Our Vet Visit
Before I tell you about Maggie's day, I wanted to respond to a couple of comments by readers.
First, to "Anonymous" who was posting regarding the driver's license issue: I'm sorry that your friends had such a bad experience. It's really the little things that sometimes get in the way of a great relocation experience. I know that when JM first mentioned how difficult it was to get a French license, I thought he was over reacting. I learned that wasn't the case. When people have to take a written/slide test twelve times and STILL don't pass, there's a serious problem somewhere. I had someone who doesn't speak any French at all write to me about the issue, and my response was that I think it would be impossible to get a French license without speaking relatively fluent French.
And, to "Rossini," thanks so much for your support. People do seem to get hung up on false assumptions. I think that a lot of folks in the U.S. are just feeling angry right now, and rather than taking it out on the government, they re-direct it at those whom they perceive to have "escaped" the system.
On to other things!
It was time for Maggie's annual vaccinations. And, there were a couple of other small things that needed seeing to, so off we went to our terrific vet, Dr. Un-Ren in Lavelanet. A lot of the folks around here use him and at least four or five of them have told me that he saved their pet's life. That's a pretty good recommendation.
We were helped by his assistant this time, since there was nothing particularly life-threatening going on. Maggie had her vaccinations, a small cyst on her back looked at, her anal glands emptied (disgusting task!!), general health checked out, etc. Then, we came away with a tick collar (must have around here) wormer pills (no heartworm in the region, but recommended to do a general worming twice a year), cream for her sore butt and a bag of a new food we want to try until her regular supply arrives. The total bill for all of that was 80€. Honestly, that just blew me away.
I loved our vet, and friend, Gayle in Reseda. I did not feel that we were being overcharged and I know for a fact that we often got a break on the prices of some things. But, I'm positive that a visit like today's would have cost a minimum of $250.
Last year, when I told Dr. Un-Ren about what we paid for things in L.A., he was shocked. I have to admit, when I think about it, it shocks me too. There's no way that most of the people around here could possibly afford health care for their animals if they had to pay L.A. prices.
I don't know why there should be such a variation. I suppose that part of it is that the cost of rent, insurance, salaries, etc., is a lot lower here. I'm sure that it costs lots more than what I paid today in Paris too. But the price difference is actually rather staggering.
I hope I don't ever have to find out how much the "more expensive" types of things like surgery cost. But my restrained budget was very grateful for today's bill!
Ciao for now.
Randy
First, to "Anonymous" who was posting regarding the driver's license issue: I'm sorry that your friends had such a bad experience. It's really the little things that sometimes get in the way of a great relocation experience. I know that when JM first mentioned how difficult it was to get a French license, I thought he was over reacting. I learned that wasn't the case. When people have to take a written/slide test twelve times and STILL don't pass, there's a serious problem somewhere. I had someone who doesn't speak any French at all write to me about the issue, and my response was that I think it would be impossible to get a French license without speaking relatively fluent French.
And, to "Rossini," thanks so much for your support. People do seem to get hung up on false assumptions. I think that a lot of folks in the U.S. are just feeling angry right now, and rather than taking it out on the government, they re-direct it at those whom they perceive to have "escaped" the system.
On to other things!
It was time for Maggie's annual vaccinations. And, there were a couple of other small things that needed seeing to, so off we went to our terrific vet, Dr. Un-Ren in Lavelanet. A lot of the folks around here use him and at least four or five of them have told me that he saved their pet's life. That's a pretty good recommendation.
We were helped by his assistant this time, since there was nothing particularly life-threatening going on. Maggie had her vaccinations, a small cyst on her back looked at, her anal glands emptied (disgusting task!!), general health checked out, etc. Then, we came away with a tick collar (must have around here) wormer pills (no heartworm in the region, but recommended to do a general worming twice a year), cream for her sore butt and a bag of a new food we want to try until her regular supply arrives. The total bill for all of that was 80€. Honestly, that just blew me away.
I loved our vet, and friend, Gayle in Reseda. I did not feel that we were being overcharged and I know for a fact that we often got a break on the prices of some things. But, I'm positive that a visit like today's would have cost a minimum of $250.
Last year, when I told Dr. Un-Ren about what we paid for things in L.A., he was shocked. I have to admit, when I think about it, it shocks me too. There's no way that most of the people around here could possibly afford health care for their animals if they had to pay L.A. prices.
I don't know why there should be such a variation. I suppose that part of it is that the cost of rent, insurance, salaries, etc., is a lot lower here. I'm sure that it costs lots more than what I paid today in Paris too. But the price difference is actually rather staggering.
I hope I don't ever have to find out how much the "more expensive" types of things like surgery cost. But my restrained budget was very grateful for today's bill!
Ciao for now.
Randy
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