Would you refinance your house to give your pet cancer treatments? (second mortgage, refinancing)

[gt776]

This topic came up in another thread.

Now I really love animals. I do. But I draw the line at refinancing a house to delay the death of a loved pet.

I understand that some people are going to oppose my view, claiming that it's their money and they'll spend it as they see fit, but to me it smells of terribly misplaced spending habits - the same habits that may have brought this country to its knees economically over the past few decades.

It also reminds me of when an aquantaince got married - her parents remortgaged the home to cover the extravangent expenses - only to divorce after a year and a half because the husband found out she was cheating on him just weeks after they gave their vows. What do her parents have to show for it all?

What's with this wasteful spending culture on Long Island? Is it as strong during these current economic times, or are people still spending extravagently?

[Viralmd]

I would do it in a heartbeat. My dogs would die for me. It's the least I could do for them.

[S.I.B.]

I'd draw the line much sooner than that.

[LongIslandCitizen]

More details please. How old is the dog and its diagnosis. What is the cost? A lot to you may be liitle for me or vice versa.

[I_Love_LI_but]

Absolutely. I would not consider it a waste of money because my pets are part of my family! At the end of 2007 my cat was diagnosed with lymphoma and with treatment there was a good outlook. She had radiation treatment and is still doing great. At the end of 2008 my dog was diagnosed with secondary lung cancer. She is doing fine with chemo. I spent (am still spending) plenty of money. It was not from a second mortgage or financing, but if I had to, I would. I have sacrificed thousands of dollars that could be in my savings for my cancer pets and I don't mind. They are my family and I love them. I am able to pay cash for this by NOT being extravagant and living beyond my means.

My factor in deciding to do this was not money obviously but the possible outcome. It really depends on whether the pet will have a good quality of life getting the cancer treatments, if there's a chance of remission, OR if they will suffer horribly and die anyway no matter if you give them treatment it is not worth it. You know how there are PEOPLE with cancer that the doctors are just treating and treating and the patients are suffering and suffering? It's just horrible, but you can't put "people to sleep," even though in some cases it might be for the best for the person suffering. At least with pets you can legally end their suffering. But if there is a chance of a good outcome, I would not hesitate to spend the money on cancer treatment for a pet.

PS: If you think providing healthcare for pets is an "extravagance," then no, you do not "love animals." You look at them as "things you can throw away when they are broken" not living, loving beings.

[Peter B]

We have 2 small dogs that are the loves of our lives. Without a doubt, we would spend whatever is necessary to keep them healthy & alive. Remember one thing, it is ALWAYS a sad event when a dog dies. However, I do not hold that sentiment for ALL humans

Many hillbillies & white trash will say a bullet is cheaper.

[Burb]

Originally Posted by Peter B

We have 2 small dogs that are the loves of our lives. Without a doubt, we would spend whatever is necessary to keep them healthy & alive. Remember one thing, it is ALWAYS a sad event when a dog dies. However, I do not hold that sentiment for ALL humans

Many hillbillies & white trash will say a bullet is cheaper.

My house? Not spend savings or dip into retirement but leverage the house...(Looks around for my straw hat, hillbilly overalls and a piece of straw to chew on.)

[nancy thereader]

I have a friend who did this for a 12 year old dog & the treatment did not even work. I think, though, that she would not have been able to live with herself if she hadn't done it. Her pets are her whole life.

[ShellzBellz]

Without a doubt..Its your family!

[KarenBo]

As a person dealing with the rapid decline of my 15 year old dog, I can say honestly that I would not. I would love for my dog to live forever, but I would hate to prolong her suffering. I do not think that putting myself into greater financial debt would be good for either of us, and if I made her suffer more or longer as a result of it then I would regret it even more.