MOMania

By JJ

September 10, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this

Interesting topic Theresa. I hope everyone behaves, but I really doubt it.

This situation came up in the spring in our home. My 9 year old Yellow Lab has a huge lump on her side. I told my daughter we would take her to the Vet and have them look at it.

I made it very clear to my daughter, that if the Vet said the “C” word (cancer), I would put her down. I know it sounds heartless, and I do love my doggies, but I simply cannot afford to shell out a ton of money for cancer treatment for an older doggie. I would allow her to live as long as possible, and when started suffering, we would put her down.

I personally, think it is outrageous to spend that kind of money on a dog. I’m not mean, just realistic.

My dogs have a wonderful life. They are spoiled beyond belief, but if they get a terminal disease, I will put them down.

Putting an animal down is very difficult. I had to put my 20 year old cat down 8 years ago. It was the hardest thing I have evern done in my life. I still get misty thinking about that beautiful boy….. I had him cremated, and I still have his ashes. I buried them in our backyard…….

By amy

September 10, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this

I do not have kids, but if I did, Kids come first, dogs come second. I do have 2 dogs that are my babies, but that being said I still wouldn’t drop a grand without weighing the situation. I would consider the age of the dog, and seriousness of the condition, and likelihood of recovery. I would much more likely to spend the money on my 2 year old dog rather than my 11 year old dog because she might only have a few years left in her anyway. Here’s one thing to consider, I know that on dogs and cats you can get pet insurance-it’s something like 15/month. It covers vaccinations, yearly tests, and some surgery type of things. But it’s like human health insurance—do you really need it? Sometimes yes, sometimes it’s a waste. It’s a gamble.

By JD

September 10, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

This is an interesting topic - very thought-provoking. For us, it’s all about quality of life. If we can ensure that one of our mutts will continue to have a great life, and it won’t break the bank, we would probably go for it. That being said, we would never deprive our daughter of necessities for any reason. If it means we don’t go out for awhile or shop the sales, so be it. Our dogs are part of our family.

By new mom

September 10, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

This is a long one, so you might want to pour yourself another cup of coffee…

We have a predicament with our cat and almost one year old baby girl. As many of you know, I’m kinda gaga over our baby, she’s just the sweetest thing and the answer to many prayers. Well, when we first got married 13 years ago, we adopted a cute kitty. Until baby girl finally came along, we loved that cat (as much as anyone can love a cat!) and treated him like our child. Not in that weird psycho way that some people act like their pets are children, but he was lots of company to us and very sweet and cuddly.

He was outwardly sweet to everyone—that is, until he was about a month old and my husband’s then five year old cousin screamed and chased him throughout our tiny apartment. Ever since, for the last 13 years, our cat has hated anyone but the two of us. He hides under the bed if we have company, and even bites friends who have come to take care of him while we’ve vacationed (even bitten my dad!) but of course, we apologized and thought, ‘poor kitty’.

Well, ‘poor kitty’ no more. We did everything we could find to help acclimate our cat to our upcoming baby arrival (rubbing our hands with baby powder before petting him, letting him sniff her stuff, etc) but as SOON as she arrived, it was as if something in his little cat brain told him ‘the enemy is among us’. We tried everything we could, but cat officially hates baby.

Now, baby LOVES kitty. She will chase him (hasn’t caught him yet!) and wants to pet and love him. We try to teach her to be ‘gentle’, teach her how to nicely pet him, and to leave him alone when he’s eating, sleeping, or in his cat-bed. We want cat to still know there are safe places for him. We thought he might eventually get used to her, but now after a year, I’m beginning to wonder what the future holds with this relationship. We want him to be happy—does that mean finding another home for him? (How easy would that be, a 13 year old cat who hates people) We just don’t know what to do, but if we do try to find another home, we want to do it before our baby girl realizes what’s happening and actually remembers him. This is so hard, we still love them both…but boy, if cat ever bites baby…

Any suggestions?

By new mom

September 10, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

And I’m sorry that my previous post didn’t specifically address the questions posed, but I thought it kinda related…

By Detta

September 10, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

I’ve heard people compare their pets to their children. That has always troubled me. I would never put the wellbeing of a pet with or ahead of my children.

