Our ractice has no 'P' in it

Frustrated by the number of male dogs marking in the reception area at Red Earth Animal Hospital and Pet Boarding in Elk City, Okla., receptionist Mackenzie Garrison created a "No Hiking" sign. The sign warned clients that if their dogs urinated inside the clinic, they'd need to pay a $10 fine. "I was skeptical at first," says Dr. Howard Zent, who approved posting the signs outside the front door and within the reception area. "But the results have been amazing. Our marking problem is down at least 75 percent." Clients now approach the front door, read the sign, turn around with their dogs for one last break, and then enter the clinic. "We haven't actually fined anyone," Dr. Zent says. "But we've had some good laughs with clients over it. It's definitely raised everyone's awareness."