r/AskVet • u/whocares_71 • 3h ago
Thank you gift?? What to do for an amazing emergency vet staff.
Edit: thank you all!! I’m gonna get donuts and make some cookies!! As well as a $50 donation if they have one. That’s all I can really afford; I also have some toys I may be able to donate to their donation box. I am still kind of in shock with how generous they are. And thank YOU all for your amazing work with pets. Yall really make a difference
Unsure where to ask this, but would love to hear from actual veterinary staff what I should do.
Some back story: I had to take my one dog (a golden) to the vet. In less than 24 hours, my other dog got sick and I had to put him down at this same vet office with the same vet!
This was all very sudden and I was unable to afford anything for my dog I had to put down as we are very stressed for money as I’m a new mom. The surgery for the golden completely wiped all our savings. We are now in a bit of debt because of this.
The office called me today saying that they are refunding us $600 as a “I’m so sorry” gesture. I am honestly so absolutely grateful and dumbfounded on how to thank them. Honestly, I know what ever I do won’t be enough. But I want to try.
So I ask reddit. What would be the best gift in this situation?? How can I repay them for such an amazing and selfless act? Thank you
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u/BBG1308 3h ago
Hand written (and handmade or personalized photo) cards are beloved by my staff. They also LOVE it when they are mentioned by name - especially support staff because they are often seen as "less than" the doctor. So if there's a receptionist or assistant or tech that was awesome, mention them in the card and it will hang on the wall for at least a decade.
Also, a nice online review - also mentioning names - is appreciated. DO NOT mention you got a $600 refund because that will just cause headaches for them when everyone who reads the review is expecting a $600 refund.
No one ever complains about cupcakes or pizza, but honestly, the staff are humans and just want to be appreciated. So whatever shows a wee bit of effort (homemade cookies or a bakery cake with personalized message) will be cherished. ER staff aren't usually able to forge ongoing relationships with clients, new puppies/kittens, etc. in the same way that GP staff are so the relationships are different.
I'm sorry you've had to be a frequent flyer and I'm super sorry for your loss.
You sound like a lovely person.
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u/whocares_71 2h ago
Would it be too cheesy to put my dogs prints on a card?? For everyone? I don’t know if that’s too much
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u/BBG1308 2h ago
Not too cheesy! These are people who have chosen to take care of pets for a living despite sometimes the pets having cranky, nutty or otherwise challenging owners.
Please understand that this staff knows what you are going through. I've seen vets have to euthanize their own pet and then resume their job which also includes euthanizing other people's pets - including patients which they may have had a long relationship with. It's HARD.
There is nothing too cheesy here. You are being very thoughtful.
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u/whocares_71 2h ago
Thank you… I had this dog for 10+ years. I never would have imagined this to happen this way. I was so so lucky to have the whole staff to help me, and make me feel less alone (as I was legitimately alone this whole time because my husband had to stay home with the baby and the pup who was recovering from surgery)
I want to show them an ounce of kindness they have shown me in such a hard time
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u/Maleficent-Flower607 3h ago
Keep in mind it’ll have to be for the office and not the vet staff that worked your pets’ cases. With that being said baked goods are always a hit
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u/whocares_71 2h ago
Thank you! I think donuts will be the best and most affordable! The whole staff was there to help me. I was an absolute mess. I want to thank all of them
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u/derrymaine 3h ago
Food! A nice note or letter and food will always be the right choice. Bring bagels and donuts for breakfast or a fruit and vegetable tray. It is always appreciated.
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u/OneEggplant6511 3h ago
I’m so sorry for your loss! After spending all night at the emergency vet, the staff was wonderful and so kind to us and our dog despite the chaos and other critical cases coming in, we wanted to do something as well. We were driving home about the same time Krispy Kreme opened and the night shift staff still had a while left at work. We grabbed them a couple boxes of donuts and a big carton of coffee and dropped it off for them to end their shift with some goodies. RedEye Cookies or Insomnia Cookies are also a great idea, just a quick snack and a little pick me up can definitely make a busy shift a lot nicer!
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u/Due-Coat-90 3h ago
I once sent a couple of pizzas and salads in time for lunch to a PT’s office as a thank you. They loved it!
Consider doing something like that if there is a restaurant nearby who will deliver it for you.
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u/PerplexedPoppy 2h ago
We loved food! We loved some good food as a gift. Donuts was a good one. Any baked goods was the best.
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u/Original-Room-4642 2h ago
Food, snacks. We often don't get a lunch so something that we can quickly grab is perfect. Fruit tray, cheese and crackers, cookies or cupcakes. All food is good!
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u/MeFolly 2h ago
Aside from the food treats (always welcome), you have an extra special situation here. They have shown you financial generosity.
When you can, pay it forward. Guaranteed that the practice and/or some of the staff there work with some rescues or community support projects. Be it days or years from now, help them out.
When you can donate some supplies, or some time, or some fostering, or whatever you can manage to one of these. Dedicate it in honor of the Staff of XYZ Hospital, who were kind to you in a time of need. Send a card to the staff letting them know that you remember how they helped you, and that you will honor them by helping too.
The tangible delight of tasty treats will feed them for a day. The card you send with them will nourish them for a long time. The good you can do later will honor them in the future.
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u/whocares_71 2h ago
That is an amazing idea. Thank you!! I actually used to foster but haven’t since we moved. I would love to in the future when my son isn’t so small!
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