Our dog Midnight (a black lab) was 12 years old and he was our beloved pet, a dear friend and companion to us. A few years ago when my kids were still in elementary school Midnight became ill. After numerous visits to the vet and hundreds of dollars in vet bills he was diagnosed with cancer. The surgery would cost almost $2000.00 and there was no guarantee that the surgery would get all the cancer. Also, because Midnight was an older dog the risk of death during surgery was very high. I’d already spent more money in his vet bills than I could truly afford and had gotten behind on a few bills.

I weighed all the options and I chose not to have the surgery performed. It was the hardest decision I ever made, but my children’s care, health and well-being is my utmost concern and responsibility. We loved Midnight, but as a single Mom with two children with chronic illnesses, I had to put the medical needs of my children ahead of the needs of our pet. When I could see that Midnight’s quality or life was deteriorating I had him euthanized.

We haven’t gotten another dog yet. Even after all this time, I still get a little misty eyed talking about Midnight. He will always be in our thoughts and our hearts. I know I did what was best for my family, as well as, what was best for my pet.

By DB

September 10, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

Humans first, then animals. (Well, at least, most humans!) It’s a question of allocation of limited resources. I would not starve, reduce medical care or educational expenses for my children to pay for over-the-top pet treatment. (i.e., chemotherapy for an older dog, etc., etc.) I love my cats, my dog, and my ferrets, and they live the life of Reilly, but at the end of the day, that’s that, especially for a terminal disease. I’ve had to put down two kitties — one with a congenital defect that would have required three $1,200 surgeries, and then maybe it would work, and another that had increasing arthritis and cancer and then one day simply could not walk any longer. Each death takes a little piece of your heart with them, but I think that it is ultimately kinder than selfishly subjecting them to months of treatment and watching them become steadily weaker and less able to be the animal God meant them to be — happy, playful and loving.

Besides, vet bills can be utterly outrageous, and I would encourage anyone faced with making a decision on expensive treatment to shop it. One of our ferrets supposedly needed surgery for a common condition. The vet we had been using for several years quoted us $1,600 — well, at least, the vet tech did, the vet never did return my phone calls to discuss alternative treatments. I ended up finding a WONDERFUL vet - 16 miles away, but worth it - who quoted $300 for the same surgery, but recommended against it because of the ferret’s age. She was more interested in its quality of life than it’s length.

By kar

September 10, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

I remember when my father gave us the “talk” about our elderly dog. How he wasn’t willing to shell out thousands of dollars for him if he was seriously ill.

My response was, “why not?”

He said it was a choice between the dog living another couple of years and a year of my college tuition. Again, I said, “why not?” I was willing but my parents were not.

Luckily, the dog was fine but that kind of set the line between us.* I felt he was a sibling so of course we were going to fight* for a few more years. My father always complains that our pets get better health care than 95% of the world’s population. Maybe it is but that’s obviously because there’s others out there who see pets as extensions of the family.

By JATL

September 10, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

We are definitely faced with this right now, but OF COURSE my child (soon to be children) come first! Before my 2-year-old son was born I was lucky to be the “mom” of an incredible cat for 18 years. I had to have him put down 1 week before the birth of my son, and it almost killed me. The cat had total organ failure, and let’s face it -he was OLD, but it was horribly painful. Several years prior to that I did pay a few thousand to have a liver surgery done on him that greatly improved his quality of life and gave me 4 more great years with him. I don’t regret it for a second, but if that were happening now and I had to short-change my child in order to pay for it, I couldn’t do that. At the time I had the money in savings and no children. I think when someone has no children or their kids are no longer financially dependent -AND they have the money to spend -then go ahead and do whatever you want. I still think some things I’ve heard lately are crazy, and I REALLY urge people to look at how the animal is going to be feeling, etc. (extensive chemo treatment for example -dogs and cats don’t understand the way people do). I recently heard of a friend of my parents who spend 25K -yes that is 25,000 dollars on surgery and procedures for their dog. They’re wealthy, but still -$25,000!!!!!! Even if I were wealthy and had no kids I think I would have to draw the line way before that. Back to the question at hand -our two dogs are well taken care of, but at this point in my life with a little one and one arriving very shortly, I could not justify spending more than just the basics -shots, worm meds, flea control, etc. on them. Any incurable disease would have to just run its course with pain meds until we had to put them down. I guess that sounds harsh, but I try to look at it as we’ve given them a great life so far -and neither would have had one at all (both rescues).

