A Clarifying Question

[BG and Gavin]

WARNING:  IF YOU ARE THE OBSESSIVE TYPE, DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER!

 

Nearly a year ago now, we left Gavin overnight at a boarding kennel.  The owner asked me a question that day which continues to haunt me from time to time.  The question was this:

 

If there is some kind of freak accident and I an unable to get a hold of you or your designate, how much money will you authorize me to spend on your dog in an emergency? 

 

This was before DK so I really had no idea how much things costs so I said what I thought was an outrageous amount: “2,000 dollars.”  At the same time my DH said “500 dollars.”  After fighting with him for 10 minutes after we drove away that he could be so callous and cheap and think our dear puppy was only worth $500, I really started to consider the question.  About an hour into our trip I called the kennel and said “make it 5,000 dollars.”

 

Fast forward 6 months and we were off to the kennel again for a three-night stay.  DH dropped Gavin off with my instruction to “make it $10,000.”  Then I started thinking my car is worth more than that!  Is he worth more than my car?  Of course!  Is he worth more than my house?  Not really, because if I was homeless neither of us would have a place to live.  But I now tend to look at everything in between is he worth more than this or that? 

 

What would you have answered the kennel owner?

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Without Pet Insurance you would think a "cap" would be necessary however when faced with actuality there really is no answer accept "do what ever it takes" and figure it out later. This is what we did when our beloved Zach was sick many years ago and we were a young family....it was $1200 but it felt like $20,000 at the time and worth every penny. He lived to be 15, 12 years after the necessary operation to save his life.

[Lynne of Fountain Falls]

When my little poodle Jasmine was diagnosed with glaucoma, along with a failing heart we were sliding that credit card all day at the different specialist offices. I came home with an arm full of medicine, a couple of options to consider and a dog who continued to sleep from one pain pill to the next. She was five pounds and my dood was a rambunctious 6 month old. As I was giving the sick pup her remadyl, the 6 month old grabbed the bottle off the counter and gobbled up every liver tasting pill. As we raced to the vet, I got the call that the amount she had eaten was not a problem and she would just have a nice longer than usual nap. Being a Sunday, Jasmine was without her pain medicine till Monday. That was when I knew, that no amount of money would bring her back to her quality of life. That was six years ago and I still tear up thinking about it. So, do what you have to do but do it for them, not for you. That was the big question I had to ask myself. If I could have had her fixed, cloned, well you know the answer. But quality of life will be my first consideration when I think of "how much".

[BG and Gavin]

Just one comment on a lighter note...
I reopened the question with my DH last night and found ou t that he beleives a new boat is worth more than Gavin "but it would have to be a good boat." Not only that, but he would also trade me for a new cottage! "But it would have to have 150 ft or more of waterfront." He's gonna be lonely....

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Guys.......they would make such BAD decisions if it wasn't for us.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

at the bottom of that lake! teasing.

[BG and Gavin]

right on Lisa!!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Suddenly without medical insurance myself, I have asked this question a lot lately about my own life. True. Scary, sad, but true.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Well this discussion has reminded me to take copies of Peri's pet insurance when I board her next week (6 DAYS, kill me now) and tell them that I don't care if I am unavailable to authorize, they do what they need to do. Heaven help me if that happens, but that is why I got pet insurance. After her 8-year old doodle's bouts with hip dysplasia and cancer, my MIL told me we HAD to get it - I bought it this week.

[Jennifer & Kai]

I have an 8 month old sweetheart. I fell in love with Kai the minute he was placed in my arms...I didn't know my heart could feel so much love for a dog. This little guy brings out the best in me and everyone else...I couldn't imagine my world without him....Would love if you all would share your knowledge on which pet insurance you think is the best, I was just thinking about looking into it the other day..Your advice and knowledge would be so helpful...Thank you doodle parents so much...

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Here is a very recent discussion we just had concerning pet insurance:
http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/pet-insurance-6

I chose PetPlan, based on other folks' experiences. Tidbit of advice: PAY IT IN ONE LUMP SUM. They offer quarterly and monthly payment plans, but if you pay for the year, it is less. I saved about $40!

[Nina]

Hi Everyone,

My dog had a very routine procedure, small hernia repair, that ended up costing $1400. I got PetPlan right after that experience. The most I will pay out of pocket in one year is $500 so I don't have to worry about what I would do. I feel much better now that I have the insurance. I was going to get it as soon as I brought her home, but then since she seemed so healthy I didn't do it. She is really healthy and things can still happen that are going to require vet bills.

[Jenny and Chester]

For me, it would depend on the outcome. If my Doodle was able to make a complete recovery to his former health and activity, I would pay as much as it took as long as it didn't bankrupt me. If he were seriously injured and the outlook was grim and he would be unable to enjoy his life in a Doodley fashion of charm and exuberance, I would allow him the dignity he deserves and euthanize him. My Labradoodle Chester is my best friend and goes everywhere with me. It would be unbearable to lose him, but each animal I have had over the years has given me joy and love.