Veterinary costs
I took my dog to the vet yesterday - he has a couple of nasty looking, weepy sores on his head. They were diagnosed as "hot sores" and I was given a small tube of antibiotic cream and 45 antibiotic tablets for him. I received great service and gentle and considerate treatment for my dog.
I was surprised at the cost however and when I got home, I looked up both products on the internet. The cream which cost me $25, I could get for around $12 on the internet and the pills which cost me over $80 for 45, I found priced at $10.70 for 56 of them. Now, every business needs to make a profit, but I think that if I can buy these products for these price, a vet should be able to do better. I felt decidedly "ripped off" and left feeling also that some of these people are really taking advantage of the love we have for our pets.
As a pensioner, it seems to me that I am coming to the point where I cannot afford the quality of medical treatment my little buddy deserves or even worse, I just cant afford a pet.
you're right, planb. cats are hunters. occasionally at this time of year, my cat brings me the gift of a baby scrub turkey, which is frightened but unhurt. i put it into a bucket, with air available, and after it recovers from the shock, drive away and release it into a bushy park nearby. its far enough away so that my cat would never go there. they run off and seem to be ok.
i have a dilemma - do not agree with animals being imprisoned,.e.g. zoos, chicken coops, factory farming, pets kept indoor, etc. however, i try to compromise by keeping my cat inside at night. he also sleeps for about three quarters of each day. of course, he has a bell on collar, is well fed, and i am usually around to make sure all is well.
so, i do the best i can, but i won't have another pet and do not look forward to that time. i love all animals. its a privilege to have the love and care of an animal.