Ethical Question

[skunklionshow]

Ok here’s a completely different type of bunny question…

The pet therapy program that I supervised at my previous job had to re-home all thier pets.  The mini-rex went to live w/ 2 bros that are now my clients at a MH agency.  So I see the boys pretty regularly for their misc appointments.  I pleased to report that they love having Trigger and their mom tolerates Trigger b/c it makes the boys very happy.  I oversee their cases and supervise the clinicians on their case.  So here’s the issue.

The family is low socio-economic status (I’m trying to be PC).  They can’t afford much for themselves let alone a pet, however, they are awesome and really are doing a great job w/ Trigger.  I’m attempting to get Trigs neutered through my vet for a discounted fee, that I will pay.  I was going to take the boys out to petco and get some more supplies for them and then get a giftcard that they can use to get more supplies as needed.  Well, that is considered a "dual relationship" in this field.  Its an ethical no-no and could jeopardize my licensure, once I pass my boards (some time off).  So what should I do?  They just need the regular food, hay, and litterbox supplies.  They have the cage and currently have a supply of food.  They use ripped up newspaper in his cage.  Is there some place that I can have the supplies shipped to their house on a regular basis, so I don’t risk being "seen" having a dual relationship?  Or do I just buy extra stuff and bring it to work when they have their appointments?

[BunMumTiff]

First off YAY for you. If the world had more people like you it would surely make a difference. Do this out of your pockey etc its just amazing.

As for the food etc, I would suggest if you are worried maybe have a friend drop it off to them, or I do know some websites allow you to ship to the house. It would be nice for the boys to get out on an outting, maybe mom could jsut happen to wonder into the ept store when you are there and then you can pay inside and she can leave with the boys and the supplies then no one knows any different??

I run ito issues like this as I work for a special needs school and everything is very, dont do this or that etc it becomes hard but we still will buys tudents lunches and get them a new swim suit if needed etc…some will even do contract work even though it is looked down oupon, as really to me what does it matter as long as you are professional.

I would say do what you feel is best in your heart

[Sarita]

How nice of you to do that for them and for Trigger. I think you should just give it to them at their appt. – it would save you money too on the shipping. Hopefully anyone will look at it that you are helping the rabbit directly but only indirectly the family.

[MooBunnay]

Hello! That is so nice of you to help out! As bunmumtiff said – if only there were more people like you in the world!

I think there are a couple things you could do, if it is taking the boys out that seems to be the issue, you could just give them the gift card and a list of items you think they would need. Or as was mentioned before, you could buy things online and then have them shipped to their apartment. Is it a matter of giving money to the family that is a problem? In that case, I think that definitely purchasing online and having it shipped to them would be a good idea because they you are clearly giving them rabbit goods, and not just money.

[PocketFaeries]

You do it anyway…definitely.  Give the stuff to them at their appointment…so you are purchasing it on your own without creating any sort of "iffy" out-of-office "social" engagement.  You can actually also write it off as a business expense if you offer them as "prizes" for marked improvement and accomplishing acheived client goals.  These children have come far, and it is part of their continued work under your care to build confidence, self esteem, and compassion through caring for this bunny.  You are simply facilitating this aspect of their growth.

Although it is a licensure issue in terms of crossing that fine, obscured line between getting "too" involved and being not involved or invested enough, consider that this is pretty much the nature of this career field and those who work within it.

At the end of they day, the whole reason you are (presumably) in your position is because you are a caring, compassionate person who wants to do something to help others and make a measurable difference in their lives.  It comes with the territory to go above and beyond for those you care about.  I’d be a millionaire by now if I didn’t give so much away to clients and others in my professional care. 

Because you are clearly seeing great results from these boys, and because you have this position in their lives where you are linked to a greater organization/office setting on their behalf, why not ask the office to take it a step further and (if they are involved in DFACS in any way, or even if not) sponsor them for the holidays?  In this scenario, not only is is permissable to donate specifically coveted or needed items to the family, it is encouraged…it’s a lovely way for your whole office to get behind their work on a more personal…but still professionally appropriate…manner. 

