my Shiba before this she was fat, nearly hairless, covered in welts, and he upped her to 20 mg prednisone every other day and didn't make any other suggestions or have any ideas about how to deal with her allergies.  This past time, he noted her current excellent condition of no welts, full coat, proper weight, no longer on prednisone.  Wasn't the least bit curious how that came to be, just updated and noted his file!)

I'll gladly add prayers for you per your request AND one that you're sneaking in some sleep during today :)

PJBoosinger September 11th, 2009 12:14:23 PM

Ooooh...I want a Wii, too! And a Kindle. Oh yeah, and a new pair of sneaks. Luckily, I reuse everything (Ziplocs, even), get free underwear every time Victoria's Secret sends me a coupon (every couple of months). Honestly, I've cut everything but the Starbucks and the gym fee––oh, and my coffee is mostly free since I care for the cats outside the store. ;-) 

But seriously, a cheaper property (taxes and insurance are soooo crazy here!) and another income would do me just fine. Too bad marriage just sounds so impossible (the pay's great but the hours suck!). 

btw, I think "cheapskate" is right up my alley. I'll be checking it out. 

OT, agadoresmom: How did the tightrope go? 

Dr. Patty Khuly September 11th, 2009 12:22:45 PM

Wow. You get a paycheck!?!? ;-)

tripawds.com September 11th, 2009 12:24:46 PM

On this one I could not be more with you. I'm a professional with three fields and have not been able to put together enough income to make it. I'm good at all three. My age is higher than yours and I too am just amazed that at this time when I thought I might not have financial problems, I'm in really bad shape--frighteningly so--with no idea today how I'm going to pay next month's bills. Including health ins. which I must keep, b/c I will be uininsurable in this state w/out a group policy. It's a nightmare. And my house is very old and falling apart, but the mortgage, which is behind, is "upside down." I've already exhausted all my other resources, family, etc. as this has gone on. There are several factors at work here in Miami, so I've had to begin applying out. I don't have a child, but I do have my companion animals.

About cutting down, I have, except for things I need to do what work I have--sometimes you may only cut what you're actually using; for instance I don't have any TV service.

But, Dr. Khuly, please don't do less vet work! You're brilliant, and at finance also, so I know there must be a way! I whole heartedly congratulate you on your success with writing too--that can go a lot of interesting ways.

We need good vets who are thoughtful, ethical, honest, knowledgeable, trustworthy, and of course good at what they actually do. I don't know what your agreement with your clinic requires, but could you go to a satellite office/share space 1x/week or something in MB, Pinecrest, or anyplace around here where you may have some patients who can pay to offset the ones who can't right now, or won't? 'Course I'm not suggesting you leave this area :>. You could market there ahead of when you begin.

SH September 11th, 2009 12:56:20 PM

I own and work full-time ( i.e., I see appointments full time and then stay overtime to get administrative stuff done) at my small animal practice on Long Island.  I take home less money now than when I worked per-diem in Manhattan a few years ago.  (ouch) I managed to purchase a home at the height of the market, overpaying by about $75k. (double ouch) I still have student loans to pay and my car ...but I make it all work.  The practice is healthy and growing and all I can hope for is that everything will pay off once...  ummmm, well, once it... Sheesh. When will everything pay off?  I used to make fun of my MD friends when I was working full time right out of vet school and making $60k (woo hoo!) -but 8 years later, I'm barely breaking through the six figure barrier and my physician friends are pulling in $200-400k a year.  I clearly didn't enter the profession to become wealthy, but don't veterinarians deserve to be compensated in a way that's somewhat proportional to their training/education and the amount of joy they bring to their patients/clients?  I know pizzeria owners who can't even get a GED, but make way more money than the average veterinarian.  Life's not fair, I know.  I will continue to do my job (and do it well) and hope that my payday eventually comes.

More of my gripes at my blog :)

Dennis Leon, DVM September 11th, 2009 01:01:00 PM

Dr. Khuly, I've been curious about something ever since I read your post on the structures of vet offices and how associates get paid.  I haven't managed to ask my own vet which of the various pay structures her office uses (she doesn't own it, or at least, she didn't before the previous owner passed away; maybe the associates all bought it out, or something--again, don't know how to ask).  I adore this vet, and I know she gives us discounts that she doesn't mention; I see them on the itemized bills.  I worry that she's actually cutting her own pay when she does that.

