Rascal

Lynn Smart, Edmonton, AB

Rascal was my mom's new and untrained Bernese puppy. I began caring for both of them when my mom was diagnosed with a lung disease.

Training Rascal required a lot of work. His somersaults on a leash made it difficult to take him out for walks, but after lots of love and encouragement he soon understood what a leash was for and loved going for walks!

Shortly after, life became more challenging for me, with a broken wrist, a shattered leg, being wheel-chair bound and being diagnosed with breast cancer. Rascal helped me get through it all. He never left my side, giving me lots of love throughout my healing. Even when my mom passed, Rascal was, once again, at my side while I grieved. I took comfort knowing that Rascal was the last gift my mother gave me.

Then, it was Rascal's turn. He tore his ACL which meant a costly surgery. Luckily, I had Petsecure pet health insurance to take care of Rascal. His health is an absolute priority for me.

When I went back to work, I had a hard time keeping up with my bills, including Rascal's insurance premiums. Petsecure listened to my story and kindly waived one of my monthly premiums.

Petsecure was there for me and for Rascal, helping us get back on our feet.

Thank you Petsecure!

Mia

Joanne Walsh, Gander, NF

Most people might think that pet health insurance is only worth while when the veterinary bill is thousands of dollars, but that's not always the case. A couple of days ago I noticed my little dog Mia biting her leg. She is known to bite her paws a lot due to some allergies she has, so I just told her to stop and didn't think much of it. I looked at her leg and it just looked like she had a clump of wet fur where she was biting it.

A few days later, I looked at her paw again and I could tell she was nursing it and that it was getting really sore under the fur. Of course I noticed this on a Saturday night, and my regular veterinary practice was closed for the weekend.

Mia had a really rough night with a lot of pain and without hesitation I called our veterinarian and he let me bring her in first thing Sunday morning. It turned out that she had a really bad infection on her leg that needed to be cleaned and she needed a shot of antibiotics.

The total cost was $250.00 which to some people may not be a lot of money, but when it comes to making a decision to take your dog to the veterinarian and pay for the emergency treatment and care, or to wait till Monday to save the emergency fee it's worth all the money in the world. I was so relaxed knowing that whatever needed to be done to make Mia well would be backed by Petsecure pet health insurance. I am very proud to know that I am offering Mia the best possible care available!

Thank you for offering such a great service Petsecure!

Tasha

Peter Markham, ON

A month before Tasha's 11th birthday, both her hind legs suddenly became paralyzed. The only symptom prior to this was a slight limp on her right hind leg and our vet thought it might be due to arthritis at her age.

At the Toronto Veterinary Emergency Hospital (where we were referred to), an ultrasound revealed that Tasha suffered from a blood clot blocking blood flow to both her hind legs, a condition that is more commonly found in cats but very rarely in dogs.

The emergency hospital started treatment on Tasha right away. This included an ultrasound, pre-op treatment and a MRI. By the end of the week she was in surgery.

While Tasha's surgery was fairly successful, unfortunately the circulation in her hind legs was compromised long before the initial symptom showed. Due to her poor circulation, any additional efforts to save her hind legs would have been too painful and on top of that, her surgery incisions were not healing well, even with the top-notch care she had received. So with much regret we had to say good-bye to her, after spending the last two days of her wonderful life at home with family and friends.

Petsecure has been highly supportive to us all the way through her 11 years. In total, Petsecure has paid us over $24,000 for Tasha's medical treatment. As a result, I was able to give Tasha access to the best care possible, and for that I am truly grateful to Petsecure.

Zack

Zack's Dad, Edmonton, AB

Everyone we spoke to didn't understand pet insurance, so they of course thought it was scam. But we would be broke if we hadn't invested in Petsecure pet health insurance.

Our Dog Zack seems to get into everything! First had to have surgery to remove a toy that he swallowed, and then another time he swallowed a darning needle that got caught in the back of his throat. He also had severe growing pains that required medication and frequent check ups.

In just over 18 months he had racked up $4,000.00 in emergency veterinary bills. The $50.00 a month we pay for the peace of mind we get with Petsecure is extremely worth it, not to mention that the amount of money he would have already cost us in vet bills would already be 80 months worth of premiums!

Zack is only turning two and already he has quite the file. Simply put, we wouldn't have been able to afford all of his treatments without pet insurance.

Pet health insurance is truly money well spent and the best decision I ever made!

Thank you, Petsecure.

Diesel

Laura Watling, Burlington, ON

My dog Diesel doesn't have one Petsecure story; he has seven years worth of stories. From constant anal gland ruptures, repetitive lump removals, to his highly allergic reaction to bee stings, these are just a few of the unexpected accidents and illness that land us at the vet's office several times a month.

I picked out Diesel from a total of eight puppies when he was two weeks old. When I went back to visit him, he climbed up on my lap and picked me. When I brought I never knew it would turn out the way it did.

After only having Diesel for a few weeks we were hit with our first vet bill of over $750 for an impacted bowel. Diesel would chase our other dog around the house and nip at her tail, eventually all the hair caused a blockage in his system. Luckily the breeder I got Diesel from had provided me with a 6 week Breedsecure voucher from Petsecure.

Since then, I have spent over $28,000.00 on my dog in only seven years and I know that I will be spending much more on him in the years to come. I'm not worried because I have Petsecure to help me along the way. I know that pet insurance can be expensive and some might say that it's not worth it if you don't end up using it, but to be honest, I would rather pay a monthly fee for pet insurance and never have to use it than to have my dog go through all that he has been through over the years. I believe that every pet owner should have pet insurance. After all we are the ones who choose to bring them into our lives, so why not protect theirs?

We also found while researching pet insurance companies, that most other companies do not cover dental work, so again, Petsecure went above and beyond and provided the much needed coverage for our pets.

Thank you Petsecure!

Apalla

Linda & Jay Averbach, Winnipeg, MB

Apalla came into our lives four years ago and she has been giving us never ending love ever since. Although she is a big dog, she believes that she can curl up in your lap any day.

We new the minute we looked into her eyes and she warmed our hearts that we would do anything for her health and happiness. Although she is very strong, we purchased Petsecure as soon as she came into our lives, just in case something was to happen.

Recently, we had the saddest news come to us, Apalla has been diagnosed with lymphoma. Our hearts broke and although we are trying to remain strong for her sake it was the worst day we have ever had.

