WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER PET INSURANCE The veterinary landscape has changed a lot over the last several decades. “Fifty years ago,” Dr. Clark says, “we didn’t have the technology to do the things we do currently. The expectations were different, and so was the human-animal bond.” As medical technology has advanced, it has also become more expensive. Many people want to do right by their pets but don’t know how to pay for it. That’s why, Dr. Clark says, “Pet insurance has become a part of our normal conversations with people. With new clients, we talk about the advantages of having it.” GIVING YOU PEACE OF MIND
Than the Average Bear
My mom is a veterinary technician at the Animal Clinic of Kalispell, and I spend a lot of time there playing with the other dogs in the kennel. I especially like hanging out with my best buddy, a Newfoundland I met at the clinic as a puppy. Sometimes you can hear us wrestling from inside the office! MEET WICK!
I have a girlfriend, too — two girlfriends, actually, but they don’t mind. They’re both faux chinchilla blankets. The
first one belonged to my mom, but I loved it more than she did. And when I got my second one, I realized there’s no such thing as too much company! I love my girlfriends very much, and
I sometimes bring them to other people to touch. That’s how you know I like you.
Pet insurance works like most other types of insurance: Policyholders pay a premium for the insurance and have a deductible they must pay before the benefits kick in. Typically, the lower the deductible is, the higher the premium. Once the deductible is exhausted, the insurance pays for a significant portion of the covered services. Some policies only cover accidents, while others cover additional medical problems. The most expensive policies even cover wellness visits. The age of the pet isn’t any consideration, but just like other insurance, they don’t cover preexisting conditions. It is best to sign up for pet insurance before your pet becomes ill, making pet insurance most valuable when obtained while the pet is still young and healthy. “Veterinarians don’t have a crystal ball,” Dr. Clark says. “So we don’t know that two years from now, this dog will eat a rock and need surgery, or this cat will get kidney failure and need lifelong care.” Both of those things, he notes, tend to cost thousands of dollars. “Most of us have some income, and as long as things don’t go wrong, we can manage just fine,” Dr. Clark notes. “But unexpected surgery or chronic illness gets us in trouble if we haven’t planned for it. It’s terrible to have these situations where our clients are stressed because their pet is sick, and they want the treatment, but they don’t have the cash to do it,” Dr. Clark continues. “Unfortunately, monetary considerations play a huge role in what we do.” When your pet is well, insurance may seem like an unnecessary expense. But when things go wrong, it can sometimes be the difference between life and death for your furry family member. Most of us don’t have thousands of dollars saved for our pets’ medical care. Unless you’re an exception, pet insurance is a sound investment that can grant you peace of mind.
Though I can be kind of goofy sometimes, Mom tells people I’m also
really smart. She says she can see it in my eyes and knows I understand everything she says. She isn’t wrong! She also says it was hard to train me because I like doing things my own way. But now, I make it a point to be a gentleman. Unless, of course, I run into a wild animal. Then I’ll use my strengths and smarts to take it down!
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. Using an electric mixer, beat the pumpkin purée, peanut butter, and eggs on medium-high for about 1–2 minutes until combined. 3. Gradually add old-fashioned oats and 2 1/2 cups flour at low speed until barely incorporated. Add an additional 1/4 cup flour at a time until the dough is no longer sticky. 4. Add carrot, zucchini, and spinach, then beat just until incorporated. 5. On a lightly floured surface, knead dough 3–4 times. 6. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to shape, then place treats on a lined baking pan. 7. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the edges are golden brown. Cool completely before serving.
– Dr. Jevon Clark
406.755.6886
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