For $800 you should have gotten, at minimum, X-rays and a consult about possible extractions — in advance — and then a call during the procedure to confirm that those extractions were occurring. And a 7 hour wait before the procedure could begin? Unconscionable! I was upset about my experience, which was far better than yours (I left my dog off at 8am and I picked him up at 4pm), and it occurred at a low-cost clinic.

But in the context of a soul searching exploration of what to do about my dog’s health, the word “irresponsible” seemed out of place. I wasn’t the only one who felt that. I believe you didn’t mean to be insulting, only honest; in turn, that’s how I felt about my response.

I don’t want this blog to be a place of dissension, only intellectual discussion, and I do solicit opinion, so I’m sorry if I made you feel unwelcome.

Further, you state: “Or — and this is a distinct possibility, guilt-free mandate notwithstanding — will I beat myself up that I didn’t somehow scrape together the money to do it right this time, now that I know that veterinary dentists exist?” So, you’ve made it sound like this most expensive option would somehow be a possibility, but my suggestion that you go with the middle cost option is apparently distasteful.

Finally, you asked: “What do you think?” I gave you my opinion – and you replied by being insulting.