>I guess I'm out of touch with the rest of the world, but to me 3000 is TOTALLY out of the question. This is a dog, a replaceable animal. I understand the responsibiility involved, but at some point it becomes ridiculous. If the estimate is more than 300-400 then put the animal down. I consider the obligation to my family and my children more important than my obligation to the family's pet. 3,000 buys an awful lot of peace of mind in a disturbed economy.

John, this is the point I wanted to touch on. $3000 in a 529 plan for college education would sure be nice in 18 years. So would $3000 in a savings account for baby expenses and the like. If it were just me it would be a no-brainer, but do I have more of an obligation to my dog then my child? I would say yes.