Dogs
by Carrie Boyko
We've all heard the saying "you get what you pay for". Last night I found out that this is not always true. While puttering around the Internet from pet site to pet site, I noticed that a number of them have the same large ad for "Ask a Vet" services. In the interest of research, I had to try it. After all, we have an Ask the Vet column here at All Things Dog Blog. I was curious to see what they offer and how it compares to our service.
I filled in a box with a synopsis of one of our Ask the Vet column's dog health questions and clicked the "continue" button. A picture of a veterinarian appeared in a new window, with a few more questions. Another box popped up asking for more details. I answered several questions and offered more info. Finally, after about 10 minutes of typing (I'm fast!) and a number of "continues", another window appeared telling me that if I accept or approve the vet's answer, I would be asked to pay a fee. I believe it was $38; I don't know if that included tax, tag and title. If prescriptions were suggested, would they ask me to fill them with their service, as well? I didn't ask what happens if I question the vet's opinion. I fled.
Fuming, I pondered this experience. I looked at the webpage again, checking to see if I had missed a mention that there was a charge for this service. Nothing. No dollar signs, no "great value", no questions about insurance claims--nada. Is it me, or is this unethical when handled in this manner?
How would you feel if, after answering your Vet or Trainer question, I sent you a bill? Likely you would never return to All Things Dog Blog. Suddenly I had a lightbulb moment. Do my readers know this is a FREE service on my blog? Perhaps some do not. Thus this post to clarify and assure you that these are, and always will be, FREE services, offered by highly trained, experienced professionals who are here to assist with your dog health and training issues.
Be careful out there on the Internet. Scams abound.
Visit Adopt a Dog Park
Follow All Things Dog at Twitter Find me at Facebook
© copyright Carrie Boyko, all rights reserved
Bookmark this on Delicious
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Dogs
FREE: Ask the Vet and Ask the Dog Trainer are Free Services Here
by Carrie Boyko
We've all heard the saying "you get what you pay for". Last night I found out that this is not always true. While puttering around the Internet from pet site to pet site, I noticed that a number of them have the same large ad for "Ask a Vet" services. In the interest of research, I had to try it. After all, we have an Ask the Vet column here at All Things Dog Blog. I was curious to see what they offer and how it compares to our service.
I filled in a box with a synopsis of one of our Ask the Vet column's dog health questions and clicked the "continue" button. A picture of a veterinarian appeared in a new window, with a few more questions. Another box popped up asking for more details. I answered several questions and offered more info. Finally, after about 10 minutes of typing (I'm fast!) and a number of "continues", another window appeared telling me that if I accept or approve the vet's answer, I would be asked to pay a fee. I believe it was $38; I don't know if that included tax, tag and title. If prescriptions were suggested, would they ask me to fill them with their service, as well? I didn't ask what happens if I question the vet's opinion. I fled.
Fuming, I pondered this experience. I looked at the webpage again, checking to see if I had missed a mention that there was a charge for this service. Nothing. No dollar signs, no "great value", no questions about insurance claims--nada. Is it me, or is this unethical when handled in this manner?
How would you feel if, after answering your Vet or Trainer question, I sent you a bill? Likely you would never return to All Things Dog Blog. Suddenly I had a lightbulb moment. Do my readers know this is a FREE service on my blog? Perhaps some do not. Thus this post to clarify and assure you that these are, and always will be, FREE services, offered by highly trained, experienced professionals who are here to assist with your dog health and training issues.
Be careful out there on the Internet. Scams abound.
Visit Adopt a Dog Park
Help protect our precious dog parks
© Carrie Boyko, all rights reservedFollow All Things Dog at Twitter Find me at Facebook
© copyright Carrie Boyko, all rights reserved
Bookmark this on Delicious
- Pup Profiles: Sullen Sully? Never!
As told by Patti Smith© courtesy P.Smith Sully Monster?My nickname is: Sully Monster The thing I hate the most is: being left at home while mom goes to work My most embarrassing moment was: rolling off of the bed while mom was rubbing my belly My favorite...
- Pup Profiles: Meet Maya Papaya
by Carrie Boyko, CEB © Dawn R., reader copyright on file Maya Papaya What a Great Nickname!What is your nickname? Maya Papaya, Trouble, Poopers What is the thing you hate most? I'm a Lab... I love everything What was your most embarrassing...
- Dogs: Mean It When You Say It:
by Carrie Boyko (c) Judith JosephTotal Control Dog Owner Training With any command you endeavor to teach your dog, one of the critical components of success will be your assertiveness. As you give a command that your dog has learned, take nothing less...
- This Just In: All Things Dog Blog Author Releases Interview To...
by Carrie Boyko, all rights reserved Find me on Facebook Follow me on Twitter Write to Dr. Jacki, ASK THE VET ASK THE DOG TRAINER at All Things Dog Blog Blog Interviewer, a website that introduces you to the authors...
- "ask The Veterinarian": A New Feature Coming Soon To All Things Dog Blog
Hank Says, "Stay Tuned for our NewAsk the Vet Column: Coming Soon" My recent poll asked readers for their opinions on improvements to my blog. You asked for it and YOU'RE GETTING IT! Your top request was for the addition of an "Ask the Vet"...