The truth is, our decision to insure our current dogs came from a lesson we learned with our sweet Maltese, Gnocchi. Gnocchi was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and spent nearly two years fighting that disease with every treatment, medication, specialist visit, and every ounce of love we could give him.

We never once regretted a single decision we made for him. But walking through that journey showed us firsthand how quickly veterinary costs can add up when you are trying to give your pet every possible chance.

When we eventually opened our hearts to Penny, Riptide, Lucky, and Jasper, we made a promise to ourselves: we would be better prepared for whatever life might bring. Purchasing pet insurance was one of the ways we chose to honor what Gnocchi taught us.

In 2020, Penny began a medical journey that brought more challenges, veterinary visits, and difficult decisions than we ever expected. In 2021, she faced another major episode that led to a four-week stay in the Intensive Care Unit at the University of Florida Small Animal Hospital in Gainesville. Four weeks of waiting, worrying, making decisions, and driving home without our little shadow is something I wouldn't wish on any pet parent.

Today, Penny is home, healthy, and back to overseeing household operations as CEO—which we are incredibly grateful for. We will never be able to thank our local veterinary team and the specialists at the University of Florida enough. Their knowledge, compassion, and dedication gave us more time with a dog who is truly part of our family. We would also be remiss if we didn't give an invaluable shout-out to our angel, Dr. Jennifer Huffman, whose love and dedication to Penny have meant more to our family than words can express.

While we are still searching for answers about what caused Penny's episodes, one thing became very clear through this experience: we were grateful every single day that we had made the decision to purchase pet insurance before we needed it.

Penny's journey has included many veterinary visits over the years, but between the medical events of 2020 and 2021 alone, her medical expenses exceeded $28,000. That number is shocking—and even difficult to type. We share it not because we want sympathy or attention, but because we know that many families are not prepared for the reality of what emergency and specialty veterinary care can cost.

One of the hardest positions a pet owner can ever be put in is having to ask, "Can I afford to save my pet?" We never want money to be the reason someone cannot pursue treatment, seek a specialist, or have access to life-saving care.

For our family, pet insurance has been invaluable. Our policy reimburses 90% of covered expenses, and in our personal experience, Embrace Pet Insurance has been wonderful to work with. We have no relationship with the company and receive absolutely no benefit from mentioning them—we simply want to share a company that has been there for us when we needed them most.

That said, there are many reputable pet insurance companies available, and every policy is different. It is important to compare deductibles, reimbursement levels, waiting periods, and coverage options to find the plan that makes the most sense for your family.

The biggest piece of advice we can give is this: do not wait until you need it.

Pet insurance is something you purchase when your pet is young and healthy—not after a diagnosis has been made or a problem has developed. For many families, the monthly cost is comparable to a pizza night or a few coffees each month, and while we all hope it is money you never have to "use," you will be thankful it is there if the unexpected happens.

Our goal in sharing Penny's story is not to scare anyone. It is simply to encourage pet parents to think ahead. We hope you never find yourself in an emergency room making difficult decisions about your pet's care. We hope your pets live long, happy, healthy lives and that your insurance policy quietly sits in the background for years.

But if the day you hope never comes does arrive, we hope your focus can be where it belongs: holding your pet's paw, listening to your veterinary team, and making decisions based on what is best for your companion not what your bank account can handle.

And as for Penny, she has made a full return to her executive position. She still requires proper greetings of "Ma'am," still has Dad wrapped around her paw, and still waits patiently for her nightly rendition of "My Sweetheart Penny Penny."

Some things are simply non-negotiable.

Give your pets an extra hug today.

We certainly gave Penny one.