Craig Hitzelberger was uncertain his canine companion, a basset hound named Stub, would make it to his eleventh birthday this summer given the health problems Stub has faced in the last few months. When he was diagnosed with disc disease in the spring and facing an invasive surgery, Hitzelberger prepared for the worst.
Hitzelberger thought the surgery would be hard on a dog of Stub’s age, and he was reluctant to put him through it. Fortunately, Stub was covered by pet insurance, which provided Hitzelberger with a variety of options to help rehabilitate Stub.
“The insurance covered the diagnostics, the medications and even Stub’s wheelchair,” said Hitzelberger.
That’s right, a wheelchair. Hitzelberger’s pet insurer, PetFirst Healthcare, reimbursed 90% of Stub’s veterinary expenses after a $50 deductible, including a custom wheelchair to help Stub re-learn how to support his hind end.
“Stub was reluctant to use the chair initially, but after he tried it three or four times, he was a natural,” said Hitzelberger. “Now he doesn’t even need it. Thanks to pet insurance, Stub is happy and healthy and acts like a dog of eight or nine,” Hitzelberger added.
Hitzelberger has been a long-time believer in pet insurance. He’s insured all of his basset hounds since the early 1990s.
“Even when my veterinarian ‘ho-hummed’ about whether or not pet insurance was a good value for pet owners, I carried it on my dogs,” Hitzelberger said. “I’d much rather pay $30 or $40 per month to have the peace of mind knowing I won’t have to put my dogs down for financial reasons.”
Thankfully, Stub has recovered and no longer needs his wheelchair. It is a pet insurance miracle!
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
This is WONDERFUL…..!!! Good Going Craig and Stubs!!!
Anything to help our 4 legged friends!
@Elizabeth,
Thank you! Craig and Stubs are doing well… A proud pet insurance miracle