The builders show up ( unannounced ) to repair the downpipes and guttering damaged in the storm. A pleasant surprise. The head honcho suggests I may wish to pay in advance. His kind suggestion is ignored.
Bob and Sophie are amazed by the feverish activity. Morose youths, made suddenly unmorose by the thought of a pay cheque, are hoisted skywards to clean the gutters. Figures can be seen scurrying across the roof replacing broken tiles. Two fork lifts cross the courtyard making high pitched beeping noises . Bob barks from behind the large box tree to let them know who's boss. Sophie insists on supervising the putting up of the scaffolding. Both PON's help excavate ditches.
The workmen will be back this morning to complete the job. After that they head off for a month. The PON duo will be delighted to have a second day of excitement.
Here's something that might interest dog owners : http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2014/07/veterinary_medicine_ethical_dilemmas_how_much_should_you_pay_to_save_a_pet.html
11 comments:
Perhaps if it wasn't all so expensive to begin with...
The cost of medical treatment as more sophisticated tests, drugs and surgeries are devised, will surely create ever more ethical dilemmas for both pets and humans. I recall when Hamish first started suffering from fits, with no obvious cause, the vet in Aberdeen said they could send him down to Glasgow for a scan but it would cost over £2000 and if a tumour was discovered they probably couldn't treat it so they didn't recommend the scan and I agreed. I have often wondered how I would have reacted if the vet had put it differently and pressed me to have him scanned, just so they'd know. Hamish only lived a couple of weeks longer and the vets bills did not become astronomical, but I can't be the only one of your devoted long time readers who wondered about the cost of vets bills during both Wilf and Digby's illnesses and understood that, for good reasons, the dogs were, to you and the font, priceless.
Cheers,
Gail.
PS Crossing fingers that the builders do finish before the month long holiday.
You must feel like you won the lottery....the workmen arriving BEFORE August!
That was a very thought provoking article Angus. I know when our last dog became ill after discovering that she was not insured the Vets attitude changed instantly from, 'lets put her through a thousand and one tests, keep her in overnight etc' to 'lets think about this and do what we think is best for her!' Never did ask if we could afford it though.
Builders, new toys for the PONS
As have others, in recent years I've noticed the increasing vet reliance on meds and tests. My own vet has gone from "let's see what we might do" to "let's prescribe XYZ and perhaps take some pictures." It's worrying because I find that once on prescription meds it's almost impossible to undo.
Once a long time ago, I read a line that said dogs seldom die of a disease they might have, but more so die of depression wondering where their magic has gone. I know at my age it would be impossible to pay thousands of dollars to keep my dog alive. but my first concern would be, how much illness can my dog manage and still be a dog. Sometimes euthanasia is the kindest and best gift for a sick dog
The second photo has a distinct Don Quixote feeling.
Hurrah! The workman actually showed up! Your job may actually be completed in a timely fashion. Good idea not to make payment early.
My soulmate cat was referred to a major, highly respected, university teaching hospital. Because I requested he be given what ever he needed and I would pay, I believe he received many invasive, possibly painful tests that did not relate directly to his condition. I finally removed him from that facility and took him to Animal Medical Center in New York. They were confounded as to why some of the tests were done. They got to the bottom of his problen in just a few visits with only a few diagnostics. Palliative care was the only option. I've never told anyone but I spent over $14,000 US, most wasted , and put this poor animal through hell. Granted, if I had taken him to AMC first, the $€£ would have been substantially less and it would have been less painful for him. ( I think the first hospital saw me as an easy mark). I'm still guilty over this because I probably would have not gone this route for my own care. I pray he forgives me.
A scent fiesta for the PONs!
Whatever I could afford to spend on the care of my pets, I'd be more than willing to shell out.
I remember spending just under two months salary to save my dog Snowy....luckily for me my vet allowed me to carry a running balance over a few months to help out my situation since I was not a "non-paying" risk....it was worth it.
From Jo's World: ". . . my first concern would be, how much illness can my dog manage and still be a dog. Sometimes euthanasia is the kindest and best gift for a sick dog." Absolutely correct and well stated. Our most important responsibility as caretaker of our pets is to insure their quality of life. I am thankful I have been able to buy the best possible health care for my dogs. I am equally thankful I have been able to choose euthanasia.
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