Is there some way we can maximize HER portion of what we spend at the vet, while still not paying a whole lot more than we already do?  (Ie, still not buying prescription foods, getting our generic scripts through a pharmacy, etc, but still going to the vet for actual vet stuff like injuries, illness, exams, and testing.)  Is there something we can do as clients to help our associate vets?  I don't know if this is possible, but thought if it were, you might know :)

Galadriel September 11th, 2009 01:10:20 PM

1980 house, 1400 sq ft with 2 covered porches on 1/3 acre: <$30,000 (OK, it needs $20,000 in work but still and, from some of the things you've mentioned, it might be in better shape now than the one you're in :); property taxes: <$500/year (OK, about $1100 when repaired); low insurance rates; NO state income tax.  So few vets in this county that 2 vets from the next county south advertise in our phone book.  Ms. Newbie vet charged me $400+ for exam, drain install, CBC, Chem 7, and 6 months of HeartGuard and amoxil.  Think about it.  We could use some decent vets in the SE Texas.  Bring your boyfriend too.  I assume he's board certified.  Go ahead and see how many/few of THOSE we have.  Oh, but don't marry him.  The hours do suck and the pay's not that great ;)

PJBoosinger September 11th, 2009 01:18:38 PM

Bean's TR did great!  He had his miniscus totally removed.vet said it was shredded and causing all the pain...I had reservations about bone on bone, but he is about 3 onths out now and his right rear leg is like new...his OTHER rear leg--well that's on the next to be done list as soon as I pay off the first one...  

I was REAL apprehensive about knee surgery. the TPLO just didn't sound good- it's so invasive.   But this TR worked fine.  Bean is 55 lbs of muscle and goofiness....  And thanks to your advice, it was done by a board certified orthopedic vetrinary surgeon....

agadoresmom September 11th, 2009 01:28:45 PM

Galadriel, I'll give you my two cents, if that's ok:

1) Get pet insurance. Both sides of the exam table worry far less about money when the pet is covered by a good insurance company.

2) Understand that there's a much bigger profit margin in exams, tests and surgery than there will ever be in medications and foods. So don't feel too bad about getting a $4 Rx at WalMart (it's often cheaper than our wholesale cost). But do trust your veterinarian when he/she says your pet *needs* a dental cleaning.

3) Tell everyone you know about how wonderful your veterinarian is.  Hand out cards. Tell them to switch over.  That's the best compliment we can get -and ultimately grows our business.

Dennis Leon, DVM September 11th, 2009 01:41:42 PM

We are all in this same "boat" and just having a job is something to be thankful for. I have been gradually feeling the pinch the last several years. I actually made more gross pay in '98 than I will in '09. And I honestly thought at my age , after nearly 40 years of working---sometimes 1 or 2 part-time jobs on top of my full 40, that I would be winding "down".

Not so, and I have accepted that. On the same hand, aren't there many in the medical profession that work crummy or many hours? Think of hospital nurses & staff---comes with the territory, I think.

As far as GP status, I am willing to bet that you will ultimately be very satisfied that you are, when the economy turns. A talented, well-rounded, ethical, and compassionate veterinarian is worth their weight in GOLD-- and many, many clients know that.

A few ER shifts, every now and then is not a "bad" thing, suck it up ;)

Barb A./NH September 11th, 2009 04:01:54 PM

Dr K,

There are a couple of things I do to balance paycheck timing against bill timing. 

1 - "accruals" in my checkbook.  If I anticipate a large expense, I'll set aside a portion of it either within the checkbook or in savings.  If I leave the money in my checking account, I log it in the checkbook as an expense.  For example: Mortgage Accrual 9/01/09 $XXX.  This removes the money from the available balance in my ledger, and then I forget that it's hidden until it's time to pay the bill.  At that time, I reverse the entry ("reverse Mortgage Accrual from 9/01/09 -$XXX") to put the money back in my balance.

2 - Using a credit card to pay day-to-day expenses.  Okay, so this suggestion can get you in big trouble fast if you're not careful, but it can also help cover times in the month when paychecks are thin.  The premise here is that you look at a monthly budget rather than what you have from the most recent paycheck.  Then, you log each purchase in a checkbook ledger and don't allow yourself to exceed your monthly allowance.  That way, you may spend more than you have early in the month and less than you have later on, but it should all balance out to the monthly budget.

Not sure if either of these suggestions help.  Of course, if your pay is variable, it may be hard to really anticipate what you'll have for a full month.

Posey September 11th, 2009 04:07:47 PM

I've been where you are (in pay -vs- expenses) tho not house/kid/no sleep job! 

These days it seems there's much more in choices to be 'cheap' and its also becoming trendy! 

