Protect Your Wallet and Your Pet’s Health Are You Missing Out on This Money-Saving Option? What kinds of strange things could be in your dog’s stomach? According to veterinarians, dogs find socks weirdly delicious, and at least one has swallowed an engagement ring! These stories sound funny — until it happens to you. All pet owners try to keep their dogs out of the holiday chocolate or their cats from nibbling on poisonous houseplants. Still, fewer than half have insurance to cushion the financial blow if an unexpected visit to the vet becomes necessary. Insurance is growing in popularity, with about 24% of U.S. pet owners opting for coverage, but that’s a small number given that nearly 70% of households have a pet. More people have pets than children these days! Like any family member, a pet’s medical needs should be part of the household budget. Average pet health insurance premiums are between $10 and $50 per month, with most people paying $354 annually. Additional options like dental coverage may make sense depending on your pet’s breed and habits. The cost is worthwhile compared to paying out of pocket for an unexpected surgery, up to $7,000.
Arbor Day, celebrated this year on April 25, is a chance to dig deep and nurture the environment while creating lasting memories with your kids. Rooted in the love of trees, Arbor Day is a perfect opportunity to teach your little ones the importance of caring for our planet while having fun outside. With wildfires destroying millions of acres of trees annually, the need for replanting has never been greater. Planting a tree is a hands-on way to make a difference; kids love getting their hands dirty. Plus, it’s more than just a lesson in environmental stewardship — it’s an activity that promotes exercise, teamwork, and pride in watching something grow. Start the adventure. Choose the perfect tree and location. Let your children take the lead in selecting a spot with the right amount of sunlight and plenty of room for growth. Once you’ve gathered your tools — a spade, mulch, soil, water bucket, and, of course, your tree — the real fun begins. Together, dig a hole just the right size for the root ball. While the adults may handle the more technical steps, like trimming roots that twist or grow in circles, kids can pitch in by scooping dirt and getting up close to nature. As you settle the tree into its new home, explain how the roots will anchor it and how its leaves will turn sunlight into energy. After planting, the work doesn’t stop! Teach your children how to water the tree properly — soaking the root ball without overwatering. Build a mulch ring together and explain its purpose in keeping the roots cool and moist. Then, it’s time to watch it grow! Chart the journey ahead. Planting a tree is just the beginning of a long-term adventure. Encourage your kids to measure the tree’s growth, sketch its leaves, and write about its progress in a journal. Snap photos together to document its transformation, and talk about trees’ vital role in providing oxygen, shade, and habitat for all of us. This Arbor Day, take a moment to plant more than a tree — plant a memory. Working together as a family teaches lessons in responsibility, environmental care, and the joy of nurturing life. Plus, the smiles and laughter along the way? Those are the real treasures. CREATE LASTING FAMILY MEMORIES THIS ARBOR DAY LEAF A LEGACY AND PLANT A TREE!
Pet insurance is just like many human health insurance plans. When you take your insured pet to the veterinarian, you pay the bill upfront and then file for reimbursement
with the insurer. Pet policies fall into three general areas — illness and wellness check-ups, only well check- ups, or accident-only coverage — but they can be combined.
You can save money by comparing the coverages of large insurance
carriers against pet- specific carriers. You can also ask your current insurer about bundling coverage
with your renter’s, auto, or homeowner’s policies. They may even have a discount for enrolling multiple pets. To ensure
you get the right policy, find out what is excluded from coverage, like preexisting conditions. It can be helpful to confer with your vet first about your pet’s medical needs for a good fit. Medical care is essential for pets. Budgeting insurance coverage for them can save your sanity and wallet if an emergency arises. Without it, a simple accident can really blow a hole in your finances.
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