Ally, this is such a clear and honest reminder that love alone is not a financial plan, especially when another life depends on you. I really appreciate how you frame preparation as an act of care, not gatekeeping, and that final line about affording vet bills and retirement in the same month really lands.
Totally agree here. Unfortunately what’s happened is like so much of social media, people work to keep up the Jones’s in pet area as well. Had pets since I was a baby. Later small little farm with them as pets and for food. It used to be we didn’t coddle them. Designer jackets?? Spas? Massages? Pedicures? No. Most pets, especially dogs, come with a permanent coat. I mean our husky loved the snow and super cold rivers, and was never cold. Great suggestion about the pet savings. Pet insurance was never a thing. Love capitalism but generally a waste of money. So thank you for the recommendations and not making decisions based on emotions.
My Bernese mountain dog has cost 5-10x whatever we paid for him. But, he’s really cute and our kids (born after we got him) love him. It’s more of a lifestyle choice
Who doesn't love a bernese mountain dog! So fluffy! My point is more that people treat it like a "lifestyle choice." Golf for me is a very expensive lifestyle choice, but if I get sick of it, I can sell my clubs, or if I can't afford it, I just stop playing. With a pet, when financial hardship comes, you can't just turn off a living being.
I somewhat agree and somewhat disagree with you. Pets can be expensive and one should plan for a pet. But none of us knows what tomorrow will bring. We can prepare all we want and life may take a turn for the worst. Planning and preparing is a good thing, but let's not assume that those who found they could not properly care for a pet and found a new home for it, did not attempt to plan and prepare.
We've had 3 senior cats, 2 with terminal diagnoses that require meds/special diet. We just put one down and the cost of euthanasia is not something you expect, but of course you're going to pay it. For us at an emergency clinic (because of course it happened on a Sunday) it was $700. We use CareCredit to help with interest-free financing.
Another factor to consider: aging and the chronic conditions that come with it. Most 1 out of 10 senior cats will get chronic kidney disease. WIthout pet insurance, the medical cost is exorbitant. ...not to mention special kidney food, meds, supplements. But we love them so much, so we pay...somehow. Just be financially prepared. I had no idea.
Dogs and cats have adapted to live with humans over thousands of years. Owning a pet is part of a long lineage of humanity. Modern society has distorted the responsibilities and reality of being a pet owner. You nailed it here with the financial component. In my 20’s the Humane Society of NY saved me so much $$ on vet care. There are paths for all who want this amazing experience.
Thanks! It is really surprising how expensive they are but they are sometimes worth a lot of emotional therapy. And no one is better at keeping the deer out of the garden.
Ally, this is such a clear and honest reminder that love alone is not a financial plan, especially when another life depends on you. I really appreciate how you frame preparation as an act of care, not gatekeeping, and that final line about affording vet bills and retirement in the same month really lands.
Thank you 🙏🏻
Totally agree here. Unfortunately what’s happened is like so much of social media, people work to keep up the Jones’s in pet area as well. Had pets since I was a baby. Later small little farm with them as pets and for food. It used to be we didn’t coddle them. Designer jackets?? Spas? Massages? Pedicures? No. Most pets, especially dogs, come with a permanent coat. I mean our husky loved the snow and super cold rivers, and was never cold. Great suggestion about the pet savings. Pet insurance was never a thing. Love capitalism but generally a waste of money. So thank you for the recommendations and not making decisions based on emotions.
My Bernese mountain dog has cost 5-10x whatever we paid for him. But, he’s really cute and our kids (born after we got him) love him. It’s more of a lifestyle choice
Who doesn't love a bernese mountain dog! So fluffy! My point is more that people treat it like a "lifestyle choice." Golf for me is a very expensive lifestyle choice, but if I get sick of it, I can sell my clubs, or if I can't afford it, I just stop playing. With a pet, when financial hardship comes, you can't just turn off a living being.
It’s five dollars a pet when times get tough 😂😂
I somewhat agree and somewhat disagree with you. Pets can be expensive and one should plan for a pet. But none of us knows what tomorrow will bring. We can prepare all we want and life may take a turn for the worst. Planning and preparing is a good thing, but let's not assume that those who found they could not properly care for a pet and found a new home for it, did not attempt to plan and prepare.
Fair enough. For me, it's the sheer number of dogs that end up abandoned and in kill shelters.
We've had 3 senior cats, 2 with terminal diagnoses that require meds/special diet. We just put one down and the cost of euthanasia is not something you expect, but of course you're going to pay it. For us at an emergency clinic (because of course it happened on a Sunday) it was $700. We use CareCredit to help with interest-free financing.
I’m so sorry for your loss. ❤️ Thanks for the recommendation.
Another factor to consider: aging and the chronic conditions that come with it. Most 1 out of 10 senior cats will get chronic kidney disease. WIthout pet insurance, the medical cost is exorbitant. ...not to mention special kidney food, meds, supplements. But we love them so much, so we pay...somehow. Just be financially prepared. I had no idea.
Dogs and cats have adapted to live with humans over thousands of years. Owning a pet is part of a long lineage of humanity. Modern society has distorted the responsibilities and reality of being a pet owner. You nailed it here with the financial component. In my 20’s the Humane Society of NY saved me so much $$ on vet care. There are paths for all who want this amazing experience.
Nibbles credit card has no annual fee and free pet insurance. I’m not sure how good it is but it’s free.
Thanks! It is really surprising how expensive they are but they are sometimes worth a lot of emotional therapy. And no one is better at keeping the deer out of the garden.