Oops! My Dog Ate Chicken Bones: A Costly Lesson in Pet Care


Alright, fellow pet parents, gather ’round for a cautionary tale about the time my dog decided to turn my kitchen counter into an all-you-can-eat buffet. Picture it: a plate of delicious cooked chicken left unattended, a hungry pup with a nose for trouble, and a frantic trip to the emergency vet. Yep, that’s how it all went down.

So, there I was, minding my own business, when I made what I can only describe as a rookie mistake (despite being a seasoned dog owner). I left that plate of chicken bones out, thinking nothing of it. But before I knew it, my four-legged friend had swooped in and gobbled it all up faster than you can say “chew toy.”

Now, cooked chicken? Not a problem. But cooked bones? Yikes. They can wreak havoc on a dog’s insides, causing all sorts of trouble. So, off we dashed to the emergency vet, where I braced myself for the worst.

After what felt like an eternity of waiting and worrying, the vet delivered the news: my pup would likely pass those pesky bones without needing surgery. Phew! Cue the sigh of relief.

But here’s where things got a little ruff. As we made our way out of the clinic, I had to face the music—and the bill. A hefty $500, to be exact. Ouch.

Thankfully, I had pet insurance to help soften the blow. I handed over my policy details, and the clinic kindly took care of the paperwork for me. Weeks later, a check arrived in the mail—but it was only for $250, half of what I paid. Talk about a letdown.

Turns out, I had forgotten all about my insurance deductible—a rookie mistake, if ever there was one. See, just like with human insurance, pet insurance comes with a deductible, which is the amount you have to shell out before your coverage kicks in. Mine? A cool $250.

So, while my insurance covered half of the bill, I was still on the hook for the other half. Lesson learned.

But here’s the silver lining: I had $250 stashed away in my savings account just for emergencies like this. No credit card debt for this pet parent, thank you very much! Having that cash cushion gave me peace of mind and kept my finances in check—even when faced with unexpected expenses.

So, fellow pet pals, here’s the takeaway: always be prepared. Whether it’s saving for a rainy day or knowing the ins and outs of your insurance policy, a little foresight goes a long way in keeping your furry friend—and your wallet—happy and healthy.

And remember, accidents happen. But with a little planning and a lot of love, we’ll always have our pets’ backs, no matter what life throws our way.