Small steps lead to big changes...

WinterWarrior

I don’t insure my cats. They are house cats so don’t get into massive bother and 4 of them to insure is eye watering. But when the costs hit you do know about it! I totally understand you needing a break. I shovel 5 litter trays daily and would sometimes love to be done with that and all of the mess and expense 😢

NeverendingDMP

I understand the need for a break as I had said the same and knew I'd end up doing all of it when dh ignored my concern and brought home a dog. It's lovely that you will donate the food. The shelter will appreciate it very much. I've noticed pet food is also a lot more expensive now compared to years ago so it will definitely be a helping hand to them despite the sadness you all feel x

doingitanyway

Your comment on pets being commodities and insurance are sad, but also true.
Hope you can arrange a treat for yourself today. Hugs.

jwil

beanielou said:

Absolutely agree on the insurance costs being a bit of a can ~~ M & S 55% increase. I am looking at you, and that all feeding into increased expectations and costs.  

It's absolutely shocking isn't it, and they've got you over a barrel especially if there are any pre-existing conditions.  It is so wrong, and preys on people's vulnerabilities, and the fact that pets are part of the family so we do anything for them.

CRANKY40 said:

I'm sorry the cat's gone. Plese give little miss an extra hug from me.

I said no more fish after the last one. As you say it's always left to mum to do the cleaning up. The cat is 15 and I've said no more after her too, same reason. 

Thank you.  I've been saying the same for a few years now, and although I won't pretend I don't waver sometimes, I definitely want a break for now.

peb

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/apr/06/vet-who-really-profits-from-poorly-pets

This is interesting.  I did wonder whether to post it here but in view of the recent comments 

jwil

WinterWarrior said:

I don’t insure my cats. They are house cats so don’t get into massive bother and 4 of them to insure is eye watering. But when the costs hit you do know about it! I totally understand you needing a break. I shovel 5 litter trays daily and would sometimes love to be done with that and all of the mess and expense 😢

We've never insured any of our pets, and have just chosen to pay as and when needed.  I think we've spent less than if we'd insured over the years, but some of the bills are eye watering now.  I saw the other day that it's £250 for an out of hours call out, before they even look at the pet! 

I'm not vet bashing because I know most of them do it for the love of animals, but it's the takeovers by big corporations that are causing the issue.

NeverendingDMP said:

I understand the need for a break as I had said the same and knew I'd end up doing all of it when dh ignored my concern and brought home a dog. It's lovely that you will donate the food. The shelter will appreciate it very much. I've noticed pet food is also a lot more expensive now compared to years ago so it will definitely be a helping hand to them despite the sadness you all feel x

Thank you.  Yes, it always falls down to us in the end doesn't it.  DH does do all the dog walks so in that sense he's good, but it's the rest of it that I deal with.  Food has definitely increased in price a lot.

doingitanyway said:

Your comment on pets being commodities and insurance are sad, but also true.
Hope you can arrange a treat for yourself today. Hugs.

Thank you.  It's a horrible situation isn't it, as pets are such a lifeline for so many people.

Humdinger1

Sending hugs re kitty @jwil.  I've heard that when the time comes, the pets we've loved lead us over the rainbow bridge.   Then there are no more partings or sorrow. Love Humdinger xx 

jwil

peb said:

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/apr/06/vet-who-really-profits-from-poorly-pets

This is interesting.  I did wonder whether to post it here but in view of the recent comments 

Thanks for sharing peb, I saw that story and I did recognise us in there.  It's horrible, and it preys on people when they are very distressed and vulnerable.

I think we had really good treatment in the main, and I'm very grateful for the vet who was clear with us that it probably wasn't worth doing the other tests that had been suggested because if anything it might buy us weeks at best.  It's really hard saying 'just because you 'can' do something, 'should' you do it?' without feeling heartless and like you are giving up on your pet.

jwil

Humdinger1 said:

Sending hugs re kitty @jwil.  I've heard that when the time comes, the pets we've loved lead us over the rainbow bridge.   Then there are no more partings or sorrow. Love Humdinger xx 

Thank you

jwil

Well, after all the discussions, we are back at the vets again later 😭

The dog is hacking away and just not right.  I can't really believe it.  My relaxing two weeks is turning out to be anything but.