Buy in bulk when you can.  Storage bins are our friends.  Gardens are great but not if the goats eat the sprouting veggies (ask me how I know this).....

Freecycle freely; give AND receive.  You'll be surprised what you can get.  And what you can get rid of without a dumping fee!

EBay!  I'm buying DH's work pants there and lightly worn cargos are running me 1/2 of new ones and that includes shipping.  I like to splurge on OPI polish; its about 1/2 price if I'm willing to bid until it stays at the price I like.

Watch Craigslist.  I sometimes find things others bought but can't use/fit into for better deals than if I bought new. 

Remember tho with Freecycle or Craigslist to be uber-careful about your personal info and meeting folks.  We do pickups ourselves with friends along for the ride and things being picked up from us are always at the home of someone with good neighbors, a large man standing around and noticable security.

Shop local!  This may sound odd but you can actually conserve $$ in the long run by patronizing local mom n' pop establishments instead of Wally World (for example).  They get to know you, know what you like and watch out for deals for you.  Plus sometimes paying a bit more also means better quality and more life out of a product.

As a single mom (or in my case, single woman without any handy'man' skills!) I bought for warranty, company customer service and length of life more so than price.  I wanted my appliances to last, not cost the least right now.  I surely couldn't fix them unless it could be done with a hammer. 

Lastly "this too shall pass".  Or as mom always said "it'll build character".

Beth P September 11th, 2009 05:02:43 PM

Re:

 "How do other veterinarians manage it?"

According to the last salary survey I read, the average salary for a mid level vet is close to 70K.  If you are not at that level, you might want to pull down some salary survey data, and have a big discussion with your boss about why you merit an increase.  Factors to consider are that you are in an expensive market area, so if the survey says average is say, $67k, people in your area should make more.

Many vets who are not happy with "salary" level compensation open their own businesses.  You can top $200k as a small practice owner.  However, then you are driven by bottom lines and business concerns . . . not necessarily a welcome shift of focus. 

But lots of vets don't manage it very well.  The vet in my state I think most highly of works for a rescue and does home visits and I know she is scraping by. She refuses to go into "brick and mortar" business precisely because she has seen how it causes vet care to be driven by business interests.  This means, of course, that she's just doing primary care, but I think she prefers that anyway.   I hope having the satisfaction of knowing she is one of the truly committed, passionate vets is job satisfaction for her.  She lives and breathes animal care, it's not just a living. 

It might not be what you want to hear, but you recently said something about Gucci bags and new-ish SUVs.  Maybe you could look at ways to cut frills.  Every day you brew your own instead of hitting starbucks saves you . . . at least $2.  Personally, I've been steering clear of Starbucks more for that reason.  When you add it up . . . whew. 

Stefani September 11th, 2009 07:07:03 PM

Thanks, Dr. Leon! Point 1 isn't a viable issue at this time; with all senior dogs w/pre-existings I can't even get internet quotes or anyone to call me for pet insurance quotes, but it's something I can definitely keep in mind in the future. (And maybe it'll be useful to people besides me, too.)

Already on points 2 and 3, myself :) Tho I'm perplexed about the mentality of people in this town. I've lived in an overly large city where it was a 2-hr drive just to visit the NEARBY friends. But the 25 minute drive out of town to my vet is way, way, WAY too far for most everyone I know here. Bizarre. But still, I sing her praises to people I know, and any time I hear of a new place to leave reviews online I go add one. It's good to know it might even be helpful.  (I'll grab a handful of cards next time I'm there, too.  Thanks for the idea!)

~ ~ ~

Stefani, suggest you go re-read that post that mentioned the Gucci handbags and SUV's before you suggest that their mention in her blog indicates that our Friendly Neighborhood Vet Blogger needs to cut *HER* frivolities.  Good grief, you even posted on it and seemed to understand--at the time--that she was talking about *clients* with these possessions.

http://www.dolittler.com/2009/08/20/Veterinarian.abuse.via.clientand.its.aftermath..html

Galadriel September 11th, 2009 08:43:00 PM

Dr. Leon 

You chose Long Island.. Great place, but not cheap to live here.. I wouldn't thinking of any other place I'd want to live..

I presume you are in general practice.. Right now family practice physicians aren't making big bucks.. and are working three times as hard, than in the past... Imagine seeing the same amount of patients that you saw five years ago, and it takes two hours more,  Which equates to having to pay staff.. etc.. Imagine the patients coming in with more issues than one, and having to analyze them all, and figure things out without missing something.. Then you have the copayment.. and what happens if the patient can't afford it..  The insurance company is going to deduct it from the check.. Of course if the patient can't afford the copay, and is in need of meds.. you have to find something that is affordable.. as the drug companies have cut back on samples, and representatives....

