Saturday 29 August 2009

An NHS for dogs? (a political interlude)

Lying on my comfy sofa, I have plenty of time to think about things.

This week, I've been wondering why Gail always complains that it costs so much money when I go to the vet. She comes out muttering about how having me has made her so grateful for the National Health Service.

I never understood what she was on about until a couple of days ago, when I found time to read a newspaper that was lying around. And, do you know what, doggie friends? When Gail goes to the human vet, she doesn't have to pay anything at all! This National Health Service thing means that everyone in Scotland gets treated for free, however sick they are. What a good idea, don't you think? The only catch being, it doesn't work if you are a dog......

Then I read some more and found out that over on the other side of the Pond, humans are treated like dogs, and they do have to pay. 

It's all very confusing isn't it? 

11 comments:

Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek Ramblings said...

Humans only wish they got treated as well as dogs!!

XOXO
Lilly, Piper, Carrleigh and Java

ScrapsofMe said...

Well, poke a bee hive....there ain't no such thing as a free lunch. Somebody pays. I guess the value is if you are the one that gets to eat lunch free, or if you are the one who has to pay for lunch. KWIM?

The views presented are not necessarily the viewpoints of the blogger...might be the support staff, might be Puffy.

Bonnie

Martha said...

Good evening Hamish, as always you ponder over the most interesting facts.
Humans in the Uk are of course blessed with the NHS or some might say cursed!
This of course being a reference to the increased risk of picking up life threatenting infections when you enter many of our NHS establishments.
In the main however we agree it is a good thing and Beveridge would have been proud! From the cradle to the grave.......it is just that sometimes the latter arrives quicker than expected!
There is no doubt however that we dogs would benefit from an NHS service as, like Gail, our mum mutters after every visit and reckons she works for the NHS to fund the vet!!!!
love and kisses
Martha & Bailey xxx

Sally Ann and Andy said...

Hamish, hi, people in the states are very upset over this. Mommy always says we cost a lot at the Vet. The last time Mommy was at the Vet, she was happy leave only paying $120.
Oh, one of our favorite books has a westie like you.
Mack and Sally Ann

Dughallmor Beagles said...

Yes Hamish, it's very confusing! Hey guess what? We thought about tagging you with the I Ate It award but we figured you're a well mannered and educated gentleman who wouldn't fream of stealing food.....*shaking heads* how wrong we were....why don't you just play along anyway?
Hope it's better weather you're getting, miserable here :o~
Slobbers xx

the magic sleigh said...

Wooos! Mom complains that my health care costs more than hers, kind of bad....my prescriptions alone are over $80 per month (US) no insurance on my either...
bummer
-Kira The BeaWootiful

Stella said...

Very good point, Hamish! Some people buy insurance for their dogs, but its quite expensive. If you get a catastrophic illness, I guess it pays but for the everyday dog who stays well. . .not!

Hamish I don't know which Royal delivered my mail today. I didn't hear or see them.Perhaps Prince Harry flies it to New York and then our postal people take over.
D'ya think?

Kisses,
Stella

Sally Ann and Andy said...

Y'all have been given a friendly award. Please come to my blog to pick it up.
Lord Duncan of McDuff, and Sally Ann Canis

Maxmom said...

Hey there Hamish
Here in South Africa some of us "more privileged" ones pay for our own private health care. The cost is exorbitant, but its better than standing (and sometimes dieing)in a queue for 3days and living amongst cockroaches and squallor...not to mention drug-resistant TB, HIV and absolutely no food in the public hospitals. Even basic medical equipment and supplies are totally inadequate! ...so we're not even going to talk about our precious pets!
Lots of licks
MAXDOG IN SOUTH AFRICA

Arran, Arthur and Mum said...

Ah yes, very true. Although Mum says that the NHS is kinda like how I have my insurance. So I guess we both covered. I agree though, doggy discrimination at work.
~lickies, Ludo

Asta said...

Hamish
How twooo how twoo
sadly hoomans hewe awen't tweted vewy well, and I know Mommi doesn't go to hew dogtow fow ages because of $, but she does have insoowance fow me. She would wathew go wifout than not make suwe I get tweatment if I need it
Smoochie kisses
ASTA