As a former dog owner, it’s clear that we all desire a long and healthy life for our furry friends. However, caring for them can sometimes be challenging, particularly if they come with pre-existing health issues that can be quite costly to treat. This was certainly true for Zippy, a senior dog adopted by his owner, Michelle, who soon noticed something was off and decided to visit the vet.
An Unusual Problem
While many assume Zippy had pet insurance that would cover his treatment costs, Michelle didn’t obtain any due to his pre-existing heart condition, which would not be covered. Given the high cost of veterinary care in California, she believed it was sensible not to invest in insurance that wouldn’t be beneficial. However, when Zippy began coughing excessively, she urgently took him to a clinic in California for examination.
Doctors discovered that Zippy had a ‘foreign object’ in his body. Although they initially believed he would pass it naturally, concerned about his heart condition, Michelle and her partner sought immediate action. The vets attempted to induce vomiting, but that didn’t succeed. Ultimately, they successfully removed the object using endoscopy. Surprisingly, it was just a tiny rock causing all the trouble. The entire procedure cost $6,000, prompting Michelle to share a video of Zippy’s experience on TikTok.
Reaction On The Internet
The clip quickly gained traction online, amassing 948,000 views, nearly 150,000 likes, and a flood of comments. One user remarked: “That is the face of someone who has not learned his lesson and will absolutely do it again.” Despite our best efforts, dogs often repeat their mistakes. Another commenter shared: “My pup’s rock cost $3200, thank God for pet insurance. I got reimbursed 80%.” While pet insurance can be beneficial, it’s vital to thoroughly research before making a commitment.
Another comment read: “I’m shocked that it required a vet visit; it looks small and smooth enough to pass through. Guess I need to watch my dogs closer haha.” This highlights the importance of monitoring what our dogs consume daily—issues like these can arise unexpectedly. Fortunately for Zippy, everything turned out well in the end, and his story resonated with many, bringing a bit of joy and relatability to others.
