[redwitch]

Would I spend $5K for a hip replacement for a beloved pet? It depends on the age of the pet, the prognosis, what it would add to its quality of life. I had a cat that was feline soul mate. She knew just by how I opened the door what I needed. No one else in the house did, not even my husband -- I had to tell him. I never had to say a word to Obby, she just knew. She got a kidney infection due to inflamed gums (teeth cleaning was not common then). I tried to convince my husband to let me take her to U.C. Davis where they were just beginning to do kidney transplants on cats. He refused, saying the $3K was money that could be put to better use. I don't think I ever forgave him for not giving her a chance. It would have been money well spent even if unsuccessful. Sometimes you have to give your pets every possible chance.

That being said, I do understand TAJ's point. There is an incredible amount of waste for things that truly aren't necessary and frequently not wanted by an animal (what self-respecting dog wants to wear a "cute" dress when it is 95 degrees out?). No animal needs an $80 carrier; that's the human's ego talking.

The reality is that humans spend a lot of money for things that are purely status. Personally, I would love to see someone donate to to the charity of their choice the difference between a regular golf cart and a Yesteryear cart. To me, it is an ultimate waste of money. However, a very dear friend owns one and loves it to death. Would I deprive her of something that makes her so happy? Nope. Would I tell her that I thought she could have put that money to much better use? I sincerely hope not (and she doesn't ever read TOTV, so I'm safe saying it). The same is true of the money spent on animals. If someone can afford it and it gives them pleasure, especially the pleasure of helping a living creature have a better life, GO FOR IT!

Do what is right for you so long as it doesn't hurt another. If you can look at yourself in the mirror and say you did the right thing for you, then nothing else and no one else's opinion should matter.