Poor service of animal hospital

On Jan. 14 our cat, Ramona, showed signs that there was something very wrong with her. She could not walk properly and crawled on all fours. She cried a few times and then fainted. It was already lunchtime and we did not know where to take her for an immediate checkup.

I called the Animal Shelter at Ragunan and asked to speak with one of the vets I know, Dr. Alit. I was told that she was on leave and they did not provide checkups for sick cats. A woman referred me to the animal hospital behind the shelter. We took her there, but a man in attendance turned us away saying that they do not examine sick cats.

What is the point of running an animal hospital if seriously ill pets are turned away and let to die? I wanted to save my cat but I did not know what was wrong with her.

What chances of recuperation do sick animals have in such an animal hospital?

When my cat arrived home failing a much needed checkup and first aid, she was on death's doorstep. I could not save her because vets only start practicing at 4 p.m. But, I did take her to a veterinary clinic in Kemang Utara who diagnosed the cause of her death.

I don't think I would take any of my sick pets to the same animal hospital again.

HETTY M. FREDERIK

Jakarta