You know, I have to agree. For the past few years, my family hasn't been doing well financially. Now that we are in this rut, I can understand how difficult it is for even the average family to fully take care of their pets.

Vets (and adamant pet owners) often tout that you should have a wellness exam every year, a dental every year, vaccs every year, heartworm medication, flea medication, premium food and costly obedience classes, but who can actually afford these things? Much less afford these things for multiple pets?

Frankly, much of that preventive care does not happen under this household. We do what is necessary to maintain proper health, and I'm sure my dogs are doing fine. I can hardly imagine paying thousands and thousands of dollars each year on preventive care and still having hundreds, possibly thousands, of dollars left for emergency care. It's not just people with crises that cannot afford "proper vet care". It's regular people and families that sometimes struggle to keep up with their own medical bills, much less their pets. Yet, these pets are happy and healthy and living life with a family they love. What more could an animal lover ask for?