[aigel]

I can't see anything terribly unfair - she got displaced from one of the top spots due to absence. I do not think there is a law that requires you to have the same hours, unless you specifically signed up for a certain schedule in your job offer. I would just be happy the wife recovered, is reasonably healthy and able to work again. Go along with it until you are able to look for and find another opportunity. Start your own pet sitting / grooming / kennel operation, for example. Even if she gets her hours back, the place sounds like it has a terrible company culture. Life is too short to work in a poisoned atmosphere.

This is a bit sobering - I always imagine country life to be nice. Here in LA you'd have 15 vet clinics to chose from within easy driving distance and experienced help is always needed.

G