The Price of Loving a Pet

The last time I cried, I cried for my dog.  The last time I laughed heartily, I laughed at my dog.  The last time I pondered the simplest joys of life...well, that too, was because of my dog.

Scotty, a vivacious, ten pound, tricolor Chihuahua, has been with me for a little over a year.  The impact he has made in my life during that time is immeasurable.  Watching him lie on his back, legs to the sky, in sweet anticipation of a belly rub always makes me laugh.  His needs are incredibly simple.  Why couldn't we be so easy to please?  I used the  Vet Directory to find a good veterinarian for him.

He had an overnight stay in the hospital recently.  I missed having him greet me at the door, tail wagging. I missed the eleven o'clock walk that always annoyed me so much because I was already in my sleepy state.  I missed the early morning walk in the morning rain that I'd grumbled about so often.

He is back at home. He is healthy.  He is playful.  And he has chewed the heel off my favorite pumps.

And yet, I have no complaints.

When I told a co-worker about the medical bill I had to pay, she could identify.  She said her dog also needs medical attention, the bill would be $6,000 and she'd happily pay it if she was certain that his ailment would not return.

I was a little taken aback.  My bill was a fraction of that cost.  Which leds me to wonder, how much would I be willing to spend to resolve my dog's ailment?  How much is too much?