They definately should have worked something out with her. It sounds like she was willing to make a payment plan. It might be different if she just outright refused to pay, but if she was willing they should have bent a little!

I do have an emergency vet fund, although it's a wee bit depleted right now due to several recent emergencies. I have a savings account that is only used for vet expenses. I make a deposit to it every payday. I don't think it neccessarily means you are not a good owner if you don't have funds set aside, but I do think it is something every pet owner needs to think about--what would you do if Fido needs extensive care? How would you pay? Where's your limit ect? These things need to be decided before an emergency arises. Not many people think clearly in an emergency.

I must say that their prices sound reasonable. My vet charges me 90 bucks to walk through the door after hours, plus thirty for every hour he is there or if he needs to call in a tech, plus whatever treatment is required.

I bet this brings enough negative publicity that the clinic relents and she gets her dog back eventually--or they change the policy for the future.