I’m so glad to hear you’re doing this. I do hope you’ll go ahead and offer these boys the bunny supplies they need and so genuinely deserve.  Sometimes, we all need a hand of kindness to reach out and just give from the heart, without asking too many questions.  We all do it for our bunnies.  I look forward to a day when we all as human beings remember to do this routinely for each other.

 

 

[Floppy]

Wow that is awesome! We have such an awesome group here! I wish more
people were as giving as you are. I def. agree with giving them what they need
during their appts….it’s like getting a toothbrush, etc at the dentist after appts!
I always love getting my free toothbrush and floss!

[Spacehopper]

Well done you!!! 🙂 What you are doing is fantastic, however, do be careful not to jeopardise your job, as it sounds like a goodun, And it would be awful if (worst case scenario) you lost your job, – which put you in the position to help such as you are, even tho it is clearly an ace thing you are doing employers may not see it that way and will only see that you went against the rules, and rules is rules !! But rules are there to be broken!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

– Set up an account on behalf of the family with a pet shop and pay off agreed amount monthly. Or the family set up an account and give you the bill at your appointments, you can then pay it. (no direct link that can cause problems)
– Ordering goods online. (tho there will be a link between you and them)
– Order & pay for items over the phone with a pet shop and have the family go in and pick up.
– Call it a sponsorship. Dual relationship or not, you are simply sponsoring a rabbit.
– Take extra bits in when you meet the family anyway, but personally I don’t feel this is the best course of action as what happens if they run out of whatever before your meeting? There is then an issue of the rabbit’s welfare. I also think it demoralises the family in a sense.
– Personally I’d go with the sponsorship.   Whether seen as a dual relationship or not, you are simply sponsoring a rabbit.  and BALLS TO THE LOT OF ‘EM!  🙂

Keep doing what your doing, Whoooop WHoooop!!

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Is there anyway you could “anonymously” give them the stuff? Maybe purchase it and have someone else drop it off for them?
Or…Coudl you have someone you know (a good friend maybe) do the official paying for supplies etc. and you reimburse the friend? In cash so there is no paper trail?

You are a wonderful person by the way, to care so much and go out of your way for an animal AND a family Lovely!!

[Gravehearted]

hmm – is there a way to hook them up with a local rescue group in your area? rescues often get a fair amount of donations and they may be able to help out. also it would be good for them to have a resource to ask questions and get support when issues come up with the bunnies in the future. I do really know your heart is in the right place, wanting to help. Considering both your potential ethical dilemma, plus it would be good to find a viable long term solution will be the best for the bunny and the family.

[skunklionshow]

I’ll see mom this week when she comes in for her appt.  I’ll do some hand off of supplies at that point.  I like the idea of sponsoring the rabbit!  I think I can totally use that as a means to avoid a "dual relationship".  I’ll also probe the in home therapist/consultant to get an idea if he ever takes them out into the neighborhood.  If that’s the case, I can give them a gift card and be confident that he will make sure that they get where they need to go to get the supplies.  I don’t have much money b/t school & work and my own pet’s health needs, but I used to buy all the supplies for the pet therapy program that "sponsoring" Trigger isn’t going to break my bank!  I figured that I’d also bring one of my willow wreaths in for them when I see mom on Thursday.

I’ll keep everyone posted.  I did contact the SPCA in their area about bunny care and they said that they do not "officially" see rabbits at the SPCA hospital.  I don’t even understand what that means?  So I’ll keep working on pulling my resources for them and explore other options.  Thanks for the input!

[Scarlet_Rose]

I hope you all don’t mind, but I moved this discussion to the Lounge as it seemed a better fit for it. 

My interpretation of what the SPCA said is that if a rabbit were to show up, they would treat it but they do not advertise that they take rabbits or make appointments for them.

I did come accross a web site a while back that might be helpful:

http://www.1888pets911.org/services/spayneuter/stamp.php

 

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