We’d like to share with you the details of the case, but we want to remain respectful of the picketer’s privacy. For addition details, we have prepared a written statement which can be viewed here. We have tried numerous times to communicate with the picketers to no avail. We are in the process of filing an injunction against them for their outlandish and false statements.
CASE REVIEW:
While at Sonora, the owners in question were presented with an estimate and consent form which they agreed to and approved with their signature. The non-surgical procedures they consented to were performed and a diagnosis was returned to the owners. At no point was surgery performed on their pet. The diagnosis was non-surgical in nature and their pet was seen by an oncologist across town. According to a letter from the oncologist, the pet was treated with chemotherapy two days after the visit at Sonora. In the letter, there was no indication the pet had any complications from the diagnostic procedures performed at Sonora. It was also noted that an ultrasound was performed PRIOR to administering chemotherapy to the pet. It would be difficult to find a doctor willing to treat an animal with chemotherapy if the animal was in fact internally bleeding to death. The ultrasound prior to administering chemotherapy would prove an excellent opportunity to discover internal bleeding.
CLAIM 1 - INTERNS PRACTICING ON PETS
Interns are fully licensed, accredited veterinarians, much like your general veterinarian. An Intern is a veterinarian preparing to enter into a Residency program which is followed by specialty certification in a chosen field (surgery, neurology, internal medicine, etc). Every one of our specialists has gone through a one year internship followed by a three year residency which then qualified them for their specialty examination. This is a rigorous endeavor with many years of hard work involved that only a select few veterinarians attempt to pursue.
CLAIM 2 - $$$ HUNGRY VETS
Sonora's staff give countless hours and monetary donations to rescue organizations across the state. There are numerous rescue agencies willing to share with you their experiences including Maricopa County Animal Care & Control, Desert Labrador Retriever Rescue, Rescue A Golden, HALO, Southwest Wildlife, and Liberty Wildlife, just to name a few.
CLAIM 3 - AZ ANIMAL RIGHTS FOUNDATION SUPPORTS PROTEST
Arizona Animal Rights Foundation is a 2 person non profit group started by the husband and wife protesters and only approved as an organization last week as seen here - AZ ANIMAL RIGHTS
ADDITIONAL CLAIMS
Many of the protest signs are fabrications and out right lies. All but 2 of the protesters appear to be hired help. The illusion of a large group is being created by the presense of empty chairs and what appear to be paid laborers. Photos can be seen here - PHOTOS OF PROTEST
ITEM OF INTEREST
We are in receipt of a 55 page board complain against the male registered nurse organizing the protest describing an interesting history. This is public record. NURSING BOARD COMPLAINT
We would like to close by saying that we know we aren’t perfect. We are only human and as such, we are flawed. BUT we do hold ourselves to the highest of standards and expect the same of our staff. We take each and every criticism to heart and we continually strive to provide the very best care to you and your pet. We hope that you will review the statements as presented and consider that there are many sides to every story. We have tried unsuccessfully to communicate with the picketers directly many times. At this time, the detectives assisting us have advised we avoid all contact with these clients, which is why we have prepared this written statement. We thank everyone, both clients and non-clients, who have contacted us and pledged their support during this very challenging time. It truly means a lot to us. Thank you.
If you have any further questions or concerns please contact our Hospital Director, Ed Rizzo