By Mara

September 10, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

when you bring a pet into your family you accept the responsibility of caring for their needs, including health care. Families with sick children manage to balance the cost of caring for the sick one with the needs of their other offspring. Why would it be any different to balance the care of a sick pet with the needs of the human child?

So what if the kid has to go to (GASP!) PUBLIC SCHOOL? A great many successful people managed with just such an education. So what if you can’t spoil them with that Wii console, yet another pair of sneakers, or another crappy peice of ninty-eight cent peice of moulded plastic shaped like some television character?

As long as the kid gets fed, housed, clothed, educated, and all the medical care they need…where’s the conflict?

By Jesse's Girl

September 10, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

While I adore my dog…even though she is one of the dumbest creatures ever born:)…there is no comparison with the children. I love my kids more and I spend more money on my kids. My dog gets good food, a bed and love. The only other common thread is that the children AND the dog are regularly vaccinated.

By new mom

September 10, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

Mara, perhaps you would like to adopt our 13 year old cat who hates people? Because we need some help, and you seem to have the answers…

By Most of you people are LAME!!!!

September 10, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

Hey I found you guys. This is actually a relavant topic holy @#$% will wonders never cease.

I have a 7 year old Siberian Husky that has glaucoma in one eye. We give her drops each day in that eye that cost $190 every month and a half or so.

The Eye Vet originally wanted us to bring her in to measure her eye pressure once a week and at $25 a visit that can get pretty expensive. Especially when you are paying $1600 a month for two kids in daycare since my wife and I both work.

What my wife and I decided was that since we had tons of refils on the eye drops we would simply keep up with the drops and hope for the best and so we stopped the vet visits.

I just hope we don’t get to a point where the eye has to be removed like the vet says it might….with or without the drops. I can only imagine how much that would cost.

I love my dogs…I have two Siberian Huskies. And I love my kids and humans have to come before animals…..it’s logical.

By motherjanegoose

September 10, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

DB is right on the $$$ ( no pun intended) about shopping around.

My sister uses a vet in Sandy Springs ( whom she loves) but the fee to neuter her dog was at least $40 more that out here in Gwinnett…with a vet whom we have know for over 10 years.

We had to put our beloved Cocker ( we paid $50 for in 1983) down 15 years ago as he had chronic ear infections and a skin rash. He was SO cranky and snappy at our then baby. Our pediatrician told us that we would never forgive ourselves if he bit a chunk off of her face. She had a nip on her arm from trying to grab his food and we rushed her to the Doctor.

Enter our Yellow Lab ( free) who took ANYTHING from the kids with a smile. My daughter put hair clips on his ears , a coffee stirrer up his nose and a scrunchie around his snout…never a growl. We put him down last December. He had a growth last August that we had removed total bill: $400 and then he had kidney failure and that ended up to $1000 in 6 months but we had to put him down. He was an angel and we loved him so much…he was almost 15!

What to do? I just work more!

You may recall that our 2 year old ( adopted and free) schnauzer was hit and killed right in front of our house ( as she ran our to chase a loose dog) by a neighbor and that was a nightmare for us in April. I have now shelled out $1000 ( cost and shots) for our new schnauzer baby who is currently chewing up everything in my daughter’s room, even though she has over $50 worth of toys…LOL.

We are working on the law of averages and figure that if evened out…we are looking at about $400 per dog…and that is worth it!

I would NEVER spend $25,000 ( on a a pet) even if I had it. It all depends on how serious and how old the dog plus the prognosis.

By Mara

September 10, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

New Mom - thanks, but the care of my own three cats(who have all been properly socialized btw), is enough.

One has FLUTD, one is diabetic, and one is perfectly healthy.

Unlike you, I make it a point not to take on more responsibility than I can handle. So take your sarcasm and stuff it.

By JJ

September 10, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

I echo the comment above. When you take a pet into your home, you are making a committment to care for that animal’s needs. If you have a one and are planning on having/getting the other, you should honestly consider whether or not your financial situation can support the needs of both. Animals and children are both dependent on their family to provide for them and that responsibility should not be taken lightly. If the pet should be euthanized, from a medical perspective due to little or not chance of quality of life, then that is one thing. However, animals are not disposable and should not be abandoned for convenience. Find them another home. If you made a committment to a pet, live up to it one way or another.