We are very thankful to Petsecure for helping during this difficult time. We have had several tests, medications and have started her on chemotherapy. Without pet health insurance the financial burden would have been very difficult. Petsecure has easy claim forms to fill out and fax over and the claims are processed so quickly that it helps when your mind is elsewhere. I would highly recommend Petsecure to anyone.

Thank you Petsecure!

Sam and Max

Letitia Bruck, Caledon, ON

Last year, our veterinarian told us that both our elderly cats required dental surgery by a dental care specialist. The estimate they gave us at the dental clinic would have been beyond our means as both my husband and I are living on retirement incomes.

The pet insurance coverage that Petsecure provided allowed us to go ahead with the surgeries for both our beloved cats. Now almost one year later, our two pets are healthy, happy and are behaving like the young cats they used to be!

So often cat owners don't realize what pain an unhealthy mouth can cause their pet. Cats don't like to show distress because in the wild this would show weakness. Because of this, they tend to live in pain and as a result it makes their lives miserable.

The difference we see in our two cats is amazing! Thanks to Petsecure we were able to make our pets lives healthier and happier.

We also found while researching pet insurance companies, that most other companies do not cover dental work, so again, Petsecure went above and beyond and provided the much needed coverage for our pets.

Thank you Petsecure!

Howard

Sarah Pelland, Winnipeg, MB

I came home from work one day to see my cat Howard, very sick and barley able to walk up the stairs. I looked around and noticed half of our peace lily plant was devoured. I called our veterinary practice who told me that peace lilies are toxic and advised me to take him to the emergency clinic right away.

We brought Howard in and they quickly admitted him. I knew plant toxicities could be fatal and I was devastated at the thought of losing our feline friend. I told the vet right away, "Do whatever you need to help Howard. I have pet insurance so I'm not concerned about the cost."

The next day the emergency vet called and Howard had gotten worse. His kidney levels were on the rise, so they increased the fluid therapy and continued his IV. All we could do was cross our fingers and wait.

2½ days later (which felt like a lifetime) our wish was granted! Howard's levels had stabilized and he was back to normal. I was able to pick him up and bring him home that afternoon.

The total bill was $770. I would have paid that amount for Howard, but because of his pet insurance the actual cost I had to pay was a lot less! It was fantastic to know that I could truly afford Howard's treatment (and not rack up the bill on my credit card). Pet insurance provided me the comfort and peace of mind knowing I didn't have to worry about the cost of what needed to be done. I was able to solely focus on Howard getting better and back to his affectionate, adventurous self!

Theia

Jennifer Montague, Cantley, QB

I adopted Theia from the SPCA of Western Quebec just nine months ago. I was lucky enough to have been there the day she came in, as I have been a long time volunteer of the SPCA. In the past, I have had six dogs (two other pugs and four larger dogs) that were all part of Petsecure's amazing insurance program.

I thought to myself, I will foster her until she finds a great home, of course that never happened. I ended up keeping her with all of my other pets.

Theia had health issues that were coming on one after another. She had a tracheal collapse that required over $5,000 worth of surgery. Without Petsecure to help pay for her surgery, I would have been faced with a difficult decision that would have made me an emotional wreck. She also suffered from two eye injuries that were also quite expensive. It was reassuring to know that Petsecure would help me with the costs of Theia`s treatment.

In the end, Theia's conditions got the best of her and we had to peacefully lay her to rest. I was very fortunate to be able to spend time with her in those last remaining six weeks. As I walked into my clinic with Theia in my arms on her last day, I felt a sense of peace that I did not have to make my decision based on money but rather on the quality of life thanks to Petsecure!

Tracer

Tracer's Mom, Camrose, AB

My eight-year-old Weimaraner Tracer, started to show signs of an illness. It started with an ear infection, to severe lameness in one rear leg, then to eye problems (eventually in both eyes), and gradually moved to lameness in three of his legs.

Throughout the treatment of what was eventually diagnosed at Myasthenia Gravis, I never had to worry about what to do next or if I could continue to afford treatment. Unfortunately, due to complications, I had to euthanize Tracer last spring. It became an issue of quality of life and ability to care for him.

Petsecure assisted me through the grieving process with a very patient Customer Care Representative who took care of things in-between my crying moments. Their notes were sympathetic and to the point. I never had to stress about delayed payments or question what was owed. Reimbursement was quick and Petsecure took care of refunding the unused portion of my pet insurance payment without me even asking.

Today we have our new puppy Onyx as part of our family and he's also insured through Petsecure. There was no question in my mind on that decision. There is definitely peace in my mind knowing I can provide the care my pet may need without adding to the stress of balancing the ability to pay for the treatment versus getting our dog back to his usual self.

Thanks Petsecure!

Maggie Mae

Michele Rosefield, Calgary, AB

Maggie Mae was out with her Dad for her daily walk, when out of nowhere, an unleashed and unsupervised German Sheppard pounced on our little girl, picked her up in his mouth, and starting shaking her around like a little rag doll. My brave husband was able to set her free, but the damage had already been done.

Maggie suffered deep puncture wounds and a broken shoulder. We rushed her to the hospital where they immediately took her under their care, and the first night alone cost us $1,200. By the time we took her home three days later, the bill had risen to $2,200, and that didn't even include the amount we would still owe for her daily treatments and upcoming surgery.

Due to the downturn in the economy, my husband hadn't been working for the last 6 months, and the last thing we were expecting was a vet bill. Maggie had always been very healthy, and had it not been for Petsecure, I just don't know how we would have financially managed.

Petsecure has helped us out when we truly needed it, and we are forever grateful that we decided to have Maggie insured. You just never know what's going to happen! I immediately upgraded our plan to Secure 4 (which includes unlimited coverage AND wellness care) and from now on, I will always feel secure knowing that we are protected no matter what may come our way. Thanks Petsecure!

Digit

Cherie Blair, Waterloo, ON

In September, 2008, my cat Digit (who never misses a meal) didn't come home. I looked everywhere for him, I even hung up flyers and checked our local Humane Society but there was no sign of him.

After being gone for four days, we heard a meowing in our backyard. Digit was home, but he was in rough shape. He couldn't put any weight on his back right leg and he had a bad laceration on his lip. The next day, I took him to our vet who told us his injuries were consistent with being hit by a car.

