12/04/2026
Today, I want to speak from the heart—not out of anger, but out of a need for understanding and respect.
To the kind-hearted people, especially travelers and foreigners, who stop to help stray dogs and cats: thank you. Your compassion truly matters. Choosing to help an animal in need is a beautiful thing.
But I need to gently clarify something important.
A veterinary clinic is not a shelter.
We are here to provide medical care—to diagnose, treat, and help animals recover. We are not funded by the government, and we are not backed by large organizations. Every medication, every supply, every piece of equipment in this clinic is purchased. Nothing here is free, and every service we provide is part of sustaining our ability to keep helping animals.
When animals are brought to us and then left behind without a plan, it places a heavy and unfair responsibility on us—one that we are not structured or resourced to carry.
This morning, we experienced a very difficult situation. Two visitors, who proudly shared they were Canadians, brought in a puppy they had rescued. When we explained that we could not take full responsibility for the animal as a shelter would, they became upset and insisted on leaving the puppy with us anyway.
When we asked who would take responsibility for the puppy’s expenses and ongoing care, they told us they would simply leave and have us speak to someone else who might be willing to foster. They refused to take accountability in that moment. The situation escalated to the point where they became angry, and even said they would have my license revoked for not accepting the responsibility they were trying to place on us.
This was not only disheartening—it was deeply unfair.
Rescuing an animal is only the first step. Real compassion means commitment—making sure there is a clear plan for care, funding, and proper placement. It cannot end by passing the responsibility to someone else without consent.
We say this with sincerity and respect: please do not assume that veterinary clinics will take over the responsibility of every rescued animal. We are not shelters, and we cannot accept animals to be abandoned under our care.
Kindness should never come with entitlement. Compassion should not come with pressure, anger, or threats when things don’t go your way.
No matter where we come from, we are all equal. And the responsibility we take when we choose to help an animal should be carried with humility, respect, and accountability.
We will always do our best to help within our capacity. But we ask, respectfully and firmly, that you also take responsibility for the lives you choose to save.
Thank you for understanding—and for choosing compassion that goes beyond the moment.
Bien Animal Clinic 2.0