By For love of animals...

September 10, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

It isn’t a question of valuing one over the other. It you take on the responsibility of pet ownership and/or the responsibility of children, then you had better be prepared emotionally, financially and in any other way necessary to do what you need to do to take care of both. I can’t believe how people can be so heartless to an animal that gives them nothing but unconditional love and affection. The idea of letting my pet die, so I can send my child to another year of private schooling is the most disgusting thing I have ever heard. If that is your biggest problem in life then consider yourself lucky. If an animal is suffering and needs to be humanely euthanized that is one thing, but to just let an animal die because you aren’t willing to pay for its care is only inhumane but sets an irresponsible example for your children on the value of life and the responsibilities you take on when you decide to have a pet. I have had dogs my whole life and if I ever thought my parents were putting an animal to sleep because of me, I would be sickened. Whether an animal is sick or healthy if you can’t “afford” to have a pet then don’t get one. I find the manner in which this question is posed to be extremely offensive. It isn’t one over the other, both are a part of your family. Both need unconditional love and affection and both should be treated humanely at all times. Taking care of one, doesn’t mean you are taking anything away from the other. It means you are being responsible for your choice to own a pet and have a child.

By The real JJ

September 10, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

Mara That was not necessary. No need to come on this blog and be mean. And it’s VERY obvious you don’t have any kids.

That 2:11 post was not me!!!!

By Most of you people are LAME!!!!

September 10, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

Animal rights activists p** me off.

If you had to make a choice between killing your dog or killing your kid….hopefully you would choose to kill your dog…….the same logic applies across the board….go sell your bleeding heart bulls.h.i.t. somewhere else.

By MomsRule

September 10, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

Properly socialized cats! LMAO

NewMom, I’m with you, no matter how much you love your cat…if you fear for the baby, the kitty has got to go. I wish you luck in finding a good home!

By Becky

September 10, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

No, I would never put any animal over my grandbabies..I love animals, but only when they belong to other people..Mara, sounds like theres a reason that you only have cats…Sorry that your parents didn’t treat you like a good child..

By JATL

September 10, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

I also think some people should take into account the fact that some pet owner’s lives change a LOT when they have a child. We had our dogs for years before we had our child. I rescued the oldest before I was even married or sure I wanted kids, and my husband brought home the other one a few years later (against my wishes I might add-and most people would have set her free by now given the huge amount of trouble she causes and has been -but we give her love) -again before we ever started trying to have children. I quit working full time after my son was born, so a chunk of income is missing from our lives, but I wanted to do that so I could spend time with my kids while they’re little. I certainly am not going to go back to work full time with a toddler and a newborn in case one or both of my dogs needs extensive medical care. As I said before, they are taken care of and loved, but forking over thousands would not be possible for us at this juncture. I certainly don’t feel guilty about it, but before some of you rush to judgment, you need to think about the fact that many of these animals were around before the kids! We didn’t “take on more than we could handle” and get them after having kids.

By JJ

September 10, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

newMom I would be very happy to take your cat, however, I already have a house full. Two dogs, two cats, a beta fish, and turtle, and a 17 year old child.

My plate is full. I really wish I could help you out.

By MomsRule

September 10, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

LAME, I love the look of Siberian Huskies but know little of their temperment.

How would you describe them? Protective, tempermental, good with children, etc.

By Most of you people are LAME!!!!

September 10, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

Mara should be covered in honey and fed to hungry bears.

By Mara

September 10, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

Real JJ - maybe you should direct your finger wagging at New Mom.

My original post made the same point as your 2:11 so when this woman comes at me all snippy and snide for no reason, I’m not gonna lay down and ask for a bellyrub.

By Numbers Guy

September 10, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

Haven’t we done one like this before? I seem to recall really irritating people by saying that your pets are NOT your children, no matter how much you might wish it so. Ah, well, if it was worth doing once, it’s worth doing twice.

Not an easy choice here - but, if the pet is interfering with the well-being of the child, then the pet has got to go. Likewise, if it’s a choice between child’s needs and pet’s needs, it isn’t really a choice at all. Anything else is warped.

I feel for your situation, newmom, but you’re right. You need to find a new home for kitty ASAP. Maybe conference with your vet on the topic?

