Diane Harmon

To the editor:This letter is in response to a letter recently written by the Reeds in Denmark, Maine, regarding Fryeburg Veterinary Hospital. Let me begin by extending my sincere sympathy in the loss of your dog. Having a sick pet is an emotional and difficult experience.With that said (and I do not want to sound disrespectful or unsympathetic), but never in the many years that I have brought my pets to FVH, have I ever been asked how do you intend to pay today? I am always greeted with a smiling face, a cheerful comment regarding each of my dogs, and compassion for whatever the reason the visit is for that day. (Trust methere have been many visits, some of them serious, and many thousands of dollars have been spent.) This is the voice of experience.Bear in mind, I do always pay for my visit in full, but have never felt that it was necessary in order to receive treatment for my dogs. On more than one occasion, I have called them after hours or on a Sunday and have been met there by one of the doctors. My dogs always receive a happy hello, a hug, and are even allowed to give kisses to the doctor and the assistant.As pet owners, we need to take financial responsibility for our pets. We need to be able to give them the care that they deserve. That responsibility does not begin with free care or payment plans from the veterinarian. It begins with usthe pet owners. If in the event that we cannot pay on the spot for their care, I find it very hard to believe that FVH would deny care and watch an animal suffer or die.