In spite of having a broken pelvis, Digit somehow managed to drag himself home. The vet was worried the misalignment of his pelvis would prevent Digit from passing bowel movements and eventually cause arthritis in his pelvis. My options were to leave the pelvis misaligned to heal on its own, or take him to a specialist an hour and a half away for surgery. Time was of the essence as the pelvis was already starting to fuse in its current position.

My husband and I decided since Digit was so young and because we had pet health insurance, we would go ahead with the surgery. In total, our vet bills were $4,073.22 . The surgeon removed the fractured bones from Digit's pelvis and was able to realign his spine to about 80%. Because of this, Digit will not suffer arthritis or any other complications from the accident.

Without our pet health insurance we would not have been able to afford the surgery for Digit. It was such a stressful time. I was so worried about Digit and it was such a relief that I didn't have to worry about where the money was going to come from to help him get better. Even my claims experience was amazing.

Today, Digit is a healthy, happy and active cat. Watching him walk, you would never know what he went through a year ago.

Stuart

Emma F, QB

One day we took our three year old Stuart for a walk and he barely had the strength to lift his tail. We took him to our veterinarian thinking that he may have hurt his back. After his exam, they didn't find anything out of the ordinary, so we took him home. Two days later, Stuart was licking the cement walls on the exterior of our home. His behaviour was erratic and we became even more worried about him.

When we took him back to our veterinarian, we discovered Stuart was anemic and required emergency treatment right away. Results of a blood test showed that he had Lyme disease, carried from a tick that we removed from him months ago.

We drove Stuart to the animal hospital with a horrible feeling in our stomachs. His anemia was so severe that a blood transfusion became a priority. He quickly became jaundiced (his eyes and skin turned yellow) as the blood was not a perfect match and he suffered several blood clots. Finally, an exact blood match was located and his immune system did not reject it.

Stuart spent 10 days in intensive care and required treatment to suppress his immune system for the next nine months, which included being on seven different pills a day.

We are so happy we had Petsecure pet health insurance to pay the maximum limit on Stuart's coverage level, which was one less thing we had to worry about. We knew that at least some of the enormous bill ($14,000.00) would be covered. After this happened we changed our plan so that we now have unlimited coverage for Stuart. You never know what's around the corner and we weren't about to take the chance.

Today Stuart is still with us. He just turned nine and he's still that happy and energetic dog we know and love. Thanks Petsecure!

Cartouche

Yvan Riel, Otterburn Park, QB

Cartouche was such a happy English Springer. He loved to run and jump, and was often seen with his nose to the ground, sniffing out fowl. One day, as he was leaping over a ditch, he tore the ligaments around his knee. He had surgery to the knee and after one month of recovery, he was eager to get back to playing and exploring.

Six months later he fell sick. We took him to our veterinarian and it turned out our beloved Cartouche had Cancer. The Cancer had attacked one of his kidneys and the organ was so damaged that removing it was the only thing that could save his life. He wasn't even nine yet. We wanted him to live a long and healthy life so we decided to help him fight his illness.

Our veterinarian gave us options, some were quite expensive and out of our means, such as injected chemotherapy every month for $450. After we had Cartouche's damaged kidney removed, we decided to go with oral chemotherapy treatment because it was a less aggressive treatment and a lower dose of chemotherapy. The surgery was around $4,000.00 and the oral chemotherapy was around $35 per month.

Cartouche was getting better, but we could tell the surgery had taken its toll. He didn't have the same energy he once had and he slowly became sick again. This time the Cancer had spread to his other kidney, bladder and spine.

Putting Cartouche down was one of the hardest decisions we've ever had to make and we're still very emotional about our loss. We knew it was the right decision because he couldn't control his bladder any longer and his legs were too weak to walk up and down the stairs. He was in pain and there was nothing else we could do for him.

As much as we miss Cartouche, we are grateful that we had last summer with him. Our veterinary practice provided excellent care and none of this would have been possible if it wasn't for the financial aid that Petsecure pet health insurance provided us.

Like every pet owner out there, we hoped we would only have to visit our veterinarian for annual check-ups but it was so nice to know that because we had prepared and planned for the unexpected the help was there if we needed it. There is no doubt in our minds that the next dog we get will be on Petsecure.

Scarlett

Gail Basaraba, Coquitlam, B.C.

To anyone considering becoming a member of Petsecure, I have a story that may take you from thinking about it 'one day' to signing up right away.

My cousin had picked up a cute boxer puppy last August, and early this year she had a freak accident and broke her front leg - a $5,000 operation. It made me really stop and think about what I would do if my dog, Scarlett, ever had an accident or an illness.

My main concern was what would I do about financing her veterinary care? I took the 4-week trial at my veterinarian practice and when one of Petsecure's representatives called me and asked if I wanted to continue my coverage, I instantly said yes.

Believe it or not, within 6 weeks I was going to need that coverage! Scarlett very suddenly displayed great difficulty and anxiety when breathing, I rushed her to my veterinarian and she was shortly diagnosed with lymphoma.

With the coverage I have through Petsecure, I was able to start chemotherapy immediately. I can't tell you what relief I feel every day knowing that I am helping my dog and not having to worry about financial stress of treatment and care I'm providing. Again, if you are just thinking about getting pet insurance, illness can really happen within the blink of an eye. My dog went from perfect health to aggressive cancer very quickly and I'm thankful that I took that opportunity to sign up for pet health insurance for my furry friend.

Thanks Petsecure!

Niles

Victoria Conlin, Vancouver, BC

My 12-year old, indoor cat, Niles, became severely ill a couple of months ago. He stopped eating and drinking and had severe, bloody diarrhea. As test after test came back negative, the vets bills started to accumulate and Niles needed several rounds of hydration therapy. As upsetting as it was to see my beautiful cat get so ill, I always had the reassurance that Niles' pet health insurance would enable him to receive all the medical attention he needed.

Niles was finally diagnosed with a parasite (Tritrichomonas foetus). He has since been treated, and is currently doing well. Due to the side-effects of his treatment he will require follow-up tests to make sure his liver function has not been compromised. We will cross that bridge when we come to it and I am confident he is truly on the road to recovery.

