CHARLOTTE, N.C. — You can find insurance for almost everything these days. From our health to cars, homes and even electronics.
It's the peace of mind we pay for, in case something goes wrong and we're not left asking, "Where's the money?" But what about pet insurance? You've probably seen ads for pet insurance or seen signage in a pet store or veterinarian's office, but is it really worth it?
For one Charlotte woman, the answer is an emphatic yes.
"We had been through a lot together," Lauren Tamberino said. "And I just never thought I'd be in a position to say I'm ready mentally."
Tamberino wasn't sure she was ready to get another dog after losing her beloved Sadie. But you know that old saying about dogs finding the people who need them? It's absolutely true in this case.
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"She found me, she's a rescue," Tamberino said. "It was kind of love at first sight and it was very emotional of course. But the fosters were kind of like, 'Here, take her.' I was like, 'I don't know if I'm ready for this.'"
Ready or not, Tamberino took the boxer home. She soon purchased pet insurance.
"Sadie had two ACL [surgeries] done, $5,000 each," she explained. "And just boxers are prone to cancer, which luckily she did not have."
Emmy is deaf, though, and since that is a preexisting condition, it's not covered by insurance. Still, Tamberino said getting a pet policy has come in handy.
Emmy recently needed emergency surgery.
"In January, she decided to eat a bone," Tamberino said.
By Emmy's side in recovery, the dog mom was able to trust the financial load would not be as heavy.
"I think the entire thing was around $7,500 total," Tamberino said. "So she was there for 72 hours, and then I pretty much got back $4,500, so it's worth it."
Tamberino said she's grateful her playful best friend can go back to what she loves, playing in the yard and going for long walks.
Since then, Tamberino said she learned Emmy now needs another surgery to remove a mass on her leg, but she's thankful insurance allowed her to give her the care she needs.
Contact Jane Monreal at jmonreal@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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