Was told to give up on Luna because she's too expensive!

[Kirsten]

Told someone today that Luna may have kidney problems, and that alone the tests that need to be done are more than I can affort, and I was actually told that it may be better to give her up!!

I know I would never do that, but I spend the entire evening pondering about this subject, about the question when the point is reached where you cannot affort your pet anymore.

And then she sat there, looking at me with the cutest Luna-expression on her little beloved face, and I just knew that she's worth each and every Cent!!

Oh, and please don't get me wrong, Luna's health will always be my main concern, not the money, but I know that many here have been at this point in the past, so you will probably understand...

Kirsten

[caseysmom]

I know Luna means the world to you, I know you will find a way to work it out somehow.

[Laura's Babies]

That would be heartbreaking to give one up because I couldn't afford the care it needed. We know here, that you will do everything humanly possiabel to get her what she needs including asking all your friends here for help if you need it!

[Randi]

Kirsten, I'm so sorry to hear Luna has problems. Of course, you'll do all you can for her. Perhaps your vet will accept payment over a period of time. I really hope you'll find a solution - don't give up!

Please give Luna some extra kisses from me.

Big ((((hugs))))

[jenluckenbach]

Oh yeah, I have tought about the money. (and how much I would have IF I had no pets). And then I think of how empty life would be. Money or love???? I'll take the love even if they do eat better tha I do.

[lvpets2002]

Amen Laura.. Luna can get our help if needed.. Please lets help this baby all we can.. Bigg Huggss & Prayers here..

That would be heartbreaking to give one up because I couldn't afford the care it needed. We know here, that you will do everything humanly possiabel to get her what she needs including asking all your friends here for help if you need it!

[Freedom]

I've been told that at one time or another for one kitty or another, as well. I do consider carefully each step and I don't always do all the testing the vet suggests.

For example, you have the urinalysis and will get the blood work. What will the ultrasound of the kidneys tell you? By the time you have the first 2, you KNOW if her kidneys are working well, sort of, or shut down. What steps will you take based on the info you have from the first 2? And what would change if you get the ultrasound?

Mr. Amber Cat had kidney failure; and a few other things. We did the urinalysis and blood tests, skipped the ultrasound. He went onto sub q fluids when the kidneys were slowing down, and that went from once every three days all the way to 3 times per day over a long period of time. We treated symptoms without getting all the nasty news as there wasn't going to be much we could do about it anyway. He was too weak from the other issues to be able to do any chemo aor radiation so there was no point -- in my opion -- in doing the ultrasound. The vet recommeneded all of it! I just gather the info an make my own decisions.

Wishing you and Luna the best and many happy times together still!

[kb2yjx]

Kirsten!! I wonder if the person who told you to give up on Luna had any pets. We do the best we can do within our means. Like Jen, having " only " nine cats is a bit expensive, but what a dull life if they were not here!!! HUGS to you and prayers for you both!!!! Sandra

[catmandu]

I Am Lucky In Having An Independant Vet Who Is Not With A Clinic And Does Not Have To Make A Quota As A Lot Of Vets Who Are Attached To Clinics Have To.
He I Am Completely Sure Would Take Into Account The Fact That I Am Not Wealthy And Would Make The Found Cats Health A Prority.
We Pray That You Never Have To Give Up Luna Over Money.

[Medusa]

Boy, I've been there on more than one occasion. I started selling off some possessions until I got on my feet again. I don't mean to sound like a Hallmark card but 'where there's a will, there's a way'. You'll always do what's best for Luna and she 'knows' that.

[Catsnclay]

A few years ago when our Lucky got Chylothorax he was in and out of the ER several times, and had to spend a week in there. Talk about running up the bill!


Then he needed a specialist, who happened to be over an hour away and he stayed with them for a week.

But everyone we came in contact with, the ER, the specialist and his regular vet all knew that this would be very expensive, so they all offered a payment plan.

In the end, I kept all the bills and added it up....... Lucky cost us $7,000.00 . But you know what?! He was worth EVERY penny of it!

People asked me, including my parents, WHY did we spend so much on just a 'cat' (Grrrrrr )

My answer: Lucky is not just a cat, he is my child.

So Kirsten, most of us have been through this and some how, some way, we all make it thought these tough times. So hang in there Girl!! There is a light at the end of the tunnel!!

Oh, and speaking from experiences.............don't add up Luna's bills!!

[RedHedd]

Kirsten from my recent experience I can tell you don't give up. Just get through it one bill at a time. The people at PT amazed me with their generosity during Mishi's illness. The reality is that I'm now dealing with the bills on a month-to-month basis. It's going to be tight for a while, but I will get through it. Mishi was worth every penny of the expense and in retrospect I would not have done anything different. Hang in there.

[catnapper]

I know what you mean. A lot of people have told me to just put Pouncer down because of his illness. Are you kidding?!?! I'd no sooner put him to sleep than chop off my hand. He's my boy and nothing's going to make me give up on him. I don't even consider spending money on his vet care. I made the choice to adopt him and accepted the responsibility to care for him, no matter what. I don't want to think of how much I've spent on vet care, medicines, and prescription food over the past 3 years for him. Would I do it all over again? You bet.... only I would have signed up for vet insurance when he was an itty bitty baby

They say money doesn't bring happiness. What would you have done with all the money you spent on Luna? Gone to a few more movies? Bought a few more outfits? Taken a different vacation? What is all that -- nothing compared to the love and contentment Luna gives you.

I swear that pets are cheaper than the best medical care, and often more useful than anything a doctor can give you. We've always joked here on PT about "purr therapy" and its been prooven they help with migraines and depression, now I read somewhere last week that a cat's purr can help cure bone problems! Apparently a cat's purr has the same pulse as highly technical machines that are now being developed to cure osteoperosis and other bone disorders.... so when someone says she costs too much money, show them how much you SAVE on yearly medical bills for yourself!

[DJFyrewolf36]

When I think about all the money Ive spent on pets over the years (including vet care for a couple of my rats...paid for from my alowance as a kid) I ask was it worth it and I always come up with a huge YES! Sure I missed out on some extras, for example getting Hoodini cared for made it so I couldn't go to a campout this weekend...but seeing him develop into a wonderful companion makes it worth it twenty times over.

My pets are my priority, even if it means I go without. They don't have the resources I do...all they have is me.

People without pets just don't seem to get it. Im glad my parents have been down the same road as I have, and see thier pets as more than "just animals" otherwise theyd think I was nuts! Hang in there Kirsten. Luna is such a sweet kitty, and even though people don't seem to understand, it doesn't mean you don't . Let people have their material possesions and see who is happier in the end.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Kirsten, I've also spent lots of money on vet bills,surgeries, and tests but it's all worth it in the end to get the unconditional love that my cats give me. My parents will never understand so I rarely ever let them know what's going on with my cats. They only know about Storm's PU surgery and Starr's surgical biopsy along with his colitis and food allergy problems. I know that you'll do what's best for Luna to help keep her healthy and happy. You always have the support of PT behind you.