The other day, my husband said to me, "There will be no more pets in this house. I am done." I think it was listening to Marco scream (for no good reason) for the 133,563rd time that sent him over the edge. Maybe.
I understood and agreed with him. Two dogs and a parrot are more than enough for anyone! That's not even counting the aquarium animals that have to be cared for (that's his department). Our pets are always needing something: feeding in the morning, walks twice a day, baths for the dogs, cage cleaning for Marco. Lots of attention for all three before we leave for work in the morning and again when we get home in the evening. Feeding everyone again at suppertime. Sometimes all I want to do after work is watch trash tv and zone out for a couple of hours, with no one needing anything from me. But no, I have responsibilities....and to be fair, it's not like they asked to live here with us. Duty calls.
And the vet bills! Two weeks ago, George had to go to the vet to get his limp checked out and also his yearly heartworm prevention shot. That visit was over $300. Then on Tuesday I had to take him back to the vet because his ears had gotten red and inflamed and were driving him crazy. It turned out he had bacterial and yeast infections in them and was prescribed an ointment that we'll be putting in his ears every other day for the next two weeks. He also needed a refill of his anti-inflammatory pills for his arthritic knee. Cost of Tuesday's visit: $190. Five hundred dollars and we're not even halfway through October yet! The vet bills are breaking us.
But hey, you can't put a price on love, right? They bring us a lot of fun and happiness. Plus, there's never a dull moment in our house, as the following little anecdote I shared on Facebook just now so vividly illustrates:
This morning when I let Marco out of his cage, he took off flying. The breeze from his wings as he passed through the kitchen caused a piece of wax paper (that had held a medicated dog treat for George) to flutter to the floor. Before I could stop her, Poppy snatched it up, raced to the bedroom, dropped down on her belly, and ARMY CRAWLED UNDER THE BED AS FAST AS SHE COULD so I couldn't take it from her. Then when I went back to find Marco, he was in the pantry attempting to bust into a bag of walnuts.
This is my life.
Love the story about the thievery! Animals are so opportunistic. I went out to say goodbye to my daughter and grandson, accidently leaving a piece of pizza on the counter. When I returned in a few minutes, the cat had pushed it off the counter and tearing into the cheese topping. Rude! Then she hissed and growled at me when I tried to take it away. Pets are very expensive indeed! The love makes up for it most of the time.
ReplyDeleteI get my dog meds from the Chewy pharmacy. Some vets don't like you doing that, so Chewy will contact them for you. Works like a charm for me.
ReplyDeleteMy friends Pat and Ann have homed two hundred or so dogs in the twenty odd years they have been married. The first time they took in a seriously ill dog, Pat looked at it and said "OK, it will be $500 in vet bills max for you!" Of course that number came and went and the dog lived on. Now it's a joke and if you ask they might say "That one hit the limit long ago!"
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to read this story because it brings it all back into reality. Always tempted to go to the pound or to adopt another bird. I needed this tale!
ReplyDeleteOh. I should not have laughed, but I did. Your delightful three ring circus!
ReplyDeleteAy yi! This is why I will never have a high-demand pet again in my life. I have raised my children and do not have the energy to deal with the problems that dogs or parrots have. Cats? Sure. They do not ask a lot. Chickens...sigh. I miss my yard birds so much.
ReplyDeleteOur animals do make life more interesting!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure that Billy will outlive me, but if he doesn't I won't have another dog. I adore dogs, but I do find that they restrict my movements. Travelling with him is always a nightmare.
ReplyDeleteFor good part of your post, what you describe in relation with your pets sounds very similar to what people with children would say. It's the whole responsibility thing, isn't it; someone (human or animal) needing/wanting you nearly all the time. But as you also say, it can be so very rewarding.
ReplyDeleteI have never had children but until 2013 always had at least one cat living with me, and at some later stage in my life I plan to have pets again - just not now. I remember the vet bills very well, but also the worries when they were ill or didn't come home - same as with kids!!
I enjoyed reading this Jennifer. Sometimes I wish I didn't have 4 cats for the same reasons! X
ReplyDeleteLove the fun you have with animals.
ReplyDeleteNo more pets for me now - I have enough trouble being responsible for myself!
I have one dog ( very laid back and well behaved) and 4 fancy goldfish! The dog has recently cost me £1200.00 having 3 small lumps removed! The fish don't cost much!
ReplyDeleteSG had the inspiration to breed lovebirds. We had a yellow-naped Amazon parrot, a hand-reared lovebird, and two canaries (which we also bred). We turned one room into the lovebird room until, arriving home from work one day, I noticed the entire house smelled like a pet shop.
ReplyDeletePets can require a lot, it's true. Even with just Olga (and a few dozen plants) we have a lot of demands on our time. I laughed at mischievous Marco busting into the walnuts.
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed your post because it's so darn relatable. I "mostly" love being a pet owner but I have times when the responsibility, the additional cleaning, and the expense feels like too much. My vet bill this month was ridiculous. Both my cat and my dog require medication and the dog can't get his prescription refilled until he has a check up. It might be cheaper to send him to University.
ReplyDeletenot my circus not my clowns
ReplyDeleteLOL---so much trouble. Could say the same for loving humans, eh?
ReplyDeleteForget the ****ing Kardashians. I would prefer to watch "At Home With The Barlows". Bound to be far more entertaining - starring Marco Barlow with supporting roles from George, Poppy, The Fish Guy and The Number Cruncher. Ever considered getting a cat?
ReplyDeletePets are a full time relationship and job, not to be taken lightly. It's still worth it.
ReplyDeleteI think two dogs doubles the fun and the work, I am imagining Poppy crawling under the bed with what she thinks is a treat. I have one dog and one cat, that is enough without adding pet no. 3 to the mix.
ReplyDelete