How far are you willing to go for your pet?
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I have a limit (money wise) but only due to the lack of funds. I have gotten a credit card just for my kitty when she got ill last year ($500), but I've also had to turn down treatment for a previous kitty I had. But the reasoning was she had cancer, by the time I found it, took her in, had a biopsy & x-rays, I was already down 750$. They offered chemo and a hope, I went home to think about it. Within a week I was back because kitty was coughing - it had spread to her lungs (they didn't x-ray those last time). Within a week, I choose to put her down (she had stopped eating and would only move from her chair when I got home). I couldn't live with the thought of her dying alone in pain, so I did what I thought would be best for her.
As much as I would say I would do anything for my furry baby, I do realize there are limits. I wouldn't do something that wouldn't make her live a long happy pain-free life. But if it was something manageable and she(or he) was young enough to live a long happy life, I would try to find a way. My current furry baby is 14 yrs, she's getting up there and already has to be "watched" because of kidney issues. I know her time is coming and it will be hard, but I have to think about her comfort over mine.0 -
As someone who is vegan and who devoted my life to working with and rescuing animals, of all types, there is no question how important my pets are or how far I'd go to help them. Realistically and logically speaking, one must be able to afford it without sacrificing our own necessities. If we put ourselves in a position to cause financial ruin, then our pets are no better off. The decision to put a pet to sleep is an extremely difficult one, but sometimes is the better option for a multitude of reasons.
I don't know how many of you heard of the man who got lost in the woods in Quebec, with his German Shepherd, who saved the man's life by chasing away a bear. The man then decided after a couple of weeks that he had to eat his dog in order to survive. Pretty sure I can say with 99% accuracy, that is something I would never do! I can't eat any animals, let alone my beloved, loyal and devoted family member.
@ Size10Againx I can imagine how Xmas is tough at a shelter and how wonderful are you for doing what you can to help!! You have my admiration:happy:0 -
This might sound crazy, but I take my responsibility as a pet owner seriously. He has feelings and needs just like any other creature does, and since I adopted him it's my job to make sure those needs are met.
Not crazy at all and I wish everyone thought like you. :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:
I also volunteer at the dog rescue where I got my dog from and we're dreading Christmas already. All those puppies bought on a whim from some non-reputable back-yard breeder, dumped within a few weeks of having them, when they've made the first mess, haven't miraculously house-trained themselves or the owners realised that vaccinations don't come cheap etc.
I adopted my pitbull (actually, I bought her for my brother) from a rescue (Last Day Dog Rescue). However, my iggy I bought from a breeder in AK -- I really wanted an Iggy, but couldn't find one at a rescue anywhere. It wasn't until after I adopted Oliver (the Iggy) that I discovered there's an Italian Greyhound rescue based in Chicago, IL (only about a 6-hr drive from me -- not bad at all!). My next dog will be a rescue -- and probably every dog I get after that.
With that said, I do not AT ALL support back-yard breeders, puppy mills, or the like. Do I regret adopting Oliver from a breeder? not at all. He's the most precious little guy I've ever met. I wouldn't trade him for a million iggy's. However, I do plan to get all my future pets from rescues in the future.
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I would pay the $5000 in a heartbeat...and I don't have it on hand, but I would get it.
Our pup gives a lot in return for our care of him...he is part of our family.
hell I might would loan you the 5K that dog is friggin adorable0 -
I'm the crazy pet mother who would jump in the middle of the road to stop my dog from being hit by a car.
With that being said, I also don't have kids. Priorities may change. But right now, I'd do anything for her.
THIS. I have a 2-yr old Italian Greyhound -- right now, since I'm not married and don't have any children, I consider him to be like my child. My life revolves around him and making sure I meet his needs (potty breaks, food, treats, toys, clothes (he has like zero fur and freezes outside in the winter), daily walks, and attention). He is my main priority in life right now -- I plan vacations around him, and my weekend plans are made around his schedule.
I once jumped in front of a school bus full of kids to save him. he ran into the street then got startled by the bus and froze in the middle of the road. I ran like a psycho to get to the street and stood between the bus and my dog to make sure the bus driver saw him/me. she stopped. I scooped up my tiny white dog, and we went on our merry little way. (that's him in my profile picture, btw. LOL).
This might sound crazy, but I take my responsibility as a pet owner seriously. He has feelings and needs just like any other creature does, and since I adopted him it's my job to make sure those needs are met.
If he had a severe illness, a broken bone, or a life-threatening condition, I would do everything in my power to get it fixed/cured. If that means selling a TV or having a garage sale, setting up a donations page, or getting a second job to make ends meet -- that's what I would do. Because just like I wouldn't just "put down" a small child with an illness, I wouldn't put down an animal with an illness.
Now, if there was NO cure or no fix for his condition, that would be another story altogether. But again, I wouldn't just put him down due to finances or inconvenience.
