We have always had animals as part of our family. We have also always had vet bills of one sort or another. Last year we lost 3 of our pets to cancer. We kept them comfortable as long as it was kind to do so. The Vet bills were very high and never ending. We were grateful for the kindness of our vets and their ability to help, along with some new technology that bought us some precious time. My pets cannot save for their needs. So we must. I deduct a certain amount each week from my checking account. In the back of the register I record the amount, leaving it in the account. It is for animal emergencies only. I also have two credit cards. One is used for everything, the other used for vet bills only. I use the animal funds in the checking account to pay the CC, if I NEED to. Sometimes I can leave it alone. Another method of saving that works for us is to buy nothing that we don't NEED for a week/two weeks/month, and keep a record. This amount is added to savings. It can become quite a game <G> This applies to everything, food, clothes, fun.. It's amazing what our NEEDS really are. At this time our 3 fuzzies are healthy. That can change dramatically over nap time. We have a 19 month old Black Lab with elbow dysplasia. His medical needs are continuous and will be more expensive as time goes on. We've discussed with him the need to find work. Not holding my breath, but am saving some $$$. We NEED to. In Touch, Ardith mailto:[log in to unmask] [Posted in FML issue 3712]