[nagdu] searching for a new vet.

[S L Johnson]

Debby:

I was thinking the same thing.  Vet care is so expensive even for one guide. 
Tara's very high vet bills went on my credit card and it will take me 
several years to pay them all off.  I really wanted to keep Tara when she 
retired but, after six months I realized that I could not afford her high 
vet bills,  flea control, heartworm and food for two dogs.  Fortunately, I 
found a wonderful elderly lady who lived alone who was longing for an older 
dog to be her loving companion.  Lucy had no problems with the financial 
responsibility for Tara and the two of them fell in love immediately. 
Although I miss Tara a lot I know she has a loving new owner who can afford 
to give her the care that I couldn't.  With Eva, I did search and find a new 
vet that was a bit less expensive.  I don't feed those extremely expensive 
foods.  I cannot afford a food that is $60 for thirty pounds.  I've had 
guide dogs for 40 years and have always fed my dogs one of the Purina line 
of dry foods.  They have a lot to choose from for allergies, weight control, 
senior etc...  It takes a lot of trial and error but within the commercial 
grocery store and pet store foods, you can find one that fits your dogs 
needs, including allergies.  I know because I've had to do it in the past 
and am doing it now with Eva.  Don't let any vet or person guilt you into 
going into financial ruin in the attempt to feed what they claim is the only 
thing that will help your dog.  If a vet recommends a very expensive 
medication or treatment, don't be afraid to admit you cannot afford it and 
ask for the least expensive option.

Sandra and Eva

-----Original Message----- 
From: Debby Phillips via nagdu
Sent: Friday, November 13, 2015 8:05 AM
To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users ; 
nagdu at nfbnet.org
Cc: Debby Phillips
Subject: Re: [nagdu] searching for a new vet.

Lori, please forgive me if I sound insensitive, because I don't
mean to.  Perhaps you need to not have your pet, and only have
Gipp.  I do not think that you will find good vets that aren't
going to cost you a lot, considering Gipp's issues.  You might
try some things like Brewer's Yeast and some other things for
flea prevention and not use the Frontline, but I'm skeptical
about that stuff.  So although I know how hard giving up an
animal may be, it may be that you need to find a good home for
your pet.  I had a guide who was very allergic and had to have
special food.  It was just plain expensive.  Eventually I have to
retire him because the allergies affected him so much.    Debby
and Nova

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