ETA: I have him on a wellness plan through his vet so all of his yearly shots, teeth cleanings, checkups, and even getting him fixed was covered under this plans. This plan also provides medication discounts and discounts for other services as well (ear cleaning, blood work, etc) if he ever needs them. However, after reading all this about pet insurance, I'm thinking I'm going to need to look into this as a "just in case" sort of avenue.
Cute dog!
I'm with you on the selling the tv and the garage sale. Knowing that I'll have Beau's surgery to pay for, probably next year, I've already started saving. I've given up unnecessary luxuries--no more reflexology, cheaper place to get my hair done, I eat out once a week now, where before it was up to four times a week, I cancelled cable (had been planning to do that anyway), re-worked my phone data plan, etc. This is not a hardship as I never again want to see him suffer as much pain as the cervial disk disease can cause.0 -
Not as far as you OP, hence why I don't have pets.0
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Not as far as you OP, hence why I don't have pets.
that's good though and maybe you never should but at least you realize that, going through this I was contemplating where Dex would be right now if he had a less loyal and caring owner.0 -
I was thinking about this with my cat the other day, I almost bawled like a little baby at the awful thought. Then I gave him a big ol' smothering hug and since he took it like a champ, gave him a couple of treats for being a good boy. A lot of ferals hate being touched/picked up, but he tolerates it and when we hear him start to grunt, it means he wants his space back lol.Not as far as you OP, hence why I don't have pets.
that's good though and maybe you never should but at least you realize that, going through this I was contemplating where Dex would be right now if he had a less loyal and caring owner.0 -
To the people who posted that they wouldn't want their family to go without because of a pet...
Like many people here stated, for many of us our 'pets' are effectively family members. If meeting a vet bill means you can no longer provide for your children, then I would have to say that if finances are that tight, I would have thought twice before taking on a pet (and thereby taking responsibility for its welfare needs). And if meeting the vets bill means that the family misses out on an annual holiday... fine, we would rather miss out. If I had kids and they had a choice of going to Disneyland or saving their dog, I'm pretty sure my kids would make the right choice.0 -
I love my pets and have spent more money on my rescue cat than I would care to admit (in vet bills alone)... But if I didn't have the means and the surgery was risky in the first place and the chances of him getting better after were not a sure thing.... then I would euthanize. It's not that I don't love my pets, it's that I love them too much to be selfish to prolong their lives, if they had a great chance to be suffering.
If their lives would be improved, then most definitely. With that said, I have paid nearly $2k on my tabby over the course of 5 years for various issues.0 -
I'm the crazy pet mother who would jump in the middle of the road to stop my dog from being hit by a car.
With that being said, I also don't have kids. Priorities may change. But right now, I'd do anything for her.
THIS. I have a 2-yr old Italian Greyhound -- right now, since I'm not married and don't have any children, I consider him to be like my child. My life revolves around him and making sure I meet his needs (potty breaks, food, treats, toys, clothes (he has like zero fur and freezes outside in the winter), daily walks, and attention). He is my main priority in life right now -- I plan vacations around him, and my weekend plans are made around his schedule.
I once jumped in front of a school bus full of kids to save him. he ran into the street then got startled by the bus and froze in the middle of the road. I ran like a psycho to get to the street and stood between the bus and my dog to make sure the bus driver saw him/me. she stopped. I scooped up my tiny white dog, and we went on our merry little way. (that's him in my profile picture, btw. LOL).
This might sound crazy, but I take my responsibility as a pet owner seriously. He has feelings and needs just like any other creature does, and since I adopted him it's my job to make sure those needs are met.
If he had a severe illness, a broken bone, or a life-threatening condition, I would do everything in my power to get it fixed/cured. If that means selling a TV or having a garage sale, setting up a donations page, or getting a second job to make ends meet -- that's what I would do. Because just like I wouldn't just "put down" a small child with an illness, I wouldn't put down an animal with an illness.
Now, if there was NO cure or no fix for his condition, that would be another story altogether. But again, I wouldn't just put him down due to finances or inconvenience.
ETA: I have him on a wellness plan through his vet so all of his yearly shots, teeth cleanings, checkups, and even getting him fixed was covered under this plans. This plan also provides medication discounts and discounts for other services as well (ear cleaning, blood work, etc) if he ever needs them. However, after reading all this about pet insurance, I'm thinking I'm going to need to look into this as a "just in case" sort of avenue.
Cute dog!
I'm with you on the selling the tv and the garage sale. Knowing that I'll have Beau's surgery to pay for, probably next year, I've already started saving. I've given up unnecessary luxuries--no more reflexology, cheaper place to get my hair done, I eat out once a week now, where before it was up to four times a week, I cancelled cable (had been planning to do that anyway), re-worked my phone data plan, etc. This is not a hardship as I never again want to see him suffer as much pain as the cervial disk disease can cause.
