Bear, the three year old black lab, was turned in to animal control, because his owner could not afford to pay the $4,000 cost of surgery to repair his ruptured cruciate ligament.
This is an excellent example of why pet owners should take advantage of the pet insurance that is available to them. Years ago, there was no insurance available for pets. However, in the past few years, pet insurance information has shown up in local vet offices, as well as in online pet subscriptions.
Dr. Jon at Petplace.com offers VPI Pet Insurance on his website. If Bear's owner had VPI's minimum coverage of $14.75 a month, his surgery would have been covered with a $50.00 deductible.
If one is serious about taking a pet into a home to become part of the family, it makes good sense to invest in pet insurance.
At this time, Bear, who has been taken in by Houndhaven on June 16, 2010 is awaiting surgery. He is now Houndhaven's "Special Needs" pet for which they are heavily seeking donations to pay for his surgery.
"Bear's prognosis is great if he is able to have the surgery, so if you would like to help make Bear feel better, visit our paypal link or mail a check marked "Bear"' - Linda of Houndhaven
THE ANIMALS' SAVIOR
By Jim Willis
I looked at all the caged animals in the shelter, the cast-offs of human society. I saw in their eyes love and hope, fear and dread, sadness and betrayal. And I was angry. "God," I said, "this is terrible! Why don't You do something?" God was silent for a moment, and then He spoke softly. "I have done something," He replied. "I created you."
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Comments
This happened to me, right before the advent of pet insurance. My indoor cat somehow contracted heartworm, and needed emergency care plus multiple blood transfusions. The bill came to over $2000, which was a staggering amount to me at the time. I put it on my credit card, and hoped for the best.
Maybe it wasn't the smartest financial transaction I've ever made, but my cat is now 17 years old and perfectly healthy -- I never regretted it for a second.
I hope everything works out for Bear!
I have 2 cats a 1 dog. I spent $1,200 on one of the cats 2 years ago, and another $1,200 on the dog just last month. Thank Gawd for VISA.
Poor Bear! I need to get my dogs on pet insurance. I've been really lucky that they haven't needed anything major up to this point, but I don't think I could let them go without.
Good Doggy!
Thank you, for all the comments! The truth is, I'm "preaching" to myself. My dogs are too old for insurance now, but if I ever get a puppy (and I will) I will get pet insurance. Learned that the hard way...
Thank you for the better ending to a sad story that plagues many pet owners and animals too. the charges are like human fees sometimes too steep for pet owners as you aptly state here.
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