By Most of you people are LAME!!!!

September 10, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

@MomsRule

My Siberian Huskies have been absolutely great with my kids. We had the dogs before we had the kids and there was no jealousy or acting out of any kind. In fact when my little girl was first born, the dogs were so protective of the baby, they protected the baby FROM EACH OTHER!!! Which was a little crazy but they have since calmed way down.

My 4 year old daughter really has little interest in the dogs but my 1 year old boy climbs all over them and they don’t care one bit.

They are just two 50 pound teddy bears.

By JJ

September 10, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

Mara No I’ll direct my finger wagging at YOU. You came on here and made some fairly nasty comments about spoiling kids with expensive stuff. It’s very obvious you do not have kids.

NewMom is a regular and has NEVER been mean to anyone. You took her post out of context and you were nasty to her!!!

She was just responding to your sarcastic post.

By Most of you people are LAME!!!!

September 10, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

BTW in case you guys hadn’t already figured it out……my other alias is “Smart Ace”…..Surprise!!!

By Smart Ace

September 10, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

I think JJ and Mara need to take this outside…..IN A STEAL CAGE!!!!

My money is on JJ.

By Bill

September 10, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

Although I don’t have kids yet I have a dog who means a lot to me. Reading the comments has made me realize that I need to set aside emergency fund for my dog. Being prepared for your pet’s medical needs is just being responsible.

By motherjanegoose

September 10, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

TROOPS TOGETHER… we protect our own and no one should be picking on NEW MOM….leave her alone.

On this blog, we may not always agree but we try to be civil unless the morons invade our territory and then we come out swinging.

It is amazing how some infrequent posters seem to hide behind their screen name and blast others. Please excuse yourselves and leave..

Regarding the trip many of you spoke about yesterday….by all means take time to reward yourselves and take a girl trip. I have done this for years and it is lots of fun. My sister and I think it is so cool to go together and not have to wait on anyone but ourselves.

This summer, I booked a 2 bedroom condo at the beach. We each had our own rooms and baths plus TVS. If we wanted to speak, we were right next door and if we wanted privacy we had it. LOVED IT!

Lastly, does anyone have experience with pet insurance? I may be up for this as we have a 6 month old with no issues yet.

By Dave

September 10, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

Mara does not have children, so she doesn’t know what she’s talking about. Any person who would consider diminishing their child’s quality of life in favor of their cat’s quality of life should stick with cats.

By Becky

September 10, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

I’ll bring the champange & my money is on JJ also..

By new mom

September 10, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

Wow did I miss a lot while running errands with baby!

Thanks JJ for sticking up for me. :) I wasn’t really trying to be rude, per se, but I guess the assumption that people are letting heir pets die so we can spoil “the kid” kinda rubbed me the wrong way.

But I actually was serious, thinking that maybe someone whose life is obviously devoted to animals might be able to do something with our cat, or possibly adopt him. Or at least have had some real advice. If someone wants to to discuss the anti-social nature of our cat, they can take it up with my husbands cousin. good luck with that…

Anyway, I think we will discuss the situation with our vet. We want what’s best for both our cat and baby, but will certainly not take the chance of cat hurting baby (we don’t think he’s really a threat, right now he’s more scared of her and runs away…) Thanks for your offer JJ, that’s sweet…

And Lame, I thought that your posts sounded kinda familiar! I like your Smart Ace persona better though…more Superman vs. Clark Kent…

Bill, that’s a good point about starting an emergency fund for your pet. Over the course of 13 years we have spent thousands on our beloved cat….

By Perry

September 10, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

LOL.

Mara’s kid: “Mom, these sure are a lot of student loans I’m taking out.”

Mara: “Yes, but remember those 3 cats we used to have? They were worth limiting your opportunites.”

By new mom

September 10, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

Awww, I just feel loved now! First JJ, moms rule, and now motherjanegoose…Thanks y’all. I really want us to do ‘right’ by both kitty and baby.

Speaking of girl trips…possibly th e most fun I’ve had in a long time was planning a surprise trip w/ my sister for my mom to go to Manhattan. She had never been, so we planned a long weekend and crammed a ton into those 3 days…shopping (of course) statue of liberty, rockefeller center, phantom of the opera on broadway, etc….It was just us 3 girls and we had a blast. Only problem is, I think my mom wishes we’d surprise her with a trip like that every year! As soon as baby girl is old enough, I think it would be fun for us to have a girl trip like that again, including a little one.