Agreed. You are a good doggy-momma! Your furbabies are lucky to have you, and YOU are lucky to have THEM!
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To the people who posted that they wouldn't want their family to go without because of a pet...
Like many people here stated, for many of us our 'pets' are effectively family members. If meeting a vet bill means you can no longer provide for your children, then I would have to say that if finances are that tight, I would have thought twice before taking on a pet (and thereby taking responsibility for its welfare needs). And if meeting the vets bill means that the family misses out on an annual holiday... fine, we would rather miss out. If I had kids and they had a choice of going to Disneyland or saving their dog, I'm pretty sure my kids would make the right choice.
THIS. THIS. THIS. and.... THIS.0 -
To the people who posted that they wouldn't want their family to go without because of a pet...
Like many people here stated, for many of us our 'pets' are effectively family members. If meeting a vet bill means you can no longer provide for your children, then I would have to say that if finances are that tight, I would have thought twice before taking on a pet (and thereby taking responsibility for its welfare needs). And if meeting the vets bill means that the family misses out on an annual holiday... fine, we would rather miss out. If I had kids and they had a choice of going to Disneyland or saving their dog, I'm pretty sure my kids would make the right choice.
THIS. THIS. THIS. and.... THIS.
Yeah I agree definitely. If I had a friend who refused to pay to for their pets health so they didn't have to cancel their week long $3000 dollar vacation..........we wouldn't be friends anymore, I'd probably steal their pet too. If your priorities are like that you are definitely too selfish to own a pet. An acquaintance said you could buy a really nice refridgerator with that money, WOW.....really talk about being a materialistic ****wad, I almost mashed his nuts to keep him from reproducing (still considering it though), NOT HAVING THE MONEY is a totally different story though. However there are ways to make it, I took a loan and got a second job to pay it off quickly also looking at selling stuff I have been meaning to sell for a while anyway. BOOM problem solved.0 -
To the people who posted that they wouldn't want their family to go without because of a pet...
Like many people here stated, for many of us our 'pets' are effectively family members. If meeting a vet bill means you can no longer provide for your children, then I would have to say that if finances are that tight, I would have thought twice before taking on a pet (and thereby taking responsibility for its welfare needs). And if meeting the vets bill means that the family misses out on an annual holiday... fine, we would rather miss out. If I had kids and they had a choice of going to Disneyland or saving their dog, I'm pretty sure my kids would make the right choice.
Here's the thing... there many of us that realize that while pets can offer great comfort and experiences while they are in our lives, they many times pass through very quickly. I can't tell you how many dogs we have had and loved very dearly, that have died as quickly as they came into our home. Cats (my family lives in the middle of cotton fields) that come and go. One batch of kittens produced one of my favorite tuxedos... so cute, he was outside and was killed by a neighbor's dog. I cried when I heard about that... we had a Westie that died of lymphoma.... she had tumors everywhere and surgery was only going to prolong her suffering, it would have been selfish for my family to resort to chemo and surgeries that didn't decrease the reoccurance of these tumors... We had two dogs die in the Walmart dog food from China thing... we lost two great dogs then too.
The point of me saying this, is sometimes the emotional attachment to our pets are not equal... while you (and many others may feel this way), some others (like myself) do not hold an equal emotional attachment... we love our pets and want them to be around, but there is a line drawn. I have lost too many pets in my life that I have loved (and that were well taken care of) to hold the emotional attachment equal to my child.0 -
It's up to you. Both Bostons needed surgery about a year apart (one was 8, the other 4 years old), one for a prolapsed rectum, one for an intestinal blockage. Both were around $1700, the surgeries were easy and highly successful, and the recovery time wasn't long (longer for the prolapsed rectum though, poor Andy
). We both have good jobs and at the time didn't have anything but a house payment, so the decision wasn't hard to make.
However, we did decide that 1 surgery apiece was all that was going to happen. If anything else comes up and costs over a couple hundred, that'd be it.0 -
I don't know how many of you heard of the man who got lost in the woods in Quebec, with his German Shepherd, who saved the man's life by chasing away a bear. The man then decided after a couple of weeks that he had to eat his dog in order to survive. Pretty sure I can say with 99% accuracy, that is something I would never do! I can't eat any animals, let alone my beloved, loyal and devoted family member.
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What a pity the dog didn't get the idea first and ate the man!!0 -
A little off topic, but I've witnessed lots of pet owners who'll fork out more for the pet's health over their own. Show dog owners come to mind.
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Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
NOT HAVING THE MONEY is a totally different story though. However there are ways to make it, I took a loan and got a second job to pay it off quickly also looking at selling stuff I have been meaning to sell for a while anyway. BOOM problem solved.
