A growing number of pet owners are incurring significant debt to provide care for their animals, often experiencing considerable stress as a result. Individuals are resorting to various financial strategies, including loans and budget cuts, to cover expenses ranging from routine veterinary care to unexpected costs like specialized treatments. This trend highlights the increasing emotional bond between people and their pets, leading them to prioritize their animals' well-being even at personal financial risk. One anecdote mentioned spending $500 on a procedure related to a dog's flatulence, illustrating the lengths to which some owners will go.