Originally Posted By: 93cruiser
No way, dogs are family. You are responsible to care and love for the dog. You took on that responsibility when you got it, and if it means paying to keep him/her healthy, then you do it. If not, don't have one at all, ridiculous.
If the dog is 15, already had a great life, maybe I can understand you reasoning, its like operating on someone in their 90s, risky and other issues such as rehab, etc. But you kind of said all, no way. I've spent thousands just on ear problems for my one lab, I'd spend 20k if needed. Estimate 4k so far. Family.
Can't agree more with this. It’s really sad to me when people who have a dog/cat or whatever, that requires some care, and they rather just put it down. HATE that mentality with people, makes me sick. Like you said, if you get the dog, you take on the responsibility to love and care for the animal. If you can’t afford the potential care and responsibility that comes with whatever pet, don’t get the animal. Let somebody else who will, adopt and care for them. Just put away some money each month into a “vet/medical” fund so years down the line if your dog needs a $2,500 surgery, you have the money. My husky is 11 years old and if in two years he needed a $2,500 surgery to extend his life another year, no doubt about it. It would get done! As you said, family. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I put down a dog who had a potential good life in front of them because I was too cheap. Won’t happen.
I won’t put a dog down unless it’s absolutely a requirement and if any potential care won’t gain any worthwhile time for the animal.