When do you give up? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Chester's_Mom · 03-26-2006, 12:18 AM

I guess our main problem is money. We have a Yorkie that has been the highlight of our lives for the past 3 years. My husband & I rescued Chester from the dog pound 3 years ago (he was about 7yrs old at the time) and since then he has been a very valuable part of our lives, he even wore a tux and walked down the asile at our wedding.

Eventhough we love Chester dearly, we have maxed out credit cards and streched ourselves thin just trying to keep him healthy. When we 1st got him he had really bad paradontal deasase and we needed to have the majority of his teeth pulled ($1000) - a few months ago he got a hemriod and we needed to get that taken care of ($500) - Today, Chester is very sick and at our last vet visit she said that it appears to be phnomia. Our last visit, with xrays and medication, cost us another $500. Now, I know that it's only $2000 at this point, but we are a young couple in our mid-twenties, still paying off both our student loans & our wedding, trying to save for a house...and now we have a dog that is very ill. Chester is our baby, in every sense of the word and it breaks our hearts to see him like this.

He hasn't eaten in a week and we are giving him baby food through an eye dropper every hour or so. He gets medication every morning and every night. He no longer has any bladder control; and when he's not sleeping he is just staring off into space. He breathing is short and seems difficult. His coughing has seemed to die down, but he still wakes us about about 3 times throughout the night with a cough attack and won't go back to sleep until he calms down. Even though it does seem like he's gotten better over the past week, I don't expect him to recover for at least another 3 weeks or so...and it's so hard to see him like this.

He will be going to the vet again tomorrow for a check up, because he's not eating. But, my main concern is: How much will this visit cost me? I am willing to do what ever it takes, but my resources are thin and I don't know if another $500 visit will actually make him better.

I guess I just need someone to tell me not to give up and that he'll pull through this.

yorkiepip · 03-26-2006, 02:17 AM

I do hope Chester pulls thru this!
I know how you feel about vet bills as most of my wages go them

I have 5 pets (was 6 til 4 months ago RIP Bob) so i am there quite alot.
Sometimes i think that is what i work for, paying vet bills.

bettyeanne · 03-26-2006, 03:26 AM

I am so terribly sorry about Chester. Everything I have read says that at the point that they no longer have "quality of life" ... i.e. running, playing and doing the things that makes them happy ... then it's time to let them go. Having never been where you are, I don't know what I would do. I know how much you all love Chester but I have read that letting go, especially if he is suffering and there is nothing more that can be done, is showing your pet the greatest gift of your love. We will keep you all in our prayers!

SnowWa · 03-26-2006, 03:27 AM

It's obvious that you have taken very good care of your little dog. And, I understand exactly how you feel. And though a lot of people think everyone should spend whatever it takes to care for a little dog - there are times when the expenses just become more than a person can manage. And - not only can you not afford these bills, you are now going into debt to pay them.

I'm afraid that you are just going to have to explain your situation to your vet and ask that he do only what is absolutely necessary...and nothing more. Vets can make different choices that often help keep expenses down.

Perhaps, since he is getting better, with the vet's help, you can get him through this illness. It doesn't sound like he has any chronic problems. None of the problems you mentioned were related - they were all totally different. It would be nice if he could get well this time and then stay well. This is possible!

Please talk to your vet about your financial situation. And, hopefully, you can get your little guy healthy one more time --- and then hopefully he'll stay well for many years to come.

But, after all is said and done, I just wanted to let you know that I understand your situation. It's not always easy paying a lot of medical bills.

Let's see what others have to say. Maybe someone can come up with a miracle -- don't we wish?

Carol Jean

red98vett · 03-26-2006, 04:28 AM

Bless his heart....

I don't really know what to say except if you feel he can be treated....then treat him ......Pnemonia can be treated.... and while it may cost you more in vet bills ..this is the responsiblilty we take on when we get a pet.....

