Complaint Review: Ft. Caroline Animal Clinic

Eric I know that you love your dog and that you feel some horrible wrong doing was done to your dog but you've let your emotions go too far. I was the caretaker for your dog while boarding at our facility back in 2003. During the time your dog was boarding it was very scared and I took a lot of time and effort to make sure that your dog was well cared for despite its disposition. You know this because we did talk almost every day. And yes I was there when this happened. No one struck or tried to kill your dog. And no your dog did NOT almost die. I do not remember (as this was years ago) whether we were looking at something you had asked us to look at or if vaccinations were being given, but I do know that this happened right before you were to pick your dog up. Your dog is a very large and scared bull dog who could have caused a lot of damage if he wanted to. A rabies pole was placed because we could not safely handle or trust your dog. We couldn't even pet him! I could not imagine any one of us tiny girls manhandling your dog if he became scared and tried to bite. It was for everyones safety. During this incident your dog did over react, tried to attack and became a threat to itself and those around him. The pole was used to try and protect all involved. Yes your dog did suffer minor injury because of the incident but it was because of your dogs aggressivness. Your dog played a part in this too.

Dr. Athey is a very talented DVM and I would trust any one of my animals with him. And as for some other commentors, don't be so hard on your DVMs. We are not all perfect but we are trying to do our best to provide quality care to your pets. Some animals are more aggresive and dangerous than others. Does that mean that they don't deserve care? No. It just means that we have to try to think of ways of doing it without anyone getting hurt. That doesn't always happen, as in this case, but try asking DVMs how many times they have been bitten and beat up by your loving pets. It is a lot, trust me. It's not an easy job but someone has to do it.

To clients of Ft. Caroline Animal Clinic you can take comfort in knowing that you are getting quality care from two of the best veterinarians in Jax. To the current staff at Ft. Caroline Animal Clinic, keep up the good work! You have awesome doctors to work with and an outstanding reputation, be proud of it!

Nonsense.Dr.Athey has been in practice many years.He has a fine reputation as far as I am aware.I see no evidence your pet sustained any corneal damage that would be a concern.Your experience though not ideal does not merit such a harsh condemnation!

Tom,
The dog is a "dumb animal". The vet is a supposedly "trained professional". The vet should know the right amount of force to use when restraining an animal using a catch pole. The vet should also have the common sense to know when the situation has reached a point where the vet needs to back off in the best interest of the animal. I should think the dog's bulging red eyes were a clear sign to back off. This is not a dog that was loose on the streets and a danger to people. It sounds to me like the vet did not want to "submit" to the dog and he let his ego get the better of him, much to the dog's detriment.

Jimmy,
How many more details do you need? You see the photo of the dog's eyes, ruptured blood vessels. This dog was strangled. The vet admitted he used a catch pole and he said the ruptured blood vessels are normal. Yes, ruptured blood vessels in the eye are the result of strangulation. This should have never happened.

People who go on and on about what great people their vets are are living in a fantasy world. Vets are just like the rest of us. They sometimes have long days and short tempers. There are few checks and balances in the vet world because dogs are considered property and have no rights. Vets are virtually immune to prosecution. If a policeman had done this to a suspect high on drugs, the policeman would be suspended or on desk duty pending investigation. Yet, vets get away with doing this to their patients every single day.

Tom,
The dog is a "dumb animal". The vet is a supposedly "trained professional". The vet should know the right amount of force to use when restraining an animal using a catch pole. The vet should also have the common sense to know when the situation has reached a point where the vet needs to back off in the best interest of the animal. I should think the dog's bulging red eyes were a clear sign to back off. This is not a dog that was loose on the streets and a danger to people. It sounds to me like the vet did not want to "submit" to the dog and he let his ego get the better of him, much to the dog's detriment.

Jimmy,
How many more details do you need? You see the photo of the dog's eyes, ruptured blood vessels. This dog was strangled. The vet admitted he used a catch pole and he said the ruptured blood vessels are normal. Yes, ruptured blood vessels in the eye are the result of strangulation. This should have never happened.

People who go on and on about what great people their vets are are living in a fantasy world. Vets are just like the rest of us. They sometimes have long days and short tempers. There are few checks and balances in the vet world because dogs are considered property and have no rights. Vets are virtually immune to prosecution. If a policeman had done this to a suspect high on drugs, the policeman would be suspended or on desk duty pending investigation. Yet, vets get away with doing this to their patients every single day.

Tom,
The dog is a "dumb animal". The vet is a supposedly "trained professional". The vet should know the right amount of force to use when restraining an animal using a catch pole. The vet should also have the common sense to know when the situation has reached a point where the vet needs to back off in the best interest of the animal. I should think the dog's bulging red eyes were a clear sign to back off. This is not a dog that was loose on the streets and a danger to people. It sounds to me like the vet did not want to "submit" to the dog and he let his ego get the better of him, much to the dog's detriment.

Jimmy,
How many more details do you need? You see the photo of the dog's eyes, ruptured blood vessels. This dog was strangled. The vet admitted he used a catch pole and he said the ruptured blood vessels are normal. Yes, ruptured blood vessels in the eye are the result of strangulation. This should have never happened.

People who go on and on about what great people their vets are are living in a fantasy world. Vets are just like the rest of us. They sometimes have long days and short tempers. There are few checks and balances in the vet world because dogs are considered property and have no rights. Vets are virtually immune to prosecution. If a policeman had done this to a suspect high on drugs, the policeman would be suspended or on desk duty pending investigation. Yet, vets get away with doing this to their patients every single day.

