Ben-

I know what you mean. I once worked for a vet who clearly had no interest in or compassion for animals. He was a vet because his dad was and his brother was, (they were both excellent, professional, and compassionate) so I guess it never occurred to him that he could have been a teacher or an astronaut or something. While he was never cruel (at least not that I ever witnessed) he certainly was not someone who should have ever gone into the profession. Incidentally, his dad and his brother had large, thriving practices, while his was struggling. What does that tell you? Contrast that with my vet who discreetly wipes away tears when he has to put an animal down.