Also social networking fundraising auctions etc. I've seen rescues utilise social networking when they have particularly steep bills to meet and everyone donates something that someone else bids on and the profit go towards the dog's vet bill etc, you just have to be a bit inventive. :drinker:
We raised £650 (just over $1000) last Christmas towards my shelter where my dog came from.0 -
As far as I'm concerned, when you take something living and breathing on, you are fully responsible for them. If you are not prepared to do everything you can for them, then you should not have them. I know these are very strong words, but it's just how I feel.
In 1 year I spent over $5000 on two of my dogs.... one broke his leg and had 3 different surgeries to repair it, and the other (within 2 months) was bitten by a copperhead in the face. She is a small dog, so I had to get the anti-venom for her. They have been a source of unconditional love and companionship for more then 10 years. I cannot imagine life without them.
Right now, if something was to happen along those lines again, I do not have the money but I would find a way.... But that is just me!0 -
I don't know how many of you heard of the man who got lost in the woods in Quebec, with his German Shepherd, who saved the man's life by chasing away a bear. The man then decided after a couple of weeks that he had to eat his dog in order to survive. Pretty sure I can say with 99% accuracy, that is something I would never do! I can't eat any animals, let alone my beloved, loyal and devoted family member.
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What a pity the dog didn't get the idea first and ate the man!!
I read that story on a news site. It said the dog died in the fight with the bear.
Edited to add that I just googled the story and they've updated it to say he ate his dog.0 -
edit... photo upload not working from phone... will try later.0
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Tomorrow morning my almost 10 year old cockerspaniel is having surgery to repair a cranial cruciate ligament rupture (for the past week I've had to carry him outside and hold up his hind end so he could use the bathroom). Even with pet insurance, I still have to shell out hundreds of dollars for the deductible. I can't afford it, but found a way to pay for it anyway (I'm picking up extra shifts waiting tables). I'm a student, with an unpredictable income from a series of odd jobs, and I have lots of bills. But my dogs are my babies, I don't believe in euthanasia unless the animal is in pain and clearly suffering without any hope. If there is a chance for them to have a long happy life, even if it means extra work for me.. I'm all for doing whatever is necessary to make it happen.
Love, love, love Cockers..One of my dogs is a cocker too..And good for you taking on extra shifts etc to pay for the operation. Hope tomorrow goes well for him.. X0 -
mine is going to be buried with me0
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mine is going to be buried with me
lol please make sure your pet is dead before you do this............you're egyptian yes? lol0 -
I have a cat with diabetes and a dog with recurring tumors that has required many surgeries. I"ve spent a ton on both. To me they're my family and I'll spend all I need to as long as I have it for them. If the time were to come I could no longer afford it, I would try to find them a wonderful home where they'd get the care they needed even though it would break my heart.0
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My girl, Mischief, has had three surgeries in the last month. I've spent more than $2000 on her for those surgeries and the care and medication surrounding those surgeries. We're not out of the woods yet, but I can't imagine not spending that to fix her up.0
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also I was very surprised to find out that most of the people I talked to that have money and I do mean HAVE money, wouldn't really spend much to save/help their pet.
how sad.
Spent about that much on a cat I didn't even like. Wouldn't bat an eyelash doing it for my beloved dogs.
Thank you for being a good dog owner! Wish there were more people in the world like you!0 -
My friend spent $7,500 for surgery on a parrot. That is way too much for a stupid damn bird.0
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There are several factors that some into play such as age, quality of life, and cost. $5,000 is so out of reach I could not imagine spending that much on one animal and I love my dog.
That being said, a few years ago, my childhood dog (basset hound) started having seizures and bleeding. Turned out she had cancer and it would be $2000 for the surgery and follow-up. As she was a healthy dog at the ripe ol' age of 12, very active, and had never had any other issues the surgery was recommended as it would extend her life by 2 years. My husband thought it was crazy but I saw it as $2000 to have 2 more years with her. She actually lasted 3 1/2 and died at 15 1/2 years when I had to put her down as her quality of life was so bad due to her old age (basset hounds only live 12-13 years) and had trouble walking, balancing, even using the bathroom.
I don't regret it. She had a happy 3 years cancer-free.0 -
My girl, Mischief, has had three surgeries in the last month. I've spent more than $2000 on her for those surgeries and the care and medication surrounding those surgeries. We're not out of the woods yet, but I can't imagine not spending that to fix her up.
I'll also say that besides the $$$s, I haven't slept in my own bed since the accident. I've slept on the floor next to her because she can't be in the bed right now (her wound is draining and it would be too messy), and she requires constant supervision to keep from tearing her stitches out. I've also taken time off work, had a dog sitter stay with her when I went back to work, and basically isolated myself from multiple social functions for the past month so that I can take care of this dog.
ETA: as for circumstances: this is an otherwise healthy 5 y.o. dog who suffered physical trauma from an accident.0
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