Good luck and I hope he gets to feeling better....personally...I couldn't let go if UNLESS the dog was was suffering and untreatable.

red98vett · 03-26-2006, 05:03 AM

hey Chestersmom..this thread bothered me...and got me thinking. I can share this now because things are ok now...but a few months ago...my husband and I were in DIRE straights financially. He's very ill and his medications cost a ton each month with no insurance. We were close to losing our home when the holidays were over....(we rent but I consider it MY home)

I have a cocker spaniel with Chronic Ear problems and I'm always at the vet with her...usually at a few hundred a pop....When we were really hurting for money....and she needed more medicine ...I begged and borrowed from family. I had to....& rather than pay towards my late payments on my house....SHE went to the vet....I have since put aside a credit card for emergencies and that will ONLY go to vet care if needed......

Maybe your vet can work out installments with you for Vet care ? If you've been that often....they will usually work with you since they know you now.

red98vett · 03-26-2006, 05:25 AM

Here is a help site dedicated to helping dogs to save them from being Euthanized due to lack of money http://www.imom.org/

THIS IS their Mission Statement ....copied right off their site....perhaps you can write them ?

Our Mission Helping people help pets. To better the lives of sick, injured and abused companion animals. We are dedicated to insure that no companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker is financially challenged.

livingdustmops · 03-26-2006, 06:08 AM

I think Vee has given you some very valuable advise and maybe you can get help from the website she directed you to. Your little one is only 10 years old and Yorkies can live to easily be 15 years of age. I would talk to your vet and see if you can make any arrangements but you also might consider another vet as I thought your bill for $1000 for dental was very steep. Pneumonia can be treated and if he gets better than you might want to consider pet insurance to help you through this.

Please if you find you just can't pay the bills please at least contact a reputable Yorkie Rescue rather than euthanizing the dog unless he is suffering.

YorkieRose · 03-26-2006, 06:16 AM

Yes..!! Call a Yorkie rescue. I had to do it a number of times with unwanted Yorkies that people dumped in my lap. They were wonderful and took good care of the dog and all the bills. Rescues are set up for these things...and I appreciated it sooooo much.

strawberrycream · 03-26-2006, 06:27 AM

I am sorry to hear that Chester is going through so much pain and putting a strain on things. He will pull through this and The community of YT family will pray for him and your family. I am finding out that having a pet cost just as much as having a child or even more.

Do keep us posted on his progress and may God bless you and yours. Take care.

&

From Babe Girl & Mommy

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chester's_Mom

I guess our main problem is money. We have a Yorkie that has been the highlight of our lives for the past 3 years. My husband & I rescued Chester from the dog pound 3 years ago (he was about 7yrs old at the time) and since then he has been a very valuable part of our lives, he even wore a tux and walked down the asile at our wedding.

Eventhough we love Chester dearly, we have maxed out credit cards and streched ourselves thin just trying to keep him healthy. When we 1st got him he had really bad paradontal deasase and we needed to have the majority of his teeth pulled ($1000) - a few months ago he got a hemriod and we needed to get that taken care of ($500) - Today, Chester is very sick and at our last vet visit she said that it appears to be phnomia. Our last visit, with xrays and medication, cost us another $500. Now, I know that it's only $2000 at this point, but we are a young couple in our mid-twenties, still paying off both our student loans & our wedding, trying to save for a house...and now we have a dog that is very ill. Chester is our baby, in every sense of the word and it breaks our hearts to see him like this.

He hasn't eaten in a week and we are giving him baby food through an eye dropper every hour or so. He gets medication every morning and every night. He no longer has any bladder control; and when he's not sleeping he is just staring off into space. He breathing is short and seems difficult. His coughing has seemed to die down, but he still wakes us about about 3 times throughout the night with a cough attack and won't go back to sleep until he calms down. Even though it does seem like he's gotten better over the past week, I don't expect him to recover for at least another 3 weeks or so...and it's so hard to see him like this.

He will be going to the vet again tomorrow for a check up, because he's not eating. But, my main concern is: How much will this visit cost me? I am willing to do what ever it takes, but my resources are thin and I don't know if another $500 visit will actually make him better.

