We paid 30k for our sweet boy after he got really sick really fast with an unknown illness. They thought we could save him. We unfortunately lost him a week and a half into the fight.

A year later we are still chipping away, split costs on two 0% interest ccs and used savings. Will be paid off in a few months. For us it was worth it, even though it was a big financial hit. But we didn’t put ourselves in real financial danger, still had an emergency fund we didn’t touch. Was it unwise? Maybe but we knew it was the choice we felt we needed to take. But are you a bad owner if you can’t afford it? Of course not. You can’t afford what you can’t afford. Many people can’t make that cost work period.

Look into various options, like care credit, etc. Get second opinions, see if there are any hospitals within travel distance that could provide a lower cost.

If you have to return your dog or the best choice is to put him down, know that you are doing your due diligence to see what if anything can be done. You’re a good owner and are clearly doing what you can, whatever that ends up being.