I want everyone to know about the horrible experience I had at the Avian & Exotic Animal Medical Center recently. My son and I were driving on a busy road in Miami, Florida and noticed an injured bird standing on the edge of the road. I put my and my son’s life in danger by having him stand on the side so I can go and grab from the jaws of speeding cars this poor helpless bird (beautiful white dove) who was bleeding profusely from his chest and wing. I am lucky that I did not get hit by passing cars.

A few blocks down the same road I saw a police officer standing on the side and asked him if he knew of any vets that can help the bird. He told me there is a place called Avian and Exotic Animal Medical Center that apparently specializes in birds. When we got there I told the receptionist about what had happened, even showed the bird, but was told that the veterinarian WON’T help the bird. I begged, pleaded for several minutes and told her in tears the risk I had put myself and son through in order to help this innocent injured bird. She grabbed the bird in a rough and abrupt manner (mind you, the poor thing was injured and bleeding) and took her without saying anything else.

I waited thinking that the doctor (Dr. Don J. Harris) was examining the bird. I waited and waited, than after waiting some 15 more minutes without any word, I approached the receptionist and asked what was going on. She said that she did not have any authorization to help the poor bird (even put a cotton swab on the gash to stop the bleeding) unless I pay $75, then she would have the vet just "look" at the bird (i.e., not even do anything) otherwise they would just let the bird die. I was astonished and very disgusted and disappointed-- what on earth were they than doing with the injured and BLEEDING bird for all this time (put simply, nothing). I did not mind paying to help the bird, but not to someone who only cares about money.

I can’t believe how uncaring and cold hearted this so-called Vet's office and his staff are. Doctors are supposed to have taken an oat to take care of the sick and the ill who are in desperate need of help. This vet, however, is solely in it for the money and only sees those clients that are able to pay a hefty fee. Everything should not be about money-- especially when it comes to a seriously injured and helpless animal. He cares less for the welfare of the animals than his pocket book. Whomever I tell this story to is horrified by this vet’s lack of empathy or compassion. Luckily I was able to find another doctor who not only saw the bird for free but only charged me for the medication needed to help the bird-- unfortunately, due to all the delay and blood loss, I am not sure if this little bird will make it.

So, if you care at all about animals, please DO NOT support or use this vet to take care of any of your animals. Society should encourage those who have a heart, are compassionate and are not "in it" solely to get rich-- a few moments of time would have been all that was needed to help a God's helpless and injured creature. This Vet, however, only cares about making $$$$$$$$$$$$$$. Please share my story with your friends and family and be a voice for this poor white dove, which is a symbol of purity and peace.