Dealing with a hard decision

[sandra]

rij73, I'm sorry that I gave that impression. I really don't know how the vet and the employee had worked out the financial issues. It was not my place to ask and really none of my business.

I made an assumption that he would have better access to medical care, but I really don't know that. I was upset and probably made many wrong assumptions. I am sorry if I misled anyone.

[sandra]

OH my gosh. I just read about the petshealthplan.com. I'm so glad to hear that you have had a good experience with them. Have you actually used it? I wonder if you can get it if they have any pre-existing conditions.

That is THE solution. I called my husband. We are going to do that if he is eligible. We can afford his routine care, grooming, special diet, medications and all that. It is these big things that throw you for a loop.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Wow Sandra, you have been on an emotional roller coaster!

Of course the women on TE support whatever decision you make.
Keep us posted on what happens next.

xo Lisa

[LBTC]

I've never seen such happy butterflies! Sandra, that's wonderful news!

Many hugs and healing butterflies for Bull,
~T~

[Triskeliongirl]

Hi Sandra. What a happy ending! Please keep us posted as to how he is doing. But do know, that we understand and support whatever decision you make. The good news here is that Bull wasn't put to sleep and was given the gift of life. I so hope he qualifies for pet insurance. Thanks for much for posting that information. It will make things easier for lots of people. -e

[sandra]

Our vet worked last night at the Emergency clinic, so he is not in today. That's where he took Bull last night to observe him. (I didn't know this yesterday. We just though he was taking him home.) I've talked with the other vet and explained that we can't handle it. The response was "well, he needs to go home with you then".

She said he was such a special dog. Little dogs are prone to more issues and yes, he has had more than his share of problems, but they have a hard time putting them down unless it was life threating. His issue was serious, but he may recover. She thought that he was such a friendly dog and would be happy anywhere as long as he was being held.

I understand both positions. Their position (and I cannot ask them to work for free or even reduced rates) and my position.

She said we could certainly work on a payment plan, that she has known us and we have been good patients for so long.

He was sitting right there with her. She said that she works the Emergency clinic tonight and she had planned to take him with her tonight. He may be able to come home today, it all depends on if he is urinating and all is doing ok. We are to talk again at 4 p.m. and see.

[onimity]

Hi Sandra,

That is so wonderful! I think it is a good decision for you and Bull. It is clear that you love one another. It is sometimes necessary to go through these things to realize how important the things we love are.

If the insurance doesn't work out maybe what I did would help you? I read a financial planning article that listed the average cost of a cat at $10,000 over 10 years (it was higher for a dog, but I don't recall the exact figure, maybe 15K) I just figured that the best option was to put that money aside, vet bills or no, so that I'd be ready for the unexpected. Minus food, litter, etc. it seems to work out to roughly what the insurance plans would cost.

It makes me really happy to think that your little dog is doing well and will be home again with you soon.

Anne

[sundial]

Sandra, I am so happy for you and your decision. I know you have agonized over Bull's dilemma and you have weighed your options. I don't know......I guess if he were my dog, I would rather have him with me to the end rather than send him off to a loving home.

I'm sending healing thoughts for Bull and hugs to you.

Cathy