Tough call.

As far as spending a fixed amount of money, I think it depends on how much money one has. If one is a multi-millionaire, spending $25k on a dog is nothing. However, if one has to forgo their own retirement savings, or drain their child's college fund, that is a completely different argument.

I love my dogs. I love my dogs more than I love most people, honestly. And I might say, "I would do anything for my dogs!" But, realistically, I would not do anything for them. I would not lose my home, I would not tell my son he could no longer go to college next year.

I also think the physical effect on the animal must be considered. A human can make the choice himself, rationally and logically. One might say, "I know chemo is going to bankrupt me, and I have only been given a year to live at best. I know I'm going to feel terrible, but I choose to do it anyway, because I want to see my son graduate from medical school in six months, and I want to see my first grandchild born."

However, an animal cannot decide that. They don't know what is making them feel bad, they don't understand disease or treatment. They just feel bad. I think sometimes it's a bit selfish of the owner's to put the animal through that, just for a bit more time with them.

I also agree with Caseysmom ... how many healthy dogs would $25,000 save? One has to think of that as well, if one truly loves animals.