Veterinary services

Lampasas is a nice community-minded small town. Great interest has been put into making our square more attractive and inviting to tourists. We have had famous artists fashion sculptures in our park in the last year or so. New companies are encouraged to build businesses here to boost our economy and provide needed jobs. We, the residents of the city and county, like to keep our monetary support of business in town. What are we to do when prices are increased to bigcity highs, and we still have small-town pocketbooks?

Lampasas is a farming community, and farms have animals. Veterinary bills are a never-ending chunk out of our working capital. It is impossible to sell sick animals at the auction, and the selling is futile if all profits go to keep the animals healthy. What about our elderly on fixed incomes?

No vets in town will give required vaccinations without the charge of an exam. One pet is not too bad, but what about all those barn cats? These are the ones on the front lines with rabies-carrying skunks and such.

I had difficulty when I was quoted $35 per cat for a rabies vaccine. A urine test for a cat that didn't quite make the litter box started with $12 for the dip stick to do the test and then $40 for the test. That is more than the local hospital charges for a person. Now consider the poor loved pet that needs to be released from pain and suffering. I was quoted a staggering $70 for this act of mercy. Then the poor carcass can be put in a feed bag and tossed in the dumpster if the owner is unable to take it home for burial.

I do not begrudge paying our local vets for their services. I do find it hard to swallow that I have to go all the way to Belton for good vet services at a price I can afford. Don't let your loving pet get sick after 5 p.m. There is no vet in town that will even answer a phone. The after-hours clinic in Killeen is a very good clinic but make sure you have your savings account with you, or you could drive a little farther to Belton.

My point is I believe businesses should treat their customers as valued patrons. Lower prices, with more customers, sometimes lines the purse quicker than broke, dissatisfied customers looking for a better place to spend their monies.

Sheila Ringer