Re: My Berner Opinion
Kenny, this is a truly special breed. I've not found one that is more personable, loving, communicative. My experience with our one dog is that our costs were about average with the added one or two nighttime emergency room trips (foxtails in the mouth once) over seven years. If you had asked me at that point I'd say the cost of a berner is like any dog and I've give you nothing but positive feedback. Fur? That's trivial. But now we find we've spent well over $10,000 in the last 10 months for two surgeries, ER, vet bills and intensive aftercare (meds, stretcher, expendables like wee-wee pads, special food and vitamins, pet sitters, physical therapy, acupuncture). We were responsible pet owners and we had saved for emergencies and were happy to have it to pay the first surgery and all the aftercare (and he recovered 95% btw - not a terminal illness case). It was the second one 8 months later that really got to us. If you were in our shoes with a healthy happy dog that suddenly one night became paralyzed, you'd probably opt to spend the $4,000 on the surgery and tests too rather than suddenly euthanize. And you'd be glad you did when he returned to his healthy self. However it will always remain a personal choice between owner and pet and issues such as quality of life must be evaluated. I don't know if pet insurance would have covered his two surgeries or if it would have been considered hereditary as insurance companies often swing in their favor when it comes to exemptions. But if you choose this wonderful, loving, special large breed you should seriously consider insurance. It was not as good 8 years ago when I checked into it, but it's improved since. It would certainly cover accidents. And also put aside money each month for a fund to take care of anything that wouldn't be covered by insurance. Something like 3x-4x the cost of your dog would not be unreasonable as I believe our case (10-11x) is more exceptional. I'm sure you will be very happy when you get your dog. This is a terrific community of berner-lovers and as you've seen there is a lot of wonderful support here on the list. I'm deeply endebted to the loving people here who continue to give us support during our whole ongoing ordeal. Your enthusiasm is wonderful but if you are considering breeding as you say, it can only help you to hear from owners and breeders who have had a variety of experiences, both positive and negative. And after all I've been through, I still find this breed to be the most special. Donna and Hugo
Re: My Berner Opinion
Kenny -- All of us have to make the decisions which are ultimately "best" for us. Nobody can make those decisions for us - although some may condemn us for them ;-( Not wanting to spend thousands of dollars to prolong the life of a terminally ill pet is not a crime. Some on this List would disagree - they are entitled to. But do NOT let anyone else's opinion (including mine) make up your mind for you. Do what you feel is right. Who knows, you may actually find your opinion changes over time. And that's not a crime either ;-) Best wishes in whatever you decide. Liz Steinweg & The Crew Blue Moon's Baloo Berry Torte "Baloo" Bobby Sox (husky-x), Figaro (20+ lb Forest Cat) Rio & Sahara (the "Rat Cats") and in loving memory of my 1st BMD - Toby (6/29/97 - 6/30/00 lost to MH) Colorado Springs CO http://www.csbservices.com/personal/personal.htm - Original Message - From: "Kenneth L Babcock" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Bernese Mountain Dog Mailing List" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Sunday, March 02, 2003 12:00 PM Subject: My Berner Opinion First off I'd like to thank everyone that has offered their opinions and experiences both good and bad. It seems like your mailing group contains a very diverse collection of Bernese Mountain Dog lovers! Some seem to dwell the negative while others embrace the positive. At this point I don't see myself spending several thousands of dollars for the illness of a dog that is near an unavoidable death. Hopefully that does not make me a bad person? Next, I am in love with the breed and choose to persue finding a good reputable breeder (which I think I already found). My decision will be based on my breeder and rest assured all the issues brought up in this forum will be discussed at great length between myself and which ever breeder I decide on. Finally, NO Teressa I don't cast away a sick pet! I will do the best I can with what ever means I have but I will not be spending ten's of thousand's of dollars on berner or any other pet that ultimatly faces terminal illness. I hope someone out there understands my point of view and that I am not condemed as some animal hater Thanks to ALL! Kenny
My Berner Opinion
First off I'd like to thank everyone that has offered their opinions and experiences both good and bad. It seems like your mailing group contains a very diverse collection of Bernese Mountain Dog lovers! Some seem to dwell the negative while others embrace the positive. At this point I don't see myself spending several thousands of dollars for the illness of a dog that is near an unavoidable death. Hopefully that does not make me a bad person? Next, I am in love with the breed and choose to persue finding a good reputable breeder (which I think I already found). My decision will be based on my breeder and rest assured all the issues brought up in this forum will be discussed at great length between myself and which ever breeder I decide on. Finally, NO Teressa I don't cast away a sick pet! I will do the best I can with what ever means I have but I will not be spending ten's of thousand's of dollars on berner or any other pet that ultimatly faces terminal illness. I hope someone out there understands my point of view and that I am not condemed as some animal hater Thanks to ALL! Kenny
