Another day, another trip to the vet. In this case, it was an eye specialist for our youngest schnauzer, Tally. She is 8 years old, and as healthy and happy as any dog can be. Unlike, her 6-year older sister, Tinker, she does not have allergies or aches & pains, but during her annual physical the doctor noticed a growth on her eyeball. We thought we better have it checked out, so I set up an appointment for this morning. The results from the biopsy won’t be available for another week. For once, it was Tinker anxiously sitting in the chair next to me, worried that the doctor would surprise her with a thermometer. It’s typically Tally who’s sitting there casually observing the poking and probing.

As I watch Tinker grow old, I’m beginning to see my own mortality, as she quickly approaches 100 dog years. I’m nearing 67 human years and every movement is an effort. Tinker’s feet are sore and sensitive, as she struggles with our 3-mile weekend walks. Stairs are difficult, and she needs our assistance getting up and down from the bed, couch, or car. Tally is still a bundle of energy, but is reluctant to move too far ahead, so she’ll suddenly stop and refuse to move until the pack catches up. A few days ago, we tried to walk them separately, but neither one could go a step forward without looking back for the other. 

We’re certainly worried about the biopsy report, knowing that cancer cells can tragically shorten any dog’s life. In the meantime, we’ll be applying antiseptic drops to her right eye. As our canine medicine cabinet content mutiplies, I was hoping that both dogs might be using the same drug – but no. Tinker has an eye infection, in addition to ear infections, so we’ve accumulated many bottles, tubes, and swabs that never seem to be interchangeable between pets or malady’s. As a result, we’ve compiled an expensive array of useless drugs. Until today, none of them had ever been prescribed to Tally.

You’ve heard me quote the phrase, “getting old is not for sissies.” The same applies to pets. Older dogs and retirees require more care and attention. Between food, treats, monthly heart-worm preventatives, annual physicals, shots, vet visits, and medication, we are now spending about $900 a month on pet care. Also, since we’re away from home at least 7 days a month, this adds another $600 in pet-sitter expenses. As a recent retiree, this is becoming an unexpected retirement investment that is certainly worth it, but also troublesome. With my wife still working, this means that Tinker, Tally, or I may need to get a part-time job!

Once again, it’s been another “Pet.Vet.Debt. kind of day.”