[107barney]

Originally Posted by ademas

Not all expenses can be anticipated and absorbed. I, too, have savings, and all of my credit cards and lines of credit have zero balances. Aside from a modest car payment, I have no debt.

That said, it's still not difficult to imagine a series of circumstances that could destroy my nest egg. I'm grateful it hasn't happened, but I firmly believe that the vast majority of people are one medical emergency away from bankruptcy.

I love my baby. He's 12, diabetic, hypothyroid, and today I got the possible diagnosis of Cushing's Disease. I'm really beside myself. Yes, I can afford his insulin, needles, blood glucose testing supplies. and regular vet visits. Yes, I could afford the $140 in blood work today, and I'll be able to afford the $242 test to confirm his Cushing's diagnosis.

After that? I'll have to take things as they come. I live in the real world. There are treatments and medications that I can't afford for myself. There are also treatments and procedures that I simply would not put a 12-year old, elderly dog through.

I wish I was without limits on my resources, but it's my reality. There would be a lot more homeless (and euthanized) pets out there if only those with the means to anticipate every emergency were able to be pet owners.

Age alone isn't a reason to not provide treatment for a dog. My 11.5 year old dog had a catastrophic knee injury and needed surgery to walk again. Should I have put him down instead?