An interesting article: Why is it SO EXPENSIVE?

[Maui's Mom]

this was a great article ! I think every bird store and every vet office should frame it and hang it . the amount of time that my vets, avian and for my dogs, has been so much more than the pediatrician did with my children when they were small. makes me so mad that someone could have a living, breathing creature in their home and not think of it as part of their family.

[Luvmygrey]

Very informative article. Thanks for posting it!

[jessica313]

very informative article thanks so much for sharing it!

it really disgusts me too the way people think because an animal is inexpensive that its like is not worth anything u can possibly do to help..
i see this often because i am also on a RES forum (red ear slider turtle)
and people are ALWAYS saying stuff like there. it makes me sick
"why should i pay $60 to bring him to the vet when i could buy 3 more turtles for that much??"

THESE PEOPLE DISGUST ME..... i wish they wouldnt sell pets to just anyone

[Eliza]

Great article. Liz Wilson makes me want to go back to school to become a CVT.

My co-workers were in shock when I revealed that Beetle's well-bird exam cost $300.00. They couldn't believe that I'd shell out that kind of money "for a bird."

I wanted to counter with, "You'd do that for your son or daughter, wouldn't you?" but thought that was in poor taste.

Sure, I winced a bit handing over the debit card (who wouldn't!). I won't lie: I hate that vet care for avian and exotic pets is so expensive. But I've made a committment to these animals and with that is a committment to their healthcare. Simple as that.

No one expects their pet to succumb to a sudden illness or to suffer a catastrophic injury. But no one expects that to happen to their children. You wouldn't say, "Oh, I can adopt/foster/give birth to a healthy kid for less than XXXXX" would you?

Too bad owning pets (and having children, for that matter) doesn't involve testing, like getting a vehicle license, right?

-e-

[Lisa B]

Originally Posted by ejw829

I wanted to counter with, "You'd do that for your son or daughter, wouldn't you?" but thought that was in poor taste.

-

I've been known to say that. I dont really care if its in poor taste. If someone should challenge my love for my children, they best watch out.

My BIL commented to me when Sam was sick, why I would even consider spending that on a bird, when I could have nearly 10 for that price. I looked at him and said, "Look what you have done for your son(who is in a comatose state), Sam is my son."
He said he was sorry and said he understood. He did relize he was wrong after he said it.
George has physically thrown people out of our house that have commented on what I did. Who I wont say, but I couldnt believe my eyes.

[Dayna]

Look at it this way. I bought a $5.00 rat. I spent $300 on surgery and then when the surgery did not work, $55 to put her down.

I loved her.

She was "just" a rat.

[Buteo]

Originally Posted by ejw829

Great article. Liz Wilson makes me want to go back to school to become a CVT.

My co-workers were in shock when I revealed that Beetle's well-bird exam cost $300.00. They couldn't believe that I'd shell out that kind of money "for a bird."

I wanted to counter with, "You'd do that for your son or daughter, wouldn't you?" but thought that was in poor taste.

Sure, I winced a bit handing over the debit card (who wouldn't!). I won't lie: I hate that vet care for avian and exotic pets is so expensive. But I've made a committment to these animals and with that is a committment to their healthcare. Simple as that.

No one expects their pet to succumb to a sudden illness or to suffer a catastrophic injury. But no one expects that to happen to their children. You wouldn't say, "Oh, I can adopt/foster/give birth to a healthy kid for less than XXXXX" would you?

Too bad owning pets (and having children, for that matter) doesn't involve testing, like getting a vehicle license, right?

-e-

It's hard to justify the expense to those kind of people, but then those Coronary zombies think with their chequebooks anyway. Can't have anything intereferring with the growth of their TNW.

Nice idea about the testing/licensing. The problem with that though is many of US with those *ahem* less than perfect parents shall we say, wouldn't be here.....
Some of us learned important lessons from the "sins of our fathers"..... even if they didn't.

[Irish]

Family is family, whether it's scaled, finned, furred, feathered or clothed. People who don't "get" that are the ones who won't go the extra mile. Good thing there are good vets and kind-hearted strangers out there who often WILL go the extra mile for those people's "just" pets....

Lisa, every time I hear the story of Sampson Bell, I cry. I've lost human and non-human family members, and I feel that raw grief every time you speak of him. To be able to love something that much is a blessing that I wish everyone could feel. The good, and the sorrow, as eventually they both come together, anyway. To be able feel that love--and the grief--makes us more human and more humane.

[GreetingCardReligion]

Wonderful article, thank you so much for sharing :)

I think its tragic that people don't value the birds they bring into their lives. I don't understand how anyone could have the responsibility for a life and just toss it away, especially because of a price tag!

The mutt analogy was a really good one, definantly an excellent point for anyone who cannot fathom providing medical care for their pet simply because it was inexpensive.

Recently I saw that the Petco near my house had their budgies on sale. I think they were only $8.99 or thereabouts. Looking at the colorful little guys hopping around, I felt so sad because most of them probably won't end up well.

[rmhand]

Thanks for the post. That's very interesting. I spent money on my little Lovebird when she was hopping around on one leg. Fortunately there was no broken bones, but it was worth the money just to know she was okay. She and the other Lovebird got into a fight which caused the injury. They are now living in separate cages because it appears both are females. Those little guys mean a lot to me. Their lives are as worthy as anyone elses.