The Board investigation took four months. During that time, Rachel was asked to provide additional documentation twice and to speak with an investigator by phone. She kept records of every communication, every date, every name.
The Board’s finding came through on a Thursday afternoon. Rachel read the letter three times, standing in her kitchen. The Board had determined that Dr. Harmon had failed to meet the standard of care in two of the three complaints, including hers. His licence was placed on probationary status for two years, with mandatory continuing education requirements and periodic supervision of his practice. It was not a licence revocation. She had not expected one.
What mattered to her, as she said to the attorney, was that it was on the record. Anyone who looked up Dr. Harmon’s licence would see it publicly listed. Other pet owners who had doubts could find it. That was what she had wanted.