By the way I looked you up on Long Island.. You graduated the same year with Socrates's vet.. Do you know Josh Baum?

Barri & Socrates September 11th, 2009 09:01:09 PM

Dr. Khuly

Previously you had posted about the economy and how people were not paying their vet bills, being rude about the bills, etc.  I just wanted to let you know you are not alone.  I was at my vet last week and the office gals were telling me the same thing is happening at my vet's office.  I know that doesn't help you with your situation, but maybe hearing this won't make you feel alone (if you do).   And I know what being a single mom is about and every time you turn around there is some expense you have to pay and at times it seems like it will never end.  Some days it seems overwhelming.  You are a wonderful vet and an AWESOME writer.   Things will get better.   Hang in there.  

Jan September 11th, 2009 09:48:45 PM

Galadriel,

Here is the quote in that post that led me to conclude Dr. K was counting herself in that set:

"It's especially troubling given that most of my clients are not the jobless and foreclosed on. They're upper middle-class--which in Miami means they still drive new model SUVs and buy Coach handbags instead of Gucci when the going gets rough. In other words, they're like me."

Stefani September 11th, 2009 11:20:09 PM

Maybe you're working at the wrong clinic? My cats' vet has pulled in more than $3000 from me in the past 6 weeks (we're up near West Palm Beach, FL). I've lived in Boston, NY (upstate and Manhatten), Chicago, and FL, and I've never paid more for large or small animal vet care than I have down here. Considering that my vet and his wife (also a small animal vet) are driving brand-new Mercedes, I don't think they're hurting too badly.

Sarah September 12th, 2009 12:06:52 AM

"know pizzeria owners who can't even get a GED, but make way more money than the average veterinarian."

See, if we put our minds together we can solve problems.  On one of my trips to the Arctic we had some Alaska Fish and Game officers with us whose job it was to kill seals and walruses to find out what they were eating. Yes, we actually had seal and walrus pizza. 

Now go back a few posts on eating dog and connect the dots  ;-)  Pedigreed Pooch Pizza anyone?

Bob Jones September 12th, 2009 12:47:21 AM

I have been an associate veterinarian at a newer practice for 5 years.  We have maintained a great reputation for client service and even though we are in the most economically depressed area in california (the central valley) we have managed to maintain steady business by expanding our office hours and operating a low cost-spay neuter clinic through the office.  We keep a list of people interested in low cost spay/neuter/vaccinations and when our surgery schedules are looking sparse, we call these owners up one or two nights before and schedule them in.  We have brought in many new clients with our "Project X" who have returned to our clinic for routine health care needs.  I am on a base plus production salary and have maintained almost the same salary even though I have cut back on my hours after my daughter was born.  When I came back from maternity leave, we began having office hours until 8pm mon-thur.  I work the later shifts so I often get some of the bigger cases that would end up at the emergency clinic. I avarage 35ish hours a week (alternating 3 days one week and 4 the next) and will hit a little over the three figure mark for the year.

On a personal financial level...debt is bad and often gets worse with unexpected expenses.  Credit cards and loans on cars should be paid off as soon as possible.  I was horrible with personal finance until I met my husband.  We are big followers of the Dave Ramsey method of personal finance.  Check his book out at the library :)

Love the blog.  I'm usually a lurker.

mfloresdvm@comcast.net September 12th, 2009 12:56:35 AM

Sorry to hear you're going through a rough time financially but I wouldn't presume to suggest how you might better manage your finances. 

Maybe I'm misinterpreting the tone of your post, but from a pet owner's perspective, what I took away from your article is that some vets in the ER may be sleep deprived, running on caffeine, and there not for the passion of helping pets in distress but to make ends meet. That's not a particularly encouraging thought when I'm showing up with a life-threatening situation that needs clear-headed thinking, long-term attention, and steady hands. Since I'm paying 2x normal prices for "emergency" services I do have the expectation that the staff is awake (not by means of stimulants), thinking clearly, and wants to be there. I guess I've been lucky that our 24 hour ER is staffed with at least one dedicated ER vet. I liked him so much I wanted him to be our regular vet, but no, he only works nighttime ER hours. Maybe there are also vets moonlighting there, but I don't think I've encountered them - at least it wasn't obvious from droopy eyes or caffeine tremmors. 

