In Honor of Rosie and Pet Health Insurance
By Jean-Luc Bourdon, CPA, PFS
Today would be Rosie’s birthday. As I celebrate her life, I also want to honor something more practical—and deeply meaningful—her pet health insurance.
During her lifetime, Rosie nearly bankrupted her insurance company. At least, that’s the joke I tell. I also like to joke that she bought her primary vet a Lexus. Behind the humor lies a truth familiar to anyone who has loved an aging or chronically ill pet: veterinary medicine is remarkable, but it’s not cheap.
Rosie had many health conditions and an impressive medical team, including specialists in eye, heart, and internal medicine. Over the years, she became a familiar face at veterinary hospitals and emergency clinics. Yet, through it all, one blessing remained constant: her health insurance. It allowed my wife and me to focus entirely on her care, not on its cost.
Heartbreak Insurance
After long hours in veterinary emergency rooms, I have seen scenes that haunt any pet lover. Families, overwhelmed and tearful, learn the cost of the deposit needed just to admit their suffering pet. The pain of helplessness is already hard enough; the shock of the financial burden can be devastating.
That’s why I call pet health insurance heartbreak insurance. It can’t prevent illness or loss, but it can shield you from having to make impossible decisions when your heart is already breaking.
Over the years, I’ve told many people (clients, friends, even strangers) to consider pet insurance. It may or may not be right for you, but it’s wise to consider it. Several times, someone who had signed up has come back to thank me, saying it made all the difference in their pet’s life, and theirs. Occasionally, someone tells me it was a waste of money. My answer is always gleeful: “Perfect! That’s exactly what we should hope for.” I would have preferred a healthy dog, for Rosie and my sake. You get insurance in case you need it, but you hope you never do. It’s the old adage: pray for peace, but prepare for war.
Lessons from Rosie
On this day, I don’t just remember Rosie’s medical adventures; I honor her teachings. Because of her, I learned more than I ever expected about veterinary care and about the financial realities of pet health. But more profoundly, I learned how to be a better human.
Rosie lived with loving grace and joy despite her discomfort and limitations. She was present, playful, and always attentively focused on what she loved most (namely, my wife). I often watched her in awe, hoping to learn her way of acceptance, forgiveness, resilience, presence, relaxation, enthusiasm, and joy.
So, on her birthday, I celebrate Rosie—my teacher, my companion, and the dog who showed me that love, in its purest form, is truly priceless… yet better when someone else picks up the pricey tab.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of any firm or organization. This content is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized financial, tax, accounting, or investment advice. Although the author is a CPA and holds the PFS credential, no professional services are being offered through this article. Readers should consult their own qualified advisors before making decisions based on this information. The content may include information from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed and may be subject to change without notice.
Copyright: © 2025 Jean-Luc Bourdon, Original text, structure, organization, and editorial revisions created by the human author. The author used AI as a drafting tool, but exercised creative control by rewriting, restructuring, and contributing original analysis, tone, and expression. Disclosure in accordance with U.S. Copyright Office guidance on AI-assisted works.