Overwhelmed with more than I can cope with

[Liberty Belle]

12. The surgeons are all so booked up --

Originally every surgeon we called was backed up for months and couldn't even see her for an evaluation. We're told this is due to COVID staffing shortages.

So when one called with a cancellation I took the appointment, at least to get tests and a diagnosis. If they recommend surgery, we can then price shop and check availability and references. That's another stress.

Two of our prior dogs had orthopedic surgeries with the best vet in town -- but she was so booked she couldn't even see us on an emergency basis or for an evaluation for months. So that's another stress - worrying we could wind up with an inexperienced surgeon. But without something done the leg could atrophy; she's still hopping on 3 legs after 2 weeks so it's probably not a strain as we were first advised.

A friend just had a dog die in an emergency vet clinic due to a brand new vet left in charge due to everyone else out for COVID - total ineptitude killed their pet. It's the same clinic where we're going for the evaluation, though not the same vet. it's the only emergency vet clinic left within an hour of where we live and the only orthopedic surgeon with an opening for evaluation in the next two months.

So sad for all the animals not getting proper care. AS if everyone didn't have enough stress during the pandemic, now we can't even get proper care for our pets. When our last dog had a life-threatening emergency we had to travel more than an hour for help, as all 3 emergency clinics near us were either closed due to COVID or backed up 8 hours.