Have you called off work for a sick pet before?

[L&DRNJenn]

Hi all, My 2 year old cat had a urinary obstruction this weekend. He was in the hospital until Monday afternoon with a catheter and IV fluids. I worked Monday night but he had supervision at home. He still is pretty under the weather. So I called off sick for tonight. I couldn't imagine leaving him by himself for 14 hours.

I feel guilty for not going to work, but I think I would have felt worse leaving him and worrying about him all night. Can anyone relate?

[RNperdiem, RN]

Very interesting post and responses. I wonder what the responses would be like if posted in other countries outside the USA.

I remember a friend of mine from Korea who just didn't get the concept of pets. Animals that live in your house seemed a strange and unhygenic concept.

[TRAMA1RN]

I would call off, you should not have to give explaination.

[Sheri257]

I would have called out sick but, didn't because I needed to work so I could pay the vet bill.

:typing

[elle112253]

Yes, I have. I run a small shelter and my animals are my kids. I've rescued what others have thrown away, some sick, some not. Just because they have 4 legs and a tail doesn't make them any less worthy of getting good nursing care from the nurse that saved them from a certain death. I too, would not explain my absence, just use a personal day off. After all, that's why they're called "personal"...........Elle:nurse:

[L&DRNJenn]

I'm also pleasantly surprised by the responses. My cat is slowly coming around.

He is eating more and using the litterbox without me guiding him to go. I feel comfortable going to work tonight and leaving him here alone. Thanks everyone!

[banditrn]

I haven't, but probably would - I like my dog better than most people!

[Batman24]

I've never had to call out of any job for my doggie, but would in a heartbeat if necessary.

[danissa, LPN, LVN]

No. I haven't even called in but once in the past 8 years and that was the morning my aunt passed away. Calling in just puts too much pressure on the other staff.

But do you have a cherished pet?

[danissa, LPN, LVN]

I have a faithful 4 legged friend, (also have three kiddos of the 2 legged kind! ), but for him, my wee Lhasa Apso, who is my baby..if he were sick, I would feel the same as if my human kiddos were sick! You couldn't leave such a trusting soul on their own if they were ill, I know I could not function at work if he were home alone and unwell. I get horrible shivers, my baby is 8 yo, not a young pup any longer, but such a part of the family..he thinks hes a Real Boy! And is treated as one! i cant stand to think of the time I won't have him with us, I don't know how I'll cope. So yes, if he were ill or worse..god forbid..I couldn't work........

[danissa, LPN, LVN]

..OMG, me again, but just had the memory of "Old yeller!" did you see that all those years ago? :crying2:

[psalm, RN]

I called in with a family emergency...I had to get our feline to a university animal clinic for surgery and it was 2.5 hours drive away, 2.5 hours back and that was in late afternoon. I was scheduled to work night shift and called off with a "family emergency", which it was.

Surgery was successful, but she passed a few weeks later, too weak to go on. Broke my heart.

[teeituptom, BSN, RN]

Hi all, My 2 year old cat had a urinary obstruction this weekend. He was in the hospital until Monday afternoon with a catheter and IV fluids. I worked Monday night but he had supervision at home. He still is pretty under the weather. So I called off sick for tonight. I couldn't imagine leaving him by himself for 14 hours.

I feel guilty for not going to work, but I think I would have felt worse leaving him and worrying about him all night. Can anyone relate?

sorry about your cat

Ive never called in sick for a pet.

I have called in sick because the weather was beautifull and I wanted to and went golfing.