re: How much do you spend on your loyal companion each year?

The first small dog we've ever had, others have been hunting breeds, Labs & Goldens and my best, an Irish Setter who lived to 16 years old.

Took him in for what was to be a few months while friends adapted to their first child, now 14 years ago. Unusual for little dogs, he loves kids and will put up with pulled ears and eye pokes until he's had enough and barks once or twice loudly while moving away. Never bites or nips.

In June thought he had doggie dementia, turns out he was almost blind, thus why staring at walls inches away and acting strange. He's got a small brain tumor, now totally blind, almost deaf, Cushing's disease, a failing heart and kidneys, needs prescription foods and meds. Between ultra sound scans and blood tests at $600 a pop, vet bills are more than human ones.

The Chinese call Shi Tzu's lion dogs, he's not afraid of anything. They're mostly loyal to one person and that's me. Told the vet whatever it took to keep him comfortable was fine cost wise. He still loves to eat and get treats, sleeps a lot more but is happy. I carry him outside and back so he doesn't hurt himself trying to find his way.

I'll do what it takes to keep him comfortable but not prolong his life just because I hate to lose him. It will be deeply painful when the time comes, even though I've been through it with other great dogs.

Duffy has been one of the best and we'll make sure his remaining time with us, however long or short, is as good as possible. I will be with him to the very end.



That really isn't the question the OP asked, but is what came to mind as I thought about it.