Just an Owner September 12th, 2009 01:17:28 AM

Hang on as long as you can, but it is only a matter of when , not if, we end up like this: http://www.kirotv.com/video/20827718/index.html

Bailey September 12th, 2009 01:55:24 AM

"Check his book out at the library"  I'm not familiar with Dave Ramsey but, if the concept of checking it out from the library instead of buying the book came from his teachings, I'd probably be a fan!  True wealth is never, ever achieved through debt financing, it may be enhanced by it but you have to be wealthy to start with or you don't have the leverage to accomplish that.  Buy now, pay later = bad, bad, bad.  Scrimp now and have later.  Dave does have an interesting website.  I'd agree with most of his "truth about..." items at the bottom of the page although I have a slightly different perspective on bankruptcy and mortgages :)

PJBoosinger September 12th, 2009 06:58:43 AM

Just an owner: Ouch! I can see where you would get that idea from my post. But I certainly hope none of the clients I saw last night did. I sincerely don't think so. Everyone seemed satisfied, including the owners of post-op cases understandably wanting to visit and ask millions of questions.

But you did pick up on an important truth. One of the reasons I recommend the e-clinic I do is because it hires only career ER vets--not people like me who WILL be sleep deprived and less effective if they don't plan ahead. (They have to on occasion, as when there's a big conference, etc.––no hospital is without the need for some relief workers.)

In my case I had two days notice and a day off yesterday so I was able to do things right and get a nap in before the shift, etc. In fact, I'm right now between the night shift and my Sat AM shift and I still feel great. But that's certainly not always the case and if I were a client I certainly wouldn't want someone sleep-deprived trying to nap all night instead of watching my pet like a hawk. 

Such an excellent point on ERs. Think I'll write a post on this today.

Dr. Patty Khuly September 12th, 2009 07:49:49 AM

@barri: yes, i'm actually good friends with dr. josh baum.  we've known each other since freshman year at cornell (undergrad) and i spoke with him on the phone just the other week. 

@galadriel: one of the points i make in my how to choose a veterinarian article is that the veterinarian closest to your home may be the worst one for you! glad to hear you're making the 25 journey to see your favorite doc :) most of my clients are from within a 4 mile radius, but i do have clients from over an hour away, including a family that drives cross country in their RV to bring their maltese dogs to me.

@just an owner: you're right. you and your pets deserve to be seen by a doctor who is not sleep deprived.  this is one of the big issues in human medicine.

@bob jones: poodle pizza? i think i'll pass.

Dennis Leon, DVM September 12th, 2009 09:45:29 AM

Dr. Leon, The closest to home may in fact be the hugest mistake ever. I should know & thanks for your candidness!

Barb A./NH September 12th, 2009 04:10:30 PM

Just an Owner, I understand your fears.   If I had the choice, though, I'd rather have a somewhat sleep deprived experienced vet over a not-sleep-deprived 26 year old "fresh out" vet -- and those are the ones I have usually gotten on the overnight shift.

I had a chance to make a choice (not quite as stark) for my boy kitty a year ago, when I took him in on a late evening suspecting he'd ingested a string like object.   I got the definite impression that the ER vet I met with was due to get off duty, and she was kind of steering me toward having a younger looking, gruffer vet do the exploratory surgery we agreed was the best course of action.  I got the impression the other vet had just come on duty.  My instincts, now honed toward safety, told me to ask specifically that she do the surgery.  She looked a bit tired, but she somewhat reluctantly promised me that she herself would stay and do it.

I questioned my decision for a bit, but later had the opportunity to do research on the two vets and it was clear to me from what I learned that she had many years more experience and targeted skills in this area than he did.  I think I made the right call and I was very glad she agreed to do the surgery.  She called me at 1 am with the report, and he had indeed ingested a thread.  It was the right choice all around, I think.

It's tough, because you don't want a tired person operating, but you also don't want a relatively inexperienced person operating.  I wonder if they have done studies of comparing medical error rates between tired but very experienced surgeons vs. well-rested and "new" surgeons.

I usually get very young vets in ER overnight situations and I was happy to have a more experienced vet for a change. 

Stefani September 12th, 2009 06:50:51 PM

The pesky kid is the problem. You should rehome him immediately. They are huge money pits what with the eating every day and all. Some people even feed theirs more than one meal a day. And special food no less! They don't really NEED vegetables. Those are just filler. I've heard tell of people raising kids just fine on one happy meal a day. (not the mighty kids meals, they cost more) They also take away all your free time. Yup time to place him on a farm where he can run and be free. They prefer that life you know. It's cruel to keep them in a house.