Tom,
The dog is a "dumb animal". The vet is a supposedly "trained professional". The vet should know the right amount of force to use when restraining an animal using a catch pole. The vet should also have the common sense to know when the situation has reached a point where the vet needs to back off in the best interest of the animal. I should think the dog's bulging red eyes were a clear sign to back off. This is not a dog that was loose on the streets and a danger to people. It sounds to me like the vet did not want to "submit" to the dog and he let his ego get the better of him, much to the dog's detriment.

Jimmy,
How many more details do you need? You see the photo of the dog's eyes, ruptured blood vessels. This dog was strangled. The vet admitted he used a catch pole and he said the ruptured blood vessels are normal. Yes, ruptured blood vessels in the eye are the result of strangulation. This should have never happened.

People who go on and on about what great people their vets are are living in a fantasy world. Vets are just like the rest of us. They sometimes have long days and short tempers. There are few checks and balances in the vet world because dogs are considered property and have no rights. Vets are virtually immune to prosecution. If a policeman had done this to a suspect high on drugs, the policeman would be suspended or on desk duty pending investigation. Yet, vets get away with doing this to their patients every single day.

Your report really stunned me as I have 4 dogs that are treated at Ft Caroline Animal Clinic. This is the first posting of any kind I have made on the web but for 7 years we have been going there and know all of the staff really well.

They are a bunch of animal loving people and I could never imagine them doing this. We started taking our dogs there because of the compassion they showed for a stray that we brought in there and still have 7 years later. He was very aggressive after living on the streets but they took care of him very well. To this day he is grumpy and doesn't like needles or people prodding him but I wouldn't take him anywhere else.

I find the way you worded this report very annoying, especially since you didn't seem to give any real information. Making statements like they are facts and not giving any kind of background. I know people get emotional when dealing with pets but you need to get a grip and take care of this in a responsible way.

If you (as from your update) knew that all these bad things went on at the animal clinic, why did you take your dog there at all? If I heard about so much as one of those things and found it to be true, you can bet I'd be going elsewhere.

It is unfortunate that your dog was hurt at the vet, but it is very common for vets to use the rabies pole on aggressive dogs. Unfortunately, most dogs are poorly trained. Many dog owners laugh and watch the vet and vet techs restrain the aggressive dog rather than help. The vets job is to give the dog a shot, and if the dogs tail is flagged, or if the dog is growling a muzzle must be put on to protect the life of the worker. Getting scrathed in the eye, or bit in the face is no picnic.

Bottom line, your dog most likely was aggressive due to your poor socialization of the dog. The fact that your dog was hurt, only means he struggled and would not submit.

Did you ever stop to think that it wasnt the vet, it was your dog?

You can access their web site again: www.hsus.org, and they have some FAQ's that might apply to your situation. They also strongly encourage all to communicate with their Local/Regional branch of the Humane Society.

I am not an expert in this area, and am not familiar, with Florida's State Law. These are just options exchanged by one consumer to another.

Here is some more contact information, which might help you:

Humane Society number for urgent questions:
1-202-452-1100 (doesn't look toll free, so you might want to try local)

For more info:

Humane Society of the United States
2100 L Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20037-1100

You might have this information already, but I wanted to post it, just in case.

Animal Abuse is against the law in possibly all States of the Union. "The Humane Society has juristdiction and investigative capabilities, but they depend on the community to be their eyes and ears". This according to the information at their site, currently updated. It's pretty easy to access and well organized.

You might also consider sharing a full copy of your Rip-off Report with:

1. The Vet in question
2. Your local division of the Humane Society
3. A contact through the National web site, if possible
4. Animal rights organizations, and
5. your local newspaper in the form of an editorial or by contacting a Staff Reporter

You've already taken the first step in stopping the abuse. Now you might have a chance to spare other pets and unknowing consumers.

Your pooch still looks cute, even though he's been through a lot, and he still has you. ;)

I hope everything works out.

Thank you for sharing. We hope to hear back from you with good news.

Happy New Year

Rip-off Report
Volunteer

The pole was inspected Or so the Dr. said it was the same pole.



If the pole was sharp like a knife you still cant blame it on the pole.



The answer is if you love your animals dont take them to this doctor.



The dog didnt have rabies. He may have tried to bite someone but 1 out of 10 dogs at the vet will bite and when the pole is used properly the dog shouldnt end up like this. Any vet will tell you this.



I seen the vet beat the hell out of a dog, let one loose that got hit by a car, try experimental surgery (not what the dog came in for) and the dog died, etc. I know what goes on in this place.



Guess what, all you people that were told your dog will be placed into a mass grave with other animals when euthanized, well I have a big suprise for you. They just threw them in the dumpster once a week straight out of the freezer. Of course if they told you your dog was going to be thrown in the dumpster you would probably opted to save the extra burial fee and take the dog home with you. And that goes for all you cat owners too.



If you had strange things happen to your animals or have questions about disposals please dont hesitate to post your info below.

Uh, exactly why would they be using a rabies pole on your dog. Dog couldn't be a pit bull could he?



Also, I think a Vet could kill a dog on purpose any time he or she wanted too, would not be any "almost" to it. So what's the deal? A rabies pole has a small noose on the end and using it to subdue a dog will

mess the dog up to some extent.



You have to tell us what the story is though. Does the dog have rabies? If he has rabies, you should shoot him with you gun. You don't want to get the rabies yourself do you? I've heard that it makes you feel like dancing and you can't stop. Some guy in Molly Hatchet had rabies and now they aren't even a band.



I would ask about that pole. The answer is in the pole.