An article in USA Weekend for Jan. 25-27 contradicts my theory that people will stop getting pets because of the vet bills. It says there are 72 million dogs in the USA, up from 62 million in 2001, and 82 million cats, up from 71 million in 2001. The numbers are from the American Veterinary Medical Association and account for lots of other kinds of pets, too.

I know I'm not the only one gagging on the bills.

I ran across a site the other day while I was looking for nonprescription pain relief for dogs. It's called "What You Can Do If You're Having Trouble Affording Veterinary Care." I guess the implication is the only people who would look for nonprescription pain relief for the pets can't afford prescription medication. (I can afford Gassy Girl's care, until our savings run out anyway.) The article has stayed in my mind because I found some of the suggestions offensive.

It starts out reasonably:

Veterinary medicine has progressed so far that now pet owners have new, and often expensive, options for the care of their ailing pets. Although the cost of veterinary care is actually very reasonable in comparison with the much higher cost of human health care, an unexpected medical emergency can present a major financial dilemma for an unprepared pet owner.

Then it suggests starting a pet care savings account—too late for anyone reading the article! It gives several ideas for time payments, subsidies and charitable organizations. Then it gets into suggestions that I think are insulting:

• Use your credit card. Ask for a higher credit limit or a cash advance.

• Call your bank. Ask about loan programs, second mortgages, or other options. Consider borrowing from your life insurance policy, vacation savings, kids' education fund, or retirement program.

• Ask your employer for a salary advance.

• Alert family and friends and ask them each for a $25 loan.

• Pawn your stuff. TVs and VCRs can be replaced. Your pet can't.

• Consider taking on a part-time job or temping.

I find them insulting because (1) people reading the article would have already considered or done all of these and (2) what do they do when it's time to repay the loans or the pet's next prescription or treatment is due?