Seriously. I feel your pain. I love that you share you aren't rolling in the dough. To many people assume vets are all flush and have no such issues. I hope you write a book, someone options it as a movie and you make scads of money so you can keep doing what you love. (I think Julie Benz should play you) Or you win the lottery. Or find a cure for a disease or invent something cool. Whichever.

I am a little astounded by some of the assumptions that have been made by some of the commenters. Wow! There is this thing called tact that it seems some have never heard of. Tip to those posters: It's not always what you say that is a problem, especially if intented to help, but how you say it matters too.

I'm sorry NJ DVM but it sounds like your life has barely begun. Raise a kid as a single working mom (of which I am not myself so my hat is off to ALL who do) and then chime in.

Tail wags, Marie http://k-9solutionsdogtraininginc.blogspot.com

Marie September 12th, 2009 10:44:26 PM

I am going to agree with Sarah.  I livein Fort Laudedale and up til recently the vets with their own practices are doing pretty darn well.  The one who lives on our street just spent a lot of money renovating his house. I went with RX to the Pharmacy since even something like prednisone was much less expensive.  I went to get a cat spade and was quoted over $400 at one place.  This same place charged me $300 for a vet visit because it was holistic as well-even though I told them I only wanted a regular vet visit.  needless to say I did not go back. 

I have the feeling and I may be wrong but if you had your own practice and theworries that go with it you might do better.  ps-I love your columns.

rosie September 13th, 2009 11:06:09 AM

Wow. Brand new Merc? Don't think I'd do it even if I had the dough to roll in, but hey, everyone's different. I feel guilty driving a 5 year-old SUV. Gucci handbags? Not my style, Stefani. Though I admit I did give that impression. 

Yes, I'd be doing better if I owned my own practice. Instead, I've elected a more flexible lifestyle better suited to a woman with a kid (practice ownership takes non-flexible time and lots of savings, neither of which I have). Working at a different kind of practice would almost certainly be more financially rewarding, but we all make lifestyle/emotional tradeoffs (this one in 5 minutes away from my house and I've worked there since I was a 10 year-old). 

I deserve my lot, really I do. And it's really not so bad. I still have the ability to cook pretty much what I want and as long as the Starbucks crowd and Victoria's Secret coupons continue to support me, my small luxuries keep a-coming. That, and the boyfriend-supported travel and dinners out should really keep me from complaining. But it's human nature to grouse, right?

Dr. Patty Khuly September 13th, 2009 11:45:49 AM

It sure is! (human nature to grouse) We are all making decisions and trimming back, because we have to. I brought my '95 Subaru for a $40 safety inspection and $800 later got it. Long paid for reliable transportation, but put a crimp on my plans for that $800 !

Dog food has nearly doubled---my pay hasn't! Stared at a bottle of Buddy Dog Wash shampoo at $8 and wondered if it was worth it for 20 minutes; I bought it and love it!

The trend is to make lifestyle changes and become realistic and away from crazy and frivilous. You did word the blog  erroneously and some of us old-timers remember your "shoes"!

When I read about raising prices here & there to compensate, I tell myself that there is another business "pricing themselves for less to NO business"--just not going to work.

Barb A./NH September 13th, 2009 12:39:35 PM

Don't feel guilty about the SUV.  I know I'm supposed to feel guilty about driving an old F-150 but I don't because I couldn't to the stuff I often do (more accurately, mostly let others do) with a sedan.  That's going to be even more true while I'm remodeling.  Even without that, transporting kids, critters and/or hauling around their and work stuff often isn't feasible with a small car AND, let's face it, the small US cars don't get great gas mileage anyway.  I suspect you didn't get an SUV for its status but for its functionality.

When I was in practice, I had a van so I could haul files to and from meetings and court but I also had a small car for the rest of the time.  I took a bit of flack for having 2 vehicles but neither was new and it's not like I could drive them simultaneously.  Ford is bringing back the Feista next year and I may buy one since I'm back to being a ways from town so would be nice to have a vehicle that gets better mileage as well as the truck for hauling stuff.  Unfortunately, I won't be able to get the 65mpg Euro model.  I don't know why we're on a high price, sucky gas mileage, hybrid trip on this side of the planet but we are.

Opening a practice also is a big risk financially.  Most single moms didn't plan it that way and have usually found out the hard way that finances can get turned upside down unexpectedly so are a little more risk averse than average - for good reason.

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