I was walking my dog in Riverside Park when we found an injured bird. I notified the Parks Department, who retrieved the bird and said they could do nothing and that it would die if I didn't agree to take it to a vet. I know nothing about birds, but I wanted to do the right thing for an injured animal. I was running around Manhattan with my dog and a bird in a bag given to me by the Parks Department and ran into Westside Veterinary Center to see if they could help. Not only did they refuse to even look at the bird, they scolded me for bringing it (Note: I didn't pick up the bird, it was given to me by staff in Riverside Park). I was very distraught and thought the bird was near death. Westside provided me with a phone number for a bird help group, which they did not even offer to call while I had my hands full with the bird and my dog, and it went straight to voicemail. Long story short, I literally ran the bird to Animal General on 87th and Columbus, and they took it in, fed it, and are treating its injuries. They did not charge me a penny either and thanked me for trying to help. Being a good veterinarian is not just about knowing the latest treatments or caring for animals already in loving homes. Find a vet who cares for ALL animals and does what they can to help. These people were rude and hurtful to a crying woman and a dying baby bird. They should be ashamed.
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