Opinion: Caring for our ailing pets is expensive. Better plan ahead.

To the editor: Even though tough decisions sometimes must be made with regard to how far we go in our spending to save our beloved pets’ lives, having pet insurance can go an awfully long way in providing some peace of mind. We have a policy for our 3- year-old dog that I secured when she was a puppy.

( “How much is too much to spend on a sick pet?” Opinion, Sept. 20)

Thankfully, we’ve had yet to use it but it’s totally worth the cost of a few lattes each month, knowing it’s there if we need it.

Suzanne Muir, San Diego

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To the editor: As a veterinarian with more than 30 years’ experience, I have seen many things occur within the profession. One thing remains constant, however: Good veterinary medicine is not cheap, and cheap veterinary medicine is not good.

Many owners are ill-equipped to deal with the financial reality of a pet’s sudden illness or accident. This can cost thousands of dollars; the level of sophistication in veterinary medicine today allows pets to receive essentially the same level of care that human patients do.

Pets occupy a special place in our lives that is sometimes equal to, or more important than, our human family members. It is time that we stop rationalizing why we are spending so much money on “just another pet,” and do something pro-active so we don’t have to make uncomfortable choices, to the detriment of quality care. Pet insurance is the answer.

David A. Gordon, DVM, Laguna Niguel

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To the editor: In our case, after our beloved dog was diagnosed with cancer and we were told there was a good chance the $2,000 treatments would not work, we decided to put her down.

That same day we went out and rescued another dog. We kept our dog’s memory alive by saving another life yet putting Sadie out of her pain.

The problem in today’s society is that people don’t understand the difference between beloved pet animals and human beings.

Ed Sinderman, Laguna Woods

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To the editor: My ideas: Set up a “pet savings account” as soon as you bring a pet home. Pet insurance exists, but doesn’t cover them for a lifetime.

Also, sometimes spending for a second opinion is well worthwhile. Not all vets are equal.

Barbara Snowberger, Hollywood

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