[jadecomputergal]

Originally Posted by Ladymom

The guarantees don't last for very long, maybe six months. Even if there is a year guarantee, the problem is that pet store/puppy mill puppies are so poorly bred that they usually have serious health issues later on. They carry what I call "genetic time bombs", genes for inherited conditions that may not surface for years.

My Lady is a rescue, but is originally from either a pet shop or backyard breeder. She was perfectly healthy for four years and then she started getting one genetic problem after the other. I currently spend over $300 a month on medications alone and her vet bills are unbelievable. I estimate with no emergencies, just meds and routine vet visits to monitor her conditions, it costs me $5,000 a year to keep her alive. She usually has at least one illness every year, so add another $1,000 to that - best case.

So guarantees on poorly bred puppies are worthless.

So do you have pet insurance? I've looked around at the various companies and haven't been able to decide whether to buy it or not.