I completed his Petsecure claim forms, sent off his veterinary bills and they were covered in full (minus my deductible and co-insurance responsibility) within 7 business days. This experience should teach all pet owners that just one illness (even for indoor pets) can spiral into a huge expense and compromise the potential care afforded to our furry loved ones.

Kairo

Allison Bokitch, Rosetown, Sk

I was training Kairo in the field and he was retrieving at a very rapid pace when all of sudden he seemed to hit a low point and he started limping. I initially didn't think it was that bad until I got him home and he collapsed on the kitchen floor.

I immediately took him to the vet and she deemed that he had ruptured his cruciate ligament with some other possible damage. We were referred to an orthopedic surgeon where it was determined that the damage was more than the ruptured cruciate, but a severely torn meniscus as well.

Kairo under went surgery at the Western College of Veterinarian medicine. The recovery was very long and there was a lot of rehab that had to take place; however, Petsecure had it covered!

It has been seven months since Kairo's surgery and he is 90% recovered. He still needs a little bit of work to build up his stamina and endurance. I am truly thankful to Petsecure for all the help, friendly staff and the wonderful coverage Kairo received during the whole ordeal.

Marley

Marley's Mom, Toronto, ON

Marley had been a healthy and happy dog her entire 12 years, until she suddenly suffered 3 horrific seizures. Marley was then diagnosed with a brain tumour that fortunately, was operable. We felt very secure knowing that Petsecure was there for us financially, so that we could go forward and make the decision to have the surgery done.

When we brought Marley home from the hospital after her brain surgery we were delighted to see her in such high spirits and recovering so well. Unfortunately, after a post-op check-up, we discovered another grave threat; an adrenal mass was causing her blood pressure to soar.

The abdominal surgery was also a success and Marley came home once again wagging her tail. Tragically, we weren't through the ordeal just yet. Her eyes and skin turned completely yellow from liver failure, an apparent complication from the abdominal surgery. Marley had to go back yet again.

The good news is that today, Marley is doing great and enjoying the warmth of the summer. Having Petsecure behind us, we were able to give Marley access to top-notch care from exceptional veterinarians and compassionate technicians who looked after her 24/7. Petsecure paid us over $19,000 towards Marley's vet fees, we never could have managed that amount on our own.

Thank you so much Petsecure!

Rufus

Gail Berger, Toronto, ON

I have been a Petsecure client for 17 years. I never wanted to think about what was necessary for my dog's well being. I will always have the highest plan for my pets and it has truly been a wonderful experience.

Rufus has had many issues through his life. This includes: three cruciate ligament repairs, severe allergies, multiple surgeries, a near death experience, Cushing's Disease, recurring anal gland infections and more recently Rufus was diagnosed with 25 % kidney function. He was hospitalized last March twice because of his failing kidneys and his failure to eat. Despite all of his ailments, Rufus is still doing great!

When I take him out with me people refer to him as a puppy and I love telling people how old he really is, they cannot believe he is 17 and I can hardly believe it myself. I got pet health insurance because I never wanted to second-guess veterinary advice, the costs of medical treatment or even if certain procedures were necessary for my pet's well-being.

In total, Petsecure pet health insurance has paid my furry family out over $33,000 for Rufus (and my past dog, Toni). Petsecure has really helped provide peace of mind. I recommend Petsecure to anyone I know that has a dog and have been thanked because of my advice many times.

Homer

Joanne Fancy, Lower Sackville, NS

When we decided to get a dog, we always said we would get a pug, so we did five years ago. Five years later, he is just like a child to us and probably more spoiled than our kids were. We also decided that we would get pet health insurance as we had heard from others how expensive veterinary treatment could be. Boy was that a good decision and we are extremely happy we decided to get the pet insurance through Petsecure.

Homer had an ongoing ear infection over a year ago that lasted six months and finally he had to have ear surgery. The cost was over $1,000.00 and when I made my first claim, I was amazed at how fast I got the cheque.

Homer has recently been diagnosed with Hip Dysplasia and arthritis in his legs and hips so he will be on medication for the rest of his life. I have peace of mind knowing that I have pet insurance for his Hip Dysplasia and that the coverage renews each year for his entire life. I don't hesitate to take him to our veterinarian even if he needs some extra special attention. Petsecure has got us covered!

We knew we had made the right decision in getting pet insurance and recommend Petsecure to every pet parent we know.

Thank you Petsecure from Homer and myself!

Auggie

Kathleen Vaughan, Montreal, Quebec

I had Auggie, my beloved standard poodle and first ever dog for almost 11 years. If it wasn't for Petsecure's financial support over these years, I wouldn't have been able to give Auggie the care he needed for his considerable health issues.

While he was completely healthy as a puppy, over time Auggie developed Addison's disease, hypothyroidism, bladder stones, and ultimately a heart murmur. He then developed ataxia (back leg weakness, likely the after effects of a minor spinal cord deformity or injury), high blood pressure and related blindness.

I had a whole 'team Auggie' of veterinary specialists, including traditional Chinese medicine specialists and acupuncturists. They provided me with advice, medication and support to keep him healthy and as active as possible. As a result, according to my veterinarian, Auggie's quality of life was very high and much better than any other dog they knew with just one of Auggie's many conditions.

My happy pup made friends throughout our neighbourhood and was considered by many as a 'well-respected member of the community'.

Auggie has recently passed and although he may not be with us anymore, his memory will always live on. Our community even planted a commemorative oak tree in honour of his life.

The initial puppy policy I purchased for Auggie was an essential investment for his entire life. I can't imagine what it would have been like without the reimbursements for treatment and support. In total, Petsecure paid out over $32,000.00 in those 11 years towards Auggie, and I will forever be grateful for this. When I'm ready to get a new puppy, I will invest in Petsecure pet health insurance again.

Thank you so much Petsecure!

CG Jai

Elaine Tong, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

I learned the lesson of the many reasons why you should get pet health insurance the hard way. I was one of those pet owners who thought that there was no need for pet health insurance. My dogs are healthy, and what were the chances of something happening to either one of them? Or so I thought.

One day I had a group of close friends over for a house warming party. After everyone had left, I found CG Jai, my Pomeranian, limping badly, panting and whimpering. One of his back legs was obviously hurt, so I took him to the emergency animal hospital right away. It turned out that someone had accidentally stepped on him, and his leg was fractured in two places. Since the fractured parts of the bone were completely shattered, a simple cast wouldn't do.

