Going to the dogs...

So as part of our home study paperwork, we have to certify that all living breathing members of our family are healthy and will in no way be a detriment to our newest family member. The older ones, including adorable older stepson, must be finger printed and have criminal background checks... very official! (Maris is actually quite pleased that he gets to be in on the police station fun... he's a nut, what can I say!)

So, since my dogs are living, and from the wretched breath, I know still breathing, they must also be completely "vetted"... get it? (it's a weak pun, but it's all I've got today.)

So I called my vet to see what this process would entail (i.e. cost) and I was presented with a $500 dollar estimate. After I picked my jaw up off the floor and reminded my self that the three of them are precious to us, no matter the cost, I began to phone around. I have now found a nice vet office where a friend of mine works who will do all the basics and sign off on all the paperwork for the bargain price of $300.

Do you know that it cost all four people a whopping $60 total to get the same, or similar thing accomplished? And we ask questions, talk back, and make lame jokes about paper gowns. I guarantee that my puppies will be easier to deal with.

It makes me feel very grateful for health insurance. It also makes me think that next time I consider getting a dog, I should just donate $300 to the local Quaker meeting that has a program to buy insurance for the uninsured.

On a totally different and completely braggy note, youngest step Son is getting an award tonight for being a scholar/athlete. This means he made it through all of his football season with A's and B's despite 9 hours of practice a week.... what a kid!