I guess I just need someone to tell me not to give up and that he'll pull through this.

jpb1971 · 03-26-2006, 07:00 AM

Please talk to your vet...I know they can help! At one point in time we all go through hard times financially...but you guys have to stick it through. It sounds like everything illness or problem can be fixed, you just have to get over that hump.

I'm sure alot of of here has gone through something with our yorkies. My oldest got sick with some kind of infection, and the other 2 yorkies got it as well. I took them to the vet and it ended up costing over $1000 to get them better. MY partner was complaining about the money and I stopped him right in his tracks and said, "When it comes to our guys, don't talk to me about money...we are going to do whatever it takes to make them better!"

We don't have a lot of money, we just sacrificed...these 3 guys are our kids, we don't treat them like our pets, but our kids!

You need to communicate with everyone and let them know what is going.

You can pull throught this, I know you can!!!!!!!!

Dawn125 · 03-26-2006, 07:36 AM

I would take him to the vet tomorrow and refuse any additional tests. Let the vet examine him and discuss options with medications. I bet just a follow-up exam isn't very expensive (and if it is you may want to consider changing vets). $500.00 seems awfully steep for an exam, x-rays and meds for pneumonia. Tell the vet your situation. Let him know that you want to save your pet but you do not have endless resources. It may be that the vet isn't thinking about the cost of things and is doing more x-rays and tests than absolutely necessary. I would really discuss this with the vet or his receptionist before they even see your little guy. Maybe you should just call their office before you go in and discuss your options. Maybe you could just give them a verbal progress report and the vet can suggest a change in medications if necessary.

txshopper73 · 03-26-2006, 07:42 AM

Chester is 10 years old. Although they can live until 15-18 years of age, you need to take in the quality of his life. I may get some slack for this but here goes...does Chester seem happy? Does he greet you in any way? He no long has control of his bladder, able to eat solid foods. Now, he is very ill. How much longer will you be able to prolong his life until the next illness comes? It could just be that his body is tired. You've got lots to think about but you need to do what is best for Chester.

Yorkster · 03-28-2006, 10:14 AM

I think about quality of life! Sometimes the dog tells you when it is time to go. I know this is soooo difficult. My thoughts are with you.

KELLYLYNN · 03-28-2006, 10:24 AM

Sorry about your dog, but did you look into Pet Insurance?

03-26-2006, 12:18 AM	#1
Chester's_Mom YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: California Posts: 2	When do you give up? I guess our main problem is money. We have a Yorkie that has been the highlight of our lives for the past 3 years. My husband & I rescued Chester from the dog pound 3 years ago (he was about 7yrs old at the time) and since then he has been a very valuable part of our lives, he even wore a tux and walked down the asile at our wedding. Eventhough we love Chester dearly, we have maxed out credit cards and streched ourselves thin just trying to keep him healthy. When we 1st got him he had really bad paradontal deasase and we needed to have the majority of his teeth pulled ($1000) - a few months ago he got a hemriod and we needed to get that taken care of ($500) - Today, Chester is very sick and at our last vet visit she said that it appears to be phnomia. Our last visit, with xrays and medication, cost us another $500. Now, I know that it's only $2000 at this point, but we are a young couple in our mid-twenties, still paying off both our student loans & our wedding, trying to save for a house...and now we have a dog that is very ill. Chester is our baby, in every sense of the word and it breaks our hearts to see him like this. He hasn't eaten in a week and we are giving him baby food through an eye dropper every hour or so. He gets medication every morning and every night. He no longer has any bladder control; and when he's not sleeping he is just staring off into space. He breathing is short and seems difficult. His coughing has seemed to die down, but he still wakes us about about 3 times throughout the night with a cough attack and won't go back to sleep until he calms down. Even though it does seem like he's gotten better over the past week, I don't expect him to recover for at least another 3 weeks or so...and it's so hard to see him like this. He will be going to the vet again tomorrow for a check up, because he's not eating. But, my main concern is: How much will this visit cost me? I am willing to do what ever it takes, but my resources are thin and I don't know if another $500 visit will actually make him better. I guess I just need someone to tell me not to give up and that he'll pull through this.