CG Jai ended up having to go to a specialist and have two metal plates implanted into his leg. Of course, at this time I did not have pet health insurance and the surgery came to $5,700.00!

So needless to say, I've learned from that day on. All three of my dogs are now on pet health insurance. I did a lot of research on which pet insurance company to go with. I work at an animal hospital and help clients submit their claims to their pet insurance companies on a daily basis. After working there for awhile, I got a good idea of which pet health insurance company was the easiest to deal with and the fastest at paying out claims for their clients. The clear choice by far was Petsecure pet health insurance.

I'm now a happy Petsecure client and know that my pets have the best coverage available. It sure takes a lot of my worries away.

Thanks Petsecure!

Pepito

Roxane, Orleans, Ontario, Canada

After taking Pepito home at 14 weeks we went to our veterinary clinic for a routine check-up. My veterinarian told us about Petsecure's 6 week Vetstart trial of pet health insurance and since there was no cost for us to try it, she suggested we sign up right away. She also suggested that we should enroll for a Petsecure policy before our trial expires.This way we could take advantage of a waived enrollment fee and uninterrupted coverage for Pepito.

We agreed with our veterinarian and decided to continue our coverage; it would be a good idea for the unexpected. Little did we know we would soon need to use Pepito's plan.

Pepito developed diarrhea and was starting to look dehydrated. As a Chihuahua, Pepito weighs in at less than three pounds so we didn't want take any chances. We brought him to an emergency after hours clinic where they gave him fluids to restore his hydration levels. After waiting patiently and nervously for the results of a Parvo test, we were relieved to find out he had Giardia. Even though it's still a hard parasite to get rid of it's much better than having to treat Parvo. We went home with two different medications and a water-filled Chihuahua!

Although getting rid of the parasite was quite the ordeal (bleach cleaning, puppy baths and more), not having to deal with a much more serious disease like Parvo, was such a relief. The total cost of his veterinary treatment came to over $1,000.00. Since we had Petsecure pet health insurance the cost of the treatment was a stressful situation we didn't have to worry about.

We had looked into getting pet health insurance years ago for our cats, but we had decided against it. We now regret our decision since one of our cats has been very sick and has had over $8,000.00 in treatment within the past five years. We would recommend Petsecure to anyone thinking of getting a pet, regardless if it's a cat or a dog. Not having to worry about medical costs is such a relief, especially these days.

Pepito is now free of Giardia, and we are all very thankful of Petsecure.

Lelo

Brittany Saylor, Ottawa, ON

My husband and I desperately wanted to get a puppy so we called around, looked online and finally found the one we wanted. We went to pick her up, named her Lelo and instantly fell in love with her. Lelo was a Chug (a cross between a Pug and a Chihuahua), and the cutest little girl ever! After we got her home I brought her to our veterinary practice thinking that she might have ear mites. It turned out to be nothing but while we were there, our veterinarian set us up with a 6 week Vetstart trial of pet health insurance from Petsecure.

About a month later Lelo started vomiting and having diarrhea, so we took her back to the veterinarian where she was diagnosed with Parvo. The veterinarian told me that it's a very expensive treatment but if we went ahead with the treatment she would have an 80% chance of living. So, of course we went ahead with it. Lelo was in the hospital for a week. We went in to visit her and noticed our treatment bill had become outrageously high and we knew we just couldn't afford to continue the treatment.

We knew we had to make the decision to say goodbye and it was the hardest decision we ever made. After saying our goodbyes we were speaking with our veterinarian and as we were, Lelo stopped breathing. She had made the emotional decision for us.

By the end of Lelo's treatment, our bill was $7,188.22 - being a student, that's a pretty scary number. Petsecure paid $5,000.00 of our bill, which was the maximum amount Lelo was covered for on a Vetstart trial. For anyone that is wondering whether or not pet health insurance is worth it, I hope this story helps. Although Lelo didn't end up making it, I wouldn't have been able to give her a fighting chance without it.

Thank you so much Petsecure!

Shadow

Tammy and Doug George, Calgary, AB

One night, Shadow was not her usual playful self. I took her into our veterinary practice right away. Growing inside of her was a five pound tumour! She was bleeding internally and had to have surgery immediately. Amazingly enough, Shadow was walking 13 hours after the surgery and was home within four days. We were so happy to have her back but knew that along with her happy homecoming came a $5,000 surgery bill! Like most people, we don't have that kind of money just lying around to cover such an expensive operation; we were terrified. Petsecure stepped up and came to our rescue, covering the bill. Without that coverage I don't want to think about what could have happened that night.

A few months later, Shadow developed a Hernia near her incision scar, which we had removed later that week. We took our regular September vacation and everything seemed fine. When we got home, Shadow was again, not acting herself. We took her to the veterinarian right away and learned that she had an auto-immune disorder. Her temperature was 104.5 degrees that night. If we didn't catch the disorder and treat it right away, she could have passed away in her sleep. That night the bill was $3,500, and again Petsecure came to our rescue. She's now on daily medication to keep her disorder under control.

When I look back and tally up all of the costs we have endured through Shadow's life, the bill has come to around $10,000! We are so incredibly pleased that we have Petsecure pet health insurance for Shadow and our other dog, Panda. Everyone at Petsecure is so understanding, compassionate and caring about our situation that we feel like we have been dealing with family all this time.

Today, I recommend Petsecure to complete strangers in our veterinary practice, out for coffee with friends or even in line at the grocery store. We will be Petsecure members as long as we have four-legged members in our family, which will be forever! We could never thank you enough.

Shelby

Glen and Cora Passfield, Mississauga, ON

After deciding that a puppy would be a good addition to our household we decided to get a yellow lab. We found a breeder that we liked and felt comfortable with and a few weeks later we had our new addition to the family, Shelby.

Everything was going fine at first; however, after having her at home with us for five weeks she became very lethargic and was constantly drooling. We immediately called our veterinarian and explained the situation. They told us to bring her in as soon as possible.

Shelby needed to continue her I.V treatment through out the night and we would know first thing in the morning if surgery would need to be done. All we could do was wait, needless to say my wife and I did not get a wink of sleep that night.

The next morning our phone rang with great news! Shelby was doing much better and had passed the blockage. We could go pick her up and bring her home. During this entire ordeal, we knew the costs were adding up but we couldn't imagine life without Shelby so we authorized any test that needed to be done. The total cost was $1,100. If Shelby would've had to get surgery, it would have cost us anywhere in-between $2,000-$4,000.

