to save a pet? A dog, a cat, a bird, a rabbit, a tortoise, etc. all need vet care at some point. How much money is reasonable to spend on a bird vs. a dog?
These are questions all pet owners that use our services ask themselves. We require all clients to fill out a veterinary release form which causes them to question how far they would be willing to go for each pet. Knowing that each pet has completely different needs & health concerns may make decisions easier...at least financially. Not sure how easy any emotional decision is when it comes to our pets.
A perfect example of complete opposite financial needs in pets: Tiberius is an eleven year old Lhasa Apso who gets bloodwork once to twice a year, has a few lumps (warts), environmental & food allergies controlled with Benadryl & special diet. Overall in good health. Bicycle is a ten year old Shepherd Mix with irritable bowel disease, liver issues, eye problems, seizures, many masses throughout his body, and was diagnosed with hip dysplasia at six months old. He is on four natural supplements, one medication, a special diet, and has had many sessions of physical therapy. Tiberius has spent about $6,000, while Bicycle has spent over $50,000 over their lifetimes so far. That includes all vet visits (emergencies, too), ailments, supplements, meds, and diagnostic testing. Every pet is different!
Too far for some is not too far for others. While spending $50 for an exam on a bird is way too much for one, the same cost on an exam on a hamster is not shocking for another. People think as differently as their pet's bodies are. This is the beauty of nature...we are all very different and have to decide for ourselves how far is too far.
We receive calls and emails often from pet owners concerned about the health of a pet and wondering what the next step is. It's too difficult to give advice about somebody else's pet, so we do our best to draw from our own experiences. Sometimes these conversations become emotional as they are in a position where they must decide their pet's fate. Whether the decision is to perform an invasive procedure on an elderly pet or have a pet with cancer treated, these are very tough decisions pet owners face on a daily basis.
How far is too far? Have you gone far enough? Tough questions that only you can answer. Take the time to look at the big picture and plan pet expenses ahead of time...even before you commit to a new pet. Set up a savings account specifically for pets or invest in pet insurance...or both!
How do we know how much each pet can handle physically? We may not. A parakeet may not be able to handle any anesthesia while a cat can. Which pets can handle chemotherapy and which can't? Sometimes our veterinarians can help us answer these questions with what they know about our pet's bodies, which can prove to be invaluable. Get to know your pets, get to know their vets, and make educated decisions.
You've committed, as a pet owner, to do what's best for each pet...heartbreaking, bank-breaking, joy, sorrow...it's all part of how wonderful pet ownership can be. You know yourself and know how far you personally can go. So, how far will you go to save a pet? How far is far enough? How far is too far?
The new year is almost here...perfect time to commit, for another year, to do the best you possibly can for all of your pets. Enjoy how it feels when you tell them how much you care!
Contact us when you need anything at all...626.244.4207--office (M-F) or 626.673.7978--Jen cell...email sitters@twodogspaws.com for all of us...anytime!