03-26-2006, 02:17 AM	#2
yorkiepip Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Brittany France Posts: 2,420	I do hope Chester pulls thru this! I know how you feel about vet bills as most of my wages go them I have 5 pets (was 6 til 4 months ago RIP Bob) so i am there quite alot. Sometimes i think that is what i work for, paying vet bills. __________________ Anne, Pippa, Jake Woody

03-26-2006, 03:26 AM	#3
bettyeanne Donating YT 7000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Alabama, etc. Posts: 9,031	I am so terribly sorry about Chester. Everything I have read says that at the point that they no longer have "quality of life" ... i.e. running, playing and doing the things that makes them happy ... then it's time to let them go. Having never been where you are, I don't know what I would do. I know how much you all love Chester but I have read that letting go, especially if he is suffering and there is nothing more that can be done, is showing your pet the greatest gift of your love. We will keep you all in our prayers! __________________ Toto's Mom - http://www.dogster.com/?206581 Yorkie Rescue Colorado - http://www.yorkierescuecolorado.com/ "The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has limits." -- Albert Einstein

03-26-2006, 03:27 AM	#4
SnowWa YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: USA Posts: 2,992	It's obvious that you have taken very good care of your little dog. And, I understand exactly how you feel. And though a lot of people think everyone should spend whatever it takes to care for a little dog - there are times when the expenses just become more than a person can manage. And - not only can you not afford these bills, you are now going into debt to pay them. I'm afraid that you are just going to have to explain your situation to your vet and ask that he do only what is absolutely necessary...and nothing more. Vets can make different choices that often help keep expenses down. Perhaps, since he is getting better, with the vet's help, you can get him through this illness. It doesn't sound like he has any chronic problems. None of the problems you mentioned were related - they were all totally different. It would be nice if he could get well this time and then stay well. This is possible! Please talk to your vet about your financial situation. And, hopefully, you can get your little guy healthy one more time --- and then hopefully he'll stay well for many years to come. But, after all is said and done, I just wanted to let you know that I understand your situation. It's not always easy paying a lot of medical bills. Let's see what others have to say. Maybe someone can come up with a miracle -- don't we wish? Carol Jean __________________ http://tinypic.com/ipxhmb.jpg A Yorkie is worth a thousand words.

03-26-2006, 04:28 AM	#5
red98vett Yorkie Kisses are the Best! Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Houston TX Posts: 33,590 Blog Entries: 1	Bless his heart.... I don't really know what to say except if you feel he can be treated....then treat him ......Pnemonia can be treated.... and while it may cost you more in vet bills ..this is the responsiblilty we take on when we get a pet..... Good luck and I hope he gets to feeling better....personally...I couldn't let go if UNLESS the dog was was suffering and untreatable. __________________ Villette, Chanel & Cheri www.DesignsByVillette.net Custom Address Labels and Note Cards using YOUR Photos! Just Click HERE!

03-26-2006, 05:03 AM	#6
red98vett Yorkie Kisses are the Best! Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Houston TX Posts: 33,590 Blog Entries: 1	hey Chestersmom..this thread bothered me...and got me thinking. I can share this now because things are ok now...but a few months ago...my husband and I were in DIRE straights financially. He's very ill and his medications cost a ton each month with no insurance. We were close to losing our home when the holidays were over....(we rent but I consider it MY home) I have a cocker spaniel with Chronic Ear problems and I'm always at the vet with her...usually at a few hundred a pop....When we were really hurting for money....and she needed more medicine ...I begged and borrowed from family. I had to....& rather than pay towards my late payments on my house....SHE went to the vet....I have since put aside a credit card for emergencies and that will ONLY go to vet care if needed...... Maybe your vet can work out installments with you for Vet care ? If you've been that often....they will usually work with you since they know you now. __________________ Villette, Chanel & Cheri www.DesignsByVillette.net Custom Address Labels and Note Cards using YOUR Photos! Just Click HERE!