Our breeder had sent us home with a six week Breedsecure voucher from Petsecure pet health insurance. I called Petsecure and everyone was so nice and concerned about how Shelby was doing. They explained the process on how to submit a claim form. About a week later we received a cheque in the mail. Since this was a trial offer our coverage limit was only $750 for accidents and illness...but it was still fantastic!

Kally

Erin Dewar, Edmonton, AB

When I picked out my tiny three month old kitten from the local animal shelter there was no possible way I would have known that within two days of bringing her home she would suffer a severe case of conjunctivitis and an upper respiratory infection.

I was very happy that my shelter provided me with a six week Adoptsecure voucher from Petsecure pet health insurance. After the six weeks were up, a Customer Care Representative from Petsecure called me and asked if I would like to continue my coverage. How could I not? This was a perfect example of things happening when you least expect them. I couldn't imagine not being able to care for my beloved pet and not receiving the very best treatment for Kally.

I never thought that the Kally was at much of a risk of getting hurt, being an indoor cat, but I still thought it would be better to be safe than sorry. Boy, am I glad I went the safe route.

When Kally was just over a year old, I went to feed her one morning but she wouldn't come. I finally found her under the couch and figured she would eat when she was ready. As I was getting ready for the day I heard a small cry coming from the living room. There was Kally trying to hoist herself up on her cat tree while dragging her back legs behind her. As it turns out she had separated a growth plate on the joint of her left hind leg.

After a $3,500 surgery and $1,000 for medical costs to keep her comfortable, she is completely back to her healthy self. I have to thank Petsecure for paying the top coverage amount on her plan so that I could play with her and love her rather than worry about making hard decisions during an emotional time. If I didn't have pet health insurance I may not have been able to provide her with the best and fastest medical attention possible. Thank you Petsecure for helping Kally and I in our time of need!

Kira

Nadine, Concord, ON

On June 1, 2004, my Kira fractured her limb. She had jumped and fell the wrong way. I just went crazy. The fact that she was so small (4 months) and she just kept crying. My heart broke for her. I picked her up and rushed her to the Animal emergency, not considering how much this would cost me. When I got to the hospital, they took her x-ray and gave her medication.

I was told that she had a fracture and had to have an operation to correct it. I was devastated. I had no money for this. Thank God I had decided to get pet insurance

When I first got Kira, I knew nothing about taking care of a dog, especially a little pup. A friend of mine told me to call Petsecure and they will help, and boy... did they ever. I got full coverage for Kira and not thinking that I would ever need it. So I did. Everyone thought I was crazy to get insurance for a dog and laughed..... but who's crazy now. I was paying the same amount for a membership at the gym, which I was not even using.

Petsecure saved me and my little Kira. I don't know what I would have done if I didn't have the insurance. The cost of surgery and x-ray came to about $2,500 which I borrowed from someone. I was shocked to the amount which I received back. Kira is doing well and will be having another surgery to have the plate removed and spay. I have recommended Petsecure to everyone.

I would like to thank everyone at Petsecure for saving and helping my little Kira.

Betty

Monica, Vancouver, BC

It was 5 years ago when we brought our beautiful 8-month-old Yorkie home to our condo. Betty was shy and unsure at first. But on her fifth day with us she got brave. She decided to take a leap off of our couch for the first time. As a result, she landed in an awkward position and broke her front leg.

Of course she decided to break her leg in the evening when the vet was closed. Therefore we had to take her to Emergency. After the consultation and the x-rays, it was decided that her leg could be fixed by installing a small permanent steel plate in her leg - a $3500.00 surgery!

Thank god that I had visited my veterinarian 3 days earlier for her first check-up and he had recommended Petsecure. I listened to his advice and promptly applied for coverage. The majority of the medical bills were covered and Betty is still happily chasing other dogs in the park.

Thank you Petsecure!

Shelby

Malinda, ON

We always knew that we wanted to bring a puppy into our family once we purchased our first home. We walked into the pet store to buy fish food and left with the most adorable golden retriever. She was full of energy and is able to put a smile on anyone's face. We brought her into our new home, and into her new backyard.

We had Shelby for about 6 weeks when the scariest event happened. In the middle of the night I could hear her little feet on the hardwood floor pacing back and forth. She had not been feeling well the day before but since it did not affect her playfulness I just shrugged it off as affects from the Ontario humidity. I dragged myself out of bed and walked into the living room. Our little 3 month old baby had vomited six times! I carried her back into the bedroom and lay with her on the floor where she finally fell asleep.

The next day when she didn't eat her lunch, we were worried once again. She was in a deep sleep in the living room. I tried to wake her up but she just barely opened her eyes and looked at me with a blank stare. Her body felt stiff and she would lean against me when I put her in a sitting position. Something was wrong, she wasn't her normal self.

Since I am a policyholder, I had no reservations about calling the vet to make an appointment. During the wait for the appointment, Shelby started to perk up. She ate her lunch and drank a bowlful of water...and was once again chasing the ball around the back yard. Later that day I still took her in to the vet and they ran x-rays, fecal tests, blood tests, etc. The results all came up negative. That was the best news I've ever received. Because of Petsecure I was able to receive peace of mind.

Riley

Seidel, Calgary, AB

Riley is a wonderful 18 month Golden Retriever who is the highlight of my life. She is a great dog in every way but of course has one small fault - she loves to chew.

Normally not a bad fault but a few weeks ago I met a situation that caught me by surprise. Riley has a doggy door and complete access to the outside yard. I came home to find one of my plastic solar lights in my backyard completely destroyed. Riley had decided this item was just too attractive and could be a great chew toy and she did a wonderful job completely destroying every piece of it. I cleaned it up, and didn't think much more of it. I took her for her usual romp at the off leash area that night.

The next morning I got up and noticed she had attacked solar light number 2. This one was far less destroyed. However, when I cleaned up this one, I noticed the rechargeable solar battery still attached to the unit and immediately realized I never picked up a battery from the first one. Panic started to creep over me. Where was the first battery (about a AA size)?

I looked at Riley and she was energetic as usual but was not all that willing to answer my questions about she did with the first battery. Of course I looked everywhere. I raked my entire backyard and even went as far as checking you know where to ensure it hadn't already passed right through her. No luck.

