Over ten years ago, I spent $1,200 for emergency surgery on Norman the Wondercat (see my FR homepage). That was a real stretch, but it was worth it. He recovered completely, and is now 16 years old. He’s sitting next to me as I FReep.
I cannot imagine going to the lengths with any pet that these people are going to. First, I don’t have anywhere near that kind of money; second, I wouldn’t torture any animal with the kinds of procedures that dog is being subjected to.
My other cat Betty (again, see my homepage) died a couple of months ago. She was 14 and had stopped eating. I took her to the vet, who had me force feed her food and medicine, and later kept her at the clinic during her last few days. It cost almost $500 did her no good. If I had it to do again, I would have made her comfortable and let her go in peace instead of torturing her during her last days.
A cat or dog is not a person. You have to know when to let go.
Your lovely *Norman* looks just like a cat we had years ago, the kids named *Cinnamon*. He was a wanderer ...would go away for weeks at a time, but always came home, eventually. A gypsy at heart. :)
Critters give us so much. Looks like you had quite a pair.
Man, one of your cats really looks like yoda.