Growing up, my parents had a simple financial rule when it came to pets: If it cost more to treat the illness than put the pet down, the pet would be put down.
As an adult, I didn't follow this rule. I am still paying off a five-figure vet bill to cover a spinal surgery on a senior dog who has since passed. I knew it didn't make financial sense, but I couldn't help it. I wanted to give that dog every fucking possible chance.
I don't regret my decision in terms of animal welfare; I gave that dog a great life and ended things when it was appropriate. But do I regret the decision financially? Absolutely.
Wondering - how do other frugal folk approach this? Do you have some hard-and-fast metric? Or, like me, do emotions and finances get muddled when it comes to your furry friends?
June 28, 2022 at 01:35AM
