After many routine tests ($700), an x-ray showed that our 10 year old dog's lungs were full of tumors. We considered (made an appointment) taking her to cancer specialist with an initial cost of $2000 and treatment up to $8000 with little chance of extending her life beyond a month or 2. After much thought, we cancelled the appointment, took her home, cried, lost her, cried some more, mourned, accepted it and vowed never to get another dog. After some time had passed we got a puppy.