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ELFLAND, NORTH CAROLINA--(Marketwire - June 1, 2010) - Pethealth Inc. (TSX:PTZ) - Amber Alsobrook and her husband Dave have always considered their 10-year-old [ Staffordshire terrier mix ] a member of the family. So when Delia fell suddenly ill, they took her immediately to the vet even though they weren't sure they could pay the bill.

It turned out the terrier had a previously undiagnosed tumor in her spleen, which had ruptured during the night. "When we awoke in the morning it was obvious she was going into shock, and we rushed her to the emergency vet," says Amber.

Like many people, the couple has had financial difficulties in the past few years and to protect themselves from unexpected costly vet bills they had purchased a comprehensive pet insurance plan for Delia. "Finances were already tight enough that we had been worried about paying our mortgage," she says. "But Delia is an important part of our family, and so we put the bill on several credit cards and called [ 24PetWatch Insurance ], our [ pet insurance ] company, while she was in surgery."

The bill for Delia's surgery and follow-up care was $3,002. "We didn't have that much money in our savings," says Amber, but, "within a couple of weeks, we received a check for the full amount that was covered. Instead of fighting for payment, we were able to focus all our attention and energy on Miss Delia."

Rapid advances in medical treatments for companion animals means they can receive extraordinary care, but it comes at a cost. Families whose finances have been stretched by job loss or cutbacks may find themselves in the heartbreaking position of not being able to afford the surgery or other treatment needed by an ill or injured pet. Or they may wipe out their savings to pay the bills.

"[ Pet insurance ] is about mitigating the risks of future health care costs for your dog or cat," says Susan Arts, Vice-President of Marketing for 24PetWatch Insurance. "When times are tough, many people think they can't afford pet insurance, but it's all about preventing a drain on what may be an already tight budget. It will protect your savings when an unexpected illness or accident strikes your pet."

Delia – a little dog with a "big, happy clown smile" who loves to cuddle on the sofa – recovered well from her surgery, but has since been diagnosed with a tumor in her heart and has so far generated additional bills which has been covered by 24PetWatch Insurance. "We are treating it conservatively to ensure that her time left with this family is full of happiness for her," says Amber. "She takes shorter walks, but accompanies my husband to work a couple days a week, and has gone on vacation with us."

"We relish this extra time with her, and are so thankful to have pet insurance," says Amber. "I can't imagine not being able to give our girl the care she needed and the chance that she so deserves."

About 24PetWatch Insurance:

[ 24Petwatch Pet Insurance Programs ] offers a flexible range of programs that allow you to determine the percentage coverage/monthly premium mix that will work best for you and your finances. You may choose from 90% and 70% coverage. Visit [ http://www.24PetWatch.com/petinsurance ] or call 1-866-275-PETS (7387) to receive a quote today.