I immediately called the Vet to inquire about what I should be watching for and they said diarrhea/vomiting and loss of energy. As she was just as active as usual, I looked the other way. She did have a touch of diarrhea but then again she did consume a plastic light so regardless of battery or not, her stomach was upset. I then mentioned I had pet insurance so figured the safest thing to do was take her in for x-rays.

So, off to our first emergency visit to the vet. An hour or so later, x-rays confirmed - NO battery. They prescribed some medication and special food to ease her stomach and she came home happy as ever. I am sleeping fine knowing that everything was taken care of and having the pet insurance made this decision much easier. I was extremely glad I made the decision to get pet insurance. I was also extremely grateful for the support of the Veterinary staff and ease of use of filing a claim with Petsecure. Thanks ever so much

Truman

Jan, Kitchener, ON

When I got my brand new lab puppy in January of 2000 I thought he would be my perfect puppy. I got him from a very reputable breeder and thought he would be as healthy as a horse.

I was horrified when at 7 months of age his hips started clicking and cracking. X-rays revealed he had hip dysplasia. We consulted with a specialist and it was decided to do corrective surgery. He had both hips done by the time he was 1 year old and to add to my horror he was now diagnosed with a very severe skin mass which has now been removed 3 times. To top it all off he was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 2.

Because of Petsecure, my beautiful boy runs and plays with the best of them, is now 16 months in remission from the skin disease, and has been seizure free for 1 year. There is no way that he would even still be alive if I hadn't signed up for this plan.

I wouldn't have been able to pay for his surgeries and treatments on my own.

Thanks Petsecure for giving my dog the chance to live.

Kona

David Hayward, Kamloops, BC

When I retired 3 years ago I decided to volunteer as a Search and Rescue Tech. I had 30 years experience in related fields so it fit. I also decided that I wanted to be in the Rescue Dog side of it. I started looking at breeds and decided on the Bernese Mountain Dog.

It was hard to get a pup and took about a year. Kona was the cutest puppy I had ever seen. At this time we researched Insurance and found Petsecure to be the best. We didn't want to have to choose between our dog's health or money.

He showed all the best qualities that I read that a search dog should have. At about 9 months we noticed him limping. We took him to the vet expecting a pulled ligament but found out he had hip dysplasia and that it could be repaired with a titanium hip - a $5000 operation. It is at times like this that we were glad we had Petsecure.

We were sad because it looked like he wouldn't be a Rescue Dog but on the other hand were very happy that the cutest puppy in the world wouldn't have to suffer or be put down.

It is over 16 months after the operation and he is a Certified Rescue Dog.

Because of Petsecure our community has a Rescue Dog. Thanks again to Petsecure!

Theo

Carolan Clague, Ajax, ON

I just wanted to thank Petsecure for their friendly, efficient, understanding and speedy service during the painful episodes leading up to our regrettable decision to let Theo rest in peace. He was a wonderful cat - only 4 yrs old and the worst part of it all was that we never got a full understanding of what his sudden illness was.

However, during his treatment we were given full support and comfort from the staff at Petsecure, who also communicated directly with our local veterinary clinic to ensure that we did not have to worry about the finances, so we could concentrate on being there for Theo and give him the best care possible. He fought very bravely and I just need to thank you all for making this particular ordeal so much easier for us to handle.

Louis

Amanda, Winnipeg, MB

It all started just after Christmas when I noticed my kitten Louis becoming less interested in food and sleeping even more than usual.

Once I got him to the veterinarian Louis was even more ill than I originally thought. He had developed ulcers in his throat due to vomiting and he had a fever. Unfortunately, the worst was yet to come.

The next two days were very emotional. The veterinarians couldn't tell me if Louis was going to make it or not and he was placed in isolation - he looked so helpless and depressed.

For eight days Louis was very sick and was diagnosed with Distemper (similar to Parvo in dogs). He was on pain medication and IV fluids to fight off any infections that may develop because he no longer had an immune system of his own.

On the ninth day I was told that Louis could go home! Once he got home he improved by about 90% the first day. He ate on his own for the first time, the diarrhea stopped and his purring was louder than ever.

It has been almost one month since he has been home and I am so grateful to have him back. Louis is almost 100% but he still has weight to gain, hair to grow back and wiggly legs to strengthen.

Petsecure processed my claim very quickly and sent me a cheque for $1995.85. Petsecure says that they are in the business of "sharing the risk of pet ownership" but really they are in the business of making life possible. I can not put into words how grateful I am to Petsecure for what they have done for me and my little family.

Pita

Andrea Mason, Halifax, NS

Just want to tell you how glad I am that I purchased pet insurance from Petsecure! I am the proud owner of two border collies, one of which is "Pita."

I participate in flyball with Pita. Last October, she scraped her leg badly at the end of the season, and I got a little scared at how hurt she could get if she should hit a jump or another dog. So I decided to get pet insurance this January. You just never know what just might happen while playing flyball!

All was well until the beginning of March when she started vomiting and wasn't her usual bubbly self - and she wouldn't even look at a tennis ball! I took her to the vet and they felt an odd lump in her intestine. An X-ray revealed a blockage, and she needed immediate surgery.

I was so very happy that I had gotten pet health insurance, but was a little worried as we had been members for only three months before her incident. Her surgery and hospital stay cost about $1,350. I submitted my claim and we received our cheque two weeks to the day from the time it was submitted! Wow!

I am so glad I got pet health insurance for Pita. The help from Petsecure when I called to see what was covered and how to get reimbursed was amazing! They were so good. Pita and I missed the first two flyball tournaments due to the surgery. However, she is doing well and now ready to race! I would recommend pet insurance to anyone! Thanks, Petsecure, for being such a great company. Keep up the good work!

Wookie

Lesley Fox, Vancouver, BC

Wookie and Daisy were adopted from a shelter in Windsor, Ontario, and we have been a family for over 12 years now.

Over their lifetime I have easily spent thousands of dollars on vet bills. I never really considered the difference that pet insurance could make, I just thought it was too expensive. What was I thinking?

