Gorgeous, isn't she? She came into and went from our rescue more swiftly than the wind. It's hard to believe she was given up at all. I can't blame her former family for this, though. I think that Bridgett was a victim of overpriced veterinary care. She was brought into a local vet hospital for spaying, and when it was discovered that she had an infection in her uterus, the price for her surgery was quoted to the family through the ceiling. We are talking over the thousand dollar mark.

The vet hospital would not work on a payment plan with the people, and they said they could not afford the surgery otherwise. With broken hearts, they signed her over to the vet hospital for euthanasia. Thank goodness we were called. There are kind hearts even in places like that.

At first I wasn't told all the circumstances behind the surrender of Bridgett. I was only told that her family did not want to pay to spay her, so she was left there to die. I was shaken but not surprised. I hear stories like this far too often. I agreed to pay all the expenses, not fully realizing what I was getting into. I had no idea the costs that were involved, and I was not made aware until after the fact. I trusted these vets to be fair.

I would not have turned my back on Bridgett, no matter the cost, but I would have found a more reasonable vet for her. I am relieved to report that they are out there. You have to pound the pavements sometimes, but you can find kind and reasonable people who will also provide good veterinary care.

Let's just say Bridgett's case was a real learning experience for me. I wish I could say more, but it's best to leave it there. I did not return Bridget to her family; I learned all the details of her surrender after her adoption. I can only say that veterinarians who charge inflated fees for vaccinations and surgeries and examinations are not part of the solution to proper vet care. They are a huge part of the problem! No wonder so many people don't get their pets vetted at proper facilities. They cannot afford them. It is very sad and sickening that some places will not discount their prices or work out payment plans to help the people and the animals stay together happily and healthily.

Some vets are wonderful about doing just that, but I am discovering more and more that far too many are not. I wish more would reach out and help and make good veterinary care affordable.

I'm happy to say that Bridgett is very loved in her New York home. A chocolate female would never be in our care long, and Bridgett was proof positive of that. Thank goodness we found out about her before it was too late.