What do you do when someone won't accept a gift?

[jenluckenbach]

I guess I have no choice but to accept her choice, but sheesh....it was only $100, not like I was buying a "wing" in her new building or something.

I still can't help but feel sad and rejected.

[Medusa]

I don't get the ethics thing. I've been w/two vets who had just set up practice and there were vases of flowers sent by patients all over the waiting room. They spent money on something that would be dead in a few days. Giving a gift card is much more practical but if she won't accept it, there isn't much you can do except give it to someone else who will, such as a rescue agency that you trust completely. "No good deed goes unpunished".

[jenluckenbach]

I don't get the ethics thing. I've been w/two vets who had just set up practice and there were vases of flowers sent by patients all over the waiting room. They spent money on something that would be dead in a few days. Giving a gift card is much more practical but if she won't accept it, there isn't much you can do except give it to someone else who will, such as a rescue agency that you trust completely. "No good deed goes unpunished".

You are right, a large flower arrangement would cost PLENTY!

I sadly agree that "no good deed ever goes unpunished" (I say this all the time) but do I ever learn? no.

[GILL]

I have seen some great suggestions and I agree that some thing to hang on the office wall would be great. You can also run a add in the local paper congratulating her on opening her new office and continuing her fine work and caring. This will serve 2 purposes 1. too say thanks and 2. to help bring clients in. I did that many, many years ago and it helped get a good vet off and running, I ran a1 time ¼ page add that vet now has 7 others on staff and will still make house calls.

[pomtzu]

I agree with the idea of making something to hang on the wall, or buying some cute kitty and puppy pics to hang up. A board decorated to hang pics of her patients is an excellent idea IMO.

[catmandu]

Or you could leave that money for a Stary Cat or for a Cat whose family is short of funds.
My Aunt Joan does that at Our Vets all the time!!!

[Cataholic]

LOL, I didn't know lawyers were prohibitied from receiving gifts. I am not sure that is the 'law' in OH.

As for the vet and the gift card, I can see why you would feel like you do, Jen. It doesn't make sense, frankly. You gave the gift in the spirit of giving. I think she should accept it in the same way. I can't think of any ethical violations that would exist in the context of a vet/patient relationship.

[jenluckenbach]

OK all is well. I think she was just surprized and what she said was her way of expressing her shock. We talked about it and I mentioned the flower delivery scenario...how if I had sent a big ol' basket of flowers she would not have refused it.

She is thankful and grateful and I am HAPPY.

Thanks for your thoughts, they all had merit.

[Prairie Purrs]

I'm glad everything worked out! It's a very generous and thoughtful gift.

[catmandu]

Although I would send bonsai trees which last a lot longer and can be transplanred and a garden made of them.
My foot doctor has quite a good display going from two or three trees.