Last year, I finally decided to get Petsecure pet insurance when Wookie was 12 and Daisy was 11. As seniors, I think it is essential they have insurance, because we will be facing even more challenges as they age. Having pet insurance means I no longer have to make myself broke, stressed out, or frantic in scrounging an extra dollar or two. Pet insurance is HUGE peace of mind - I can finally focus on providing the best care for my girls. What a weight off my shoulders!

Pet insurance is so proactive because veterinary bills only get steeper. There are so many specialists and sophisticated procedures now available - my girls have had their teeth cleaned, cavities pulled, seen dermatologists, and have had ultrasounds. Daisy has been to a bone specialist, and Wookie has had behavioral therapy. It is amazing what services are available to them. No doubt, all of these medical advances have added to their quality and length of life.

As an animal guardian, I think it is our duty and responsibility to provide the best care we can. Animals are not items to be bought, sold, replaced, or discarded. They are all individual, sentient beings, who are at our mercy.

Pet insurance from Petsecure has done wonders for our family.

Apollo

Dimitropoulo, Montreal, QB

About five days after getting Apollo the Pug, I decided to purchase pet insurance from Petsecure after looking on the Internet. If anything would happen, at least I would be covered.

I was skeptical at first, because Apollo was only two months old and he seemed very healthy. What could happen, other than his regular visits?

About six months later, Apollo showed some signs of limping on his right leg. I waited a few days to see if it would get better. Unfortunately, it did not.

I quickly took Apollo to the clinic to have him examined, and he was diagnosed with necrosis of the femoral head. After careful examination, I was referred to a specialist that would have to perform extensive surgery on Apollo's hip to have the head of the femur removed.

I was astonished at the cost. Considering I had only been a member of Petsecure pet insurance for four months, I was even scared to call, thinking that I may not even be insured. But a wonderful Petsecure customer care representative walked me through my pet insurance plan and explained what Apollo was covered for.

Apollo is now 19 months old, and he is FULLY recovered, running and playing at 100%! Petsecure pet insurance covered the medications, pre- and post-surgery.

What was astonishing was that the representatives not only offered information, but their well wishes and support during that difficult time. I can say only one thing to anyone who buys a pet, now: "Do you have pet insurance?" It is truly what your pet needs, but also deserves. Thank you, Petsecure!

Bailey

Peggy Philion, Ottawa, ON

Our Maine Coon cat, Bailey, has always been a big cat. His weight had become such a problem that he started to have trouble jumping onto the counter.

One day, we noticed that our 13-year-old Bailey had lost a considerable amount of weight. Our first thought was that the diet food was working incredibly well, but then we realized that Bailey was actually eating more because he was constantly hungry. After a series of blood tests at the veterinary clinic, Bailey was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism.

We were advised that the safest and most effective treatment available was radioiodine therapy. This would involve a single injection of radioactive iodine under Bailey's skin. The radioactive iodine destroys the abnormal thyroid tissue that causes the illness.

There is little to no discomfort, and the success rate is about 90-98%. This therapy is also a better alternative to daily medication or surgery for hyperthyroid felines. The down side was that it runs a bill of about $1,100. Having pet insurance from Petsecure gave us the peace of mind to be able to provide our pet with the best possible treatment available.

Because of this treatment and pet health insurance, Bailey is now healthier than ever! We are so thankful that he doesn't require daily medication for the rest of his life. Thank you, Petsecure pet insurance!

Bitey

Megan Wahl, Toronto, ON

When we got our puppy, Bitey, we were overjoyed and more than ready for the new addition to our family. I had previously talked to my husband about pet insurance, but he didn't really understand the need for it. After the first week we had her, he fully understood.

Little did we know that our adorable puppy was deathly ill. Within two days she was hospitalized due to infection, severe worms, and a case of parvovirus that nearly killed her. We treated her for months, and her vet bill was in the thousands of dollars.

Even with the expense looming over us, I was relieved because we had Petsecure pet insurance. I could focus on my puppy's well being and not worry about how we could possibly afford another huge vet bill! The weight off of our shoulders was immense. I can say that, from personal experience, there is nothing more horrible than already being distraught about your pet's ill health, and then having to worry about how to afford another procedure.

The next morning our phone rang with great news! Shelby was doing much better and had passed the blockage. We could go pick her up and bring her home. During this entire ordeal, we knew the costs were adding up but we couldn't imagine life without Shelby so we authorized any test that needed to be done. The total cost was $1,100. If Shelby would've had to get surgery, it would have cost us anywhere in-between $2,000-$4,000.

I can't say enough about Petsecure pet insurance to friends and family (even strangers in the dog park). Petsecure not only covered Bitey's eye problem, but they were more than helpful, very understanding on the phone, and prompt to issue cheques to cover the costs.

Anyone who thinks that pet health insurance isn't a good idea should heed this story, and anyone who is considering pet insurance should get Petsecure. No insurance company that I have ever dealt with has treated me as kindly, honestly, or promptly as Petsecure.

Jasper

Glenn Ferguson, Oakbank, MB

One day while at home I noticed that my two-year old Cocker Spaniel Jasper was abnormally sleepy and lethargic. I realized it was significant when I put out Jasper's lunch and she didn't want to eat. I called Jasper's Veterinarian at the Oak Bank Animal Hospital and got an appointment one hour later.

After a brief history and taking some blood, the veterinarian told me that Jasper had a disease called Intravascular Hemolytic Anemia. Her immune system was recognizing the oxygen carrying red blood cells as bad and was destroying them. The decision was to keep her in the Hospital over night and take blood work in the morning.

Day after day her red blood cell count kept dropping; she was becoming more and more lethargic. After three days the decision was made to give her a blood transfusion. The transfusion immediately helped and Jasper felt better, but again the red blood cell count kept dropping. I was frustrated knowing that there was nothing that I could do to help my Jasper. I visited the vet hospital every day and begged her to keep fighting. We decided to give her one final blood transfusion and if this did not work we would have to put her to sleep.

After eight days and two blood transfusions Jaspers blood had finally stabilized. During this very stressful time, knowing that I had Petsecure Insurance was a comfort. It allowed me to continue to treat my dog until I was comfortable all reasonable efforts were done to save Jasper's life. Petsecure has paid out approximately $2,500 to date for this illness. We are hoping that Jasper's brush with death is over and that she will be off medications soon without relapse.

There are many people that we have to thank. The many staff at the Oak Bank Animal Hospital, the Animal Blood Bank who delivered blood and Petsecure!