03-26-2006, 05:25 AM	#7
red98vett Yorkie Kisses are the Best! Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Houston TX Posts: 33,590 Blog Entries: 1	Here is a help site dedicated to helping dogs to save them from being Euthanized due to lack of money http://www.imom.org/ THIS IS their Mission Statement ....copied right off their site....perhaps you can write them ? Our Mission Helping people help pets. To better the lives of sick, injured and abused companion animals. We are dedicated to insure that no companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker is financially challenged. __________________ Villette, Chanel & Cheri www.DesignsByVillette.net Custom Address Labels and Note Cards using YOUR Photos! Just Click HERE!

03-26-2006, 06:08 AM	#8
livingdustmops Princess Poop A Lot Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 6,728	I think Vee has given you some very valuable advise and maybe you can get help from the website she directed you to. Your little one is only 10 years old and Yorkies can live to easily be 15 years of age. I would talk to your vet and see if you can make any arrangements but you also might consider another vet as I thought your bill for $1000 for dental was very steep. Pneumonia can be treated and if he gets better than you might want to consider pet insurance to help you through this. Please if you find you just can't pay the bills please at least contact a reputable Yorkie Rescue rather than euthanizing the dog unless he is suffering. __________________ Cindy & The Rescued Gang Puppies Are Not Products!

03-26-2006, 06:16 AM	#9
YorkieRose No Longer a Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: South Florida Posts: 8,577	rescue Yes..!! Call a Yorkie rescue. I had to do it a number of times with unwanted Yorkies that people dumped in my lap. They were wonderful and took good care of the dog and all the bills. Rescues are set up for these things...and I appreciated it sooooo much.

03-26-2006, 07:00 AM	#11
jpb1971 Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 214	Please talk to your vet...I know they can help! At one point in time we all go through hard times financially...but you guys have to stick it through. It sounds like everything illness or problem can be fixed, you just have to get over that hump. I'm sure alot of of here has gone through something with our yorkies. My oldest got sick with some kind of infection, and the other 2 yorkies got it as well. I took them to the vet and it ended up costing over $1000 to get them better. MY partner was complaining about the money and I stopped him right in his tracks and said, "When it comes to our guys, don't talk to me about money...we are going to do whatever it takes to make them better!" We don't have a lot of money, we just sacrificed...these 3 guys are our kids, we don't treat them like our pets, but our kids! You need to communicate with everyone and let them know what is going. You can pull throught this, I know you can!!!!!!!!

03-26-2006, 07:36 AM	#12
Dawn125 YT Addict Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Central California Posts: 445	I would take him to the vet tomorrow and refuse any additional tests. Let the vet examine him and discuss options with medications. I bet just a follow-up exam isn't very expensive (and if it is you may want to consider changing vets). $500.00 seems awfully steep for an exam, x-rays and meds for pneumonia. Tell the vet your situation. Let him know that you want to save your pet but you do not have endless resources. It may be that the vet isn't thinking about the cost of things and is doing more x-rays and tests than absolutely necessary. I would really discuss this with the vet or his receptionist before they even see your little guy. Maybe you should just call their office before you go in and discuss your options. Maybe you could just give them a verbal progress report and the vet can suggest a change in medications if necessary. __________________ Dawn (Brandy & Titan's mom)

03-26-2006, 07:42 AM	#13
txshopper73 Donating YT 14K Club Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 14,226 Blog Entries: 1	Chester is 10 years old. Although they can live until 15-18 years of age, you need to take in the quality of his life. I may get some slack for this but here goes...does Chester seem happy? Does he greet you in any way? He no long has control of his bladder, able to eat solid foods. Now, he is very ill. How much longer will you be able to prolong his life until the next illness comes? It could just be that his body is tired. You've got lots to think about but you need to do what is best for Chester. __________________ As always...JMO (Just My Opinion) Kimberley

03-28-2006, 10:14 AM	#14
Yorkster Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 62	I think about quality of life! Sometimes the dog tells you when it is time to go. I know this is soooo difficult. My thoughts are with you.

03-28-2006, 10:24 AM	#15
KELLYLYNN Harley, Haley & Micah Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: pa Posts: 686	Sorry about your dog, but did you look into Pet Insurance?