GILL BRADY,
Madam, - I was very surprised by Elaine Edwards's Irishwoman's Diary of February 8th about pet insurance. Ms Edwards really should check out the details of pet insurance policies before stating they are "a money-spinner built firmly on the twisted principle of emotional blackmail".
Those of us who work (voluntarily) in animal rescue here in Ireland often receive into our shelters dogs and cats which have been found injured and abandoned, due to accidents, neglect or cruelty. We are well aware of the veterinary costs of repairing broken bones and other injuries.
I know of one case recently in which a pet was hit by a car and the subsequent vet's bills amounted to almost €1,500. In that case, the owner, fortunately, had pet insurance.
For some people, especially the elderly whose sole companion for many years may have been their cat or dog, the illness and/or subsequent death of their pet is an extremely traumatic and distressing time. If this situation may be avoided, why sneer at pet insurance? - Yours, etc.,
GILL BRADY,
Rathmore,
Co Kildare.