In short, Loki would rather have my attention than my medical support.
Of course, I’m not saying that people shouldn’t spend money on their dogs when they’re sick. I think people should spend as much as they can comfortably spend (maybe even a little uncomfortably) and hope it’s enough.
That’s what I’m going to try to do. But I also think that the way to a dog’s heart is not through a surgical cavity. I think, probably, it comes down to more frequent considerations granted to our pets, the daily ones that are harder to maintain but much more appreciated.
At least, I hope this is true. I’m going to assume that it is, and the next time I have to check one of the vet’s money boxes, I’m going to ink in the $500 slot without feeling guilty. Instead, I’ll make sure to save Loki some extra bites from tasty dinners. I’ll take a few more walks each week with her so that we can burn off the calories. I may even try to run. And next time, instead of leaving her at the kennel, I’ll try to figure out a way to take her with me wherever I’m going. I’ll spend less time worrying about the money I spend on her and more time actually well … spending time with her. I might even give her a little room on the hotel bed.