OH—forgot to say, I have $100 on JJ and will enjoy watching the match. Will this be like ultimate fighting?? Will someone die????

By lovin life

September 10, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

New mom Sorry about the cat. I am not a cat person, and have a hard time understanding the cat bond, but I get that you love the little bugger!
Also a quick thought for what it is worth. I read mara’s post. It was not so friendly, however some “regulars” act like they own the blog and no one else can have a thought. Even with comments like she is a regular we protect our own. No one, (except theresa and ajc) won this blog. and if we silence everyone who is not a regular there won’t as be many great thoughts.
I don’t agree with mara’s comments but I do understand how she feels. Some of you make this like your little club and it is hard to get in. I have been commenting for quite some time, and reading the blog daily(some days i keep my thoughts to my self) and I am not sure if you all consider me a regular or not.
I think mom’s should help each other out and lift eachother up. Lets not make it a us vs them Regulars vs newbies. Lets welcome eachother and eachother’s opinons. Becides these are not world changing arguments, just what is important to everyone. New Mom ya know I love ya, but maybe we can just start over with mara.

By momtoAlex&Max

September 10, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

LOL Perry, you just killed me with your comment. So right on!

I love my dogs. I provide food, shelter, love, excersice and basic medical care. But if an aged dog starts ailing and the medical bills start going up, I am sorry, but I just can’t justify it. Like Perry said, I rather my children not take out student loans.

By new mom

September 10, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

Hey lovin life—I do see your point! We have to support each other… And I really was hoping, in my original post (way back when) that Mara would offer something constructive, or maybe want to adopt our kitty, since it sounded like she had answers. I just don’t think anyone expected the tirade that followed. But yes, let’s move on…

If I remember correctly, you helped me with the shoe advice a month or so ago, right? And you have little baby B and little gir E, right? So yes, I consider you a regular! Is your baby B close to our baby’s age? She’s about to turn 1 :)

By motherjanegoose

September 10, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this

lovin life…when someone blasts you or misinterprets your opinion, we will just leave you alone and not protect our own. ( I am the one who said that)

Sorry if you do not want to be validated but some posters get railed by others who say mean and ridiculous things.

I said this before and will say it again, opinions are like noses everyone has one. Grow ups can agree to disagree.

I will not be voting for Obama but am interested in what those who are voting for him have to say. I do not advocate abortion but read what others have to say.

We tend to support each other when infrequent posters are rude.

If you want to be left out on your own…I respect that right.

I was ragged on a while back and Theresa was kind enough to let me know that my comments are appreciated. Since it IS her blog I guess I can still join in when I get a chance. Others offered their encouragement too.

This is getting kind of catty ( no pun intended). Night all!

By fk

September 10, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this

JJ: I have a yellow lab, too. Have you ever read the book, “Marley and Me”? I swear my dog is related to him!

My dog is 11. We’ve taken him for routine vet visits, but I think at this point, I would forgo expensive medical treatment if he were to be diagnosed with a serious & life threatening condition; to let him live out his days in comfort and quality. If he were to become distressed, I’d put him down, as much as it would break our hearts.

Don’t we all come to this blog to get ideas/support from other moms? Is that not the purpose of it? We’re all moms here, well, most of us, anyway, with the same objective: To raise healthy kids who will become contributing members to society. What’s with all the nitpicking and judgmental comments?

By gahiker

September 12, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

First of all, new mom - why did the cousins torment the cat that way? I dont think children should be trusted around pets until they can prove they can respect them (and vice versa). I just dont understand why you would allow 5 year olds to torment your cat?

As for the question at hand, we really do make a commitment to our pets. What kind of lesson are we teaching our children if we treat our pets as disposable entertainment. People today wonder why their kids grow up and never call them, but these are the kinds of lessons we are teaching them. That we can break commitments and no longer hold ourselves responsible when something becomes inconvenient to us.

By Chris

October 7, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

3 Kids, 3 Dogs. We get a Rabies Shot 1x/yr and that’s it. The Vet charges $30/dog as an office visit fee and we only use 1 exam room for all 3 dogs. Once a pet gets within 5yrs of life expectance your decision process changes.