Viewer Viewpoint
And now, a few words from our viewers... .

Veterinary Care Costs - Viewer Comments
Continued from page one

Vet costs & Health Care
Submitted by KMiner
In the last 22 years, I have owned or been owned by 4 dogs. Presently I have 3 beautiful rough collies, 8,4,a 1 year old. My first dog, the inimitable "Laddie", was a Sheltie who came to us at 9 weeks and grew up with our children. It was with that particular dog that I began to learn a lot.

At the time, our vet was relatively new to the area. But I can say that after 22 years, he is still here and I still have him care for my "fur family". I understand there are cases where people can't afford services.  But I can truly say "shopping around" each time someone feels the cost is not appropriate, isn't the way to go. Again this is MY opinion only. I have developed such a complete trust with this particular vet that I can't imagine taking the dogs elsewhere. He is patient, caring, kind and takes the time to talk to me, easing any fears I may have.

Through the years, I guess I have been fortunate that most of the visits have been for routine pet care.  But I also have had several "costly" incidents: the Sheltie had a testicle that didn't descend a a tumor.... he was 4 years old a I firmly believe that my vet saved this dog's life. None of us saw any signs of the problem, but when I took the dog in for his annual check-up, my vet suspected immediately that something was wrong. He also had to care for the dog's hematoma when the dog was 14 years old! Laddie died peacefully in his sleep here at home, probably from old age. My oldest collie recently had a broken tooth that caused an infection resulting in the carnassial tooth being removed. Costly? Yes? BUT, we took the dogs knowing fully well there MIGHT be health problems or accidents through the years. How could we not know that along with this was the fact that IF a problem occurred we would have to pay the costs? I feel-and again MY personal opinion, that if you can't pay to care for the pet, then you shouldn't take it. We are by no means wealthy, nor even close to it.

But we provide good nutrition, plenty of exercise, some fun training and share a bond.  They are part of our family now and we know that it might cost us. There unconditional love and companionship is our pay back. But..... I think people need to understand the equipment etc. in veterinary hospitals is not a gift to the vets...they get no subsidies that I'm aware of.

Personally, I feel that if you can develop a trust with your vet, then you do what you have to do to be certain the pets are well cared for. Sometimes, you do without... but to not take the responsibility of health care seriously isn't fair to the pet in your life. My advice to any NEW pet owner would be to ask friends and family for an opinion on their vets and go from there. Twenty two years later, I would highly recommend my vet to anyone who asked!

Next page >>>

NOTE: The views and opinions expressed in the Viewer Viewpoint
are not necessarily your Guide's views and opinions.