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

[Sonia59]

The first time I made a donation to the shelter I was helping, they said that I did not have to because I was already volunteering socializing the kitties and it was a great help, but they needed money so they accepted it.

Perhaps your vet has other reasons that she can't tell you. If she really believes it's too much, may be it's because she knows she would be able to set up her pratice without your gift and she prefers that you give it to someone else? I would accept her choice (it's just my opinion of course)

[sirrahbed]

I have to agree with those who suggest you respect her wishes. I love Karen's idea of buying or making something for the office though - some little thing to display that shows that she has appreciative clients. At my vet, there is a very cute crosstitch picture of kitties that hangs in one of the exam rooms - and it always makes me smile because it refers to the "catdad" side of him

Jen you are very sweet to want to help her - but I really feel that it would be awkward in a professional relationship. I bet you could come up with something cute from the gang.

[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.