Yeah, I agree. Think about what it costs to get minor surgery under general anesthesia for yourself, then you'll realize that $350 for a dog is a bargain. It's almost identical in terms of expertise, drugs and equipment.

I remember when I was a kid and my dad and my uncle pulled quills out of our dog. Yeah they did it, yeah the quills came out, no the dog didn't get infected.

Besides pliers, it takes two adults (one to hold the dog, one to pull the quills) who are physically strong enough to do the holding (IMO few women would qualify, and if you've ever tried to hold your dog for a mere nail trim you know what I mean), and emotionally strong enough to hang on and/or pull when the dog screams and struggles (IMO few MEN who are not ranchers or hunters would qualify).