Two patients limp into two different medical clinics with

 the same complaint. 

 

 Both have trouble walking and appear to require a hip replacement

 The FIRST patient is examined within the hour, is x-rayed

 the same day and has a time booked for surgery the following week. 

 

 

The SECOND sees his family doctor after waiting 3 weeks for

 an appointment, then waits 8 weeks to see a specialist, then gets an x-ray,

 which isn't reviewed for another week and finally has his surgery

 scheduled for 6 months from then.  This schedule is probably optimistic at

 best. 

 

 

 Why the different treatment for the two patients? 

 

 

 

 

 

The FIRST is a Golden Retriever. 

 

 The SECOND is a Senior Citizen.