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Fairly Odd Mother

Frantically waving my magic wand to make wishes come true.

Sunday, August 12, 2007

What is One Life Worth?

About $2100 and counting.

Yes, you read that correctly. Those of you with pets will probably have your own story about the "vet bill that grew and grew". Those of you without pets are probably thinking we're insane.

What motivates me is to think of the day I brought Zack home from the animal shelter, all of four months old. I promised myself I'd take care of him for as long as he still had the fight in him.

He is still fighting.

Two days ago, his fur was matted, greasy and he could barely sit up to greet me. Today, his fur is soft and fluffy, and he was standing up and eating when I first saw him.

I hope to have him home by Tuesday. Him and a big box of needles and insulin. God help me. I'm afraid of needles and now I have to jab my cat with them twice a day, every day, for as long as he lives. If you see me, and I have scratch marks all over my arms, don't ask.

I may not get those new glasses I wanted, and I will have to cut way back on my spending for a while, but it will be worth it. I'm not ready for him to go, and he isn't either.

Labels:

posted by Fairly Odd Mother @ 9:01 PM 

22 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Trust me, it's not as bad as you think. Give the shot in the extra skin between the shoulder blades and he won't feel a thing. I figured I would be cut to shreds by Rocky, but it was totally not an issue for her (just for me). Now the vet bill...that's another story

9:21 PM  
Blogger Us said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

12:11 AM  
Blogger Blog Antagonist said...

A while back, my big orange Tom cat got a small bite that I thought had healed perfectly fine. But it turned out that there was a massive infection raging under the surface. By the time his leg swelled up enough for me to notice something was wrong, the infection was so bad he nearly lost his leg. It cost $1200 for the surgery, and then various follow-up costs.

Various people told us we were nuts to spend that much money on a cat. Maybe we were. But we all love him...even husband, who declared that the cat better learn how to earn his keep somehow.

I understand. And I'm glad your kitty is doing better.

How come people don't think it's weird when people spend that much on a dog??

5:34 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

These are our babies. people might not understand, but for many of us, our pets are our children - even if you have human children too! ;o)

2100 bucks is a small price to pay for all the joys the companionship of our pets brings us.

6:26 AM  
Blogger Beck said...

You and your cat will get used to the shots - really.
I'm glad he's feeling better.

7:42 AM  
Blogger jenny said...

I totally think you're insane but as someone who dares not to total her dog's vet bills I also totally get it.

Am glad he's back home with you, needles and all.

9:26 AM  
Blogger Angela said...

I so understand.

Our dog Abbey blew her anterior cruciate ligament in her knee. $2000.00

About 2 years later she blew out the other knee. $2000.00

Having her around to play with my son Nicky. Priceless

9:48 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

at least he has no claws!

yeah, zack. we'll be glad to rub your soft, purring head for years to some...

10:34 AM  
Blogger Major Bedhead said...

Ask for a very fine grade needle - they hurt less.

1:05 PM  
Blogger Fairly Odd Mother said...

Thanks everyone for your comments. He is home tonight, but not doing as well as I expected. It's been a tough ending to a day full of hope.

8:10 PM  
Blogger Mom101 said...

Oh Geez C, I'm so sorry. And here I am thinking "$185! To dispose of the remains? That's highway robbery!"

I love that you're seeing so much improvement. I can't wait to pet him in person in just a few days.

9:29 PM  
Blogger OhTheJoys said...

Member of the family. That's all there is to it.

8:07 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Frankly, I would have thought you were crazy if you didn't pay it. :)

We spent about $7500 over an 8-week period this summer for our beloved dog Bismarck. I wouldn't have traded the time we had with him for anything.

Jane, P&B Girls

8:51 AM  
Blogger nuttnbunny said...

I think the folks who judge these choices should watch out for the big fangs of Karmic retribution. They're always lurking there ready to bite them on the butt.

4:16 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

As a pet person and animal lover, I understand. Hugs on the needles. I felt the same way about them until about 2-1/2 years ago I had to begin giving my now 12 yo son a shot every night. But he doesn't normally claw me.

8:07 PM  
Blogger Mary Alice said...

My dogs are members of the family for sure. In my experience, when I have done something like that, expecting to tighten the old belt to ride out the unforseen expense, something always happens and the universe provides. I'm betting new glasses will find you before the year is out.

6:26 AM  
Blogger Chicky Chicky Baby said...

And this is why I'm getting pet insurance. I will do whatever it takes to keep my pets healthy. My husband does not agree, but what does he know?

I hope your kitty is doing better and is home safe and sound with you right now.

1:53 PM  
Blogger toyfoto said...

My heart goes out to you. It's so hard to watch your pets get sick. The expense is really hard, but I tend to thank Dog there isn't insurance ... you'd probably see your $2K vet bill shoot up to 10K in no time.

Best wishes for a happy, healthy critter soon.

9:01 AM  
Blogger toyfoto said...

Ok I meant Wide-Spread need for insurance.

I know there is insurance.

Can you see how much I trust insurance?

9:03 AM  
Blogger Alex Elliot said...

I would do the same thing. Our pets are members of our family.

7:50 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I understand every penney you spend on those fur babies. We spent more money on our girl, fighting cancer, than you would believe. Thank God for pet insurance. We loved her so very much. Even though we lost the battle in the long run, it was worth every penney to help her and keep her with us for as long as we could. I would do it all again, only praying for a different outcome. It seemed so unfair. She was so young, barely 6 years old.

Sorry, didn't mean to start rambling in your comments. Just wanted you to know I understand and totally support your decision to spend money at the vet's office.

1:50 AM  
Blogger Kristi B said...

Oh you poor thing!! and poor Zack! Trust your instincts. You'll do the right thing, I'm sure.

I love David Sedaris!!

2:47 PM  

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