Quibbling over Kibble and Big Vet Bills

American Veterinary Medical Association

reports that pet-owning households spent an average of $356 annually on veterinary visits in 2007, the latest year for which data is available. A story in USA Today, a publication that incidentally makes fine puppy-training tools, says financially struggling pet owners are now having trouble paying those veterinarian bills and are often choosing euthanasia over expensive treatments.

I'm not sure that's such a bad thing.

Personally, I think $356 on vet bills is a lot of money – whether you're financially strapped or not. Not very long ago, a dog's (or a cat's) life meant sleeping outside and hoping for a few table scraps. Today, a pet is a family member and sleeps on a therapeutic canine-support mattress – or in bed with his owner. And goes to the vet for Well Doggy Visits.