I came to town to take care of a relative's sick pet while they were out of town. This time I decided to bring my sweet Bombay cat along on this short excursion. My experience getting to the Winter Garden Animal Hospital was horrendous, but dealing with front desk rudeness, and lack of empathy was far worse. \r
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The stretch of road on SR 50, in front of the Winter Garden Animal Hospital, is still under construction, as of the week of June 16-17, 2010. Parking in the back is available. However, there are no signs letting pet owners or visitors know if you can enter via the side door. \r
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On my way to the front of the building, with lightning crackling overhead, I anxiously looked for an entry on the side of the building so I could get away from the looming storm. Finally, I made it to an unlocked side door. Oops, no signs saying to enter or not to enter through this one particular door; however, I quickly turrned the knob, looked down a long hallway, and said, ""Is this an entry door or an employee door? Hellooooo,,,hmm...I paused for a good 30 seconds waiting for an answer, to not avail\r
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I finally found my way to the front with my sick pet in tow, who seemed to have had an intestinal blockage, and since I was going over to pick up some meds for my relative's pet, I thought I could have them see my pet mid-afternoon.\r
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Bad idea.....the clinic does make sure to let you know, when you are only inches from the front door, and in the coldest of all ways, that you must have an appointment in order to be seen. Why call it Winter Garden Animal Hospital? Never mind the fact that my 18 yeark old cat was in heavy distress, with mouth agape... The next few words were, ""Since youuuu did not have appointment, youuu will have to pay...$$$..because...youuuu...blah blah blah. By this time I was in distress, listening to an unctious young lady, with no empathy for animals. The young clerk seemed quite pleased with herself admonishing a senior citizen in front of an array of clients in the front office. Forget the cat, not once did she inquire about how to make him more comfortable. Not one sign of empathy for a sick 18 year old Bombay cat. Shame on Winter Garden Animal Hospital. You are no hospital, and change your name!
Pros: Quick smiles, but unctuous demeanor
Cons: Front desk is light on empathy; clinic has poor road access
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