“When we took our dog, Lily, to get her shots updated, the veterinarian gave us an ASPCA Pet Health Insurance brochure. Not long after we purchased Lily an insurance plan, she became ill with an inflammation of her pancreas. We almost lost her. The bill was costly but thanks to our ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plan, a large chunk of the cost was covered. It was great to get that check.”

-Donna J., Miami, FL

“I have been a member of ASPCA Pet Health Insurance for almost two years and have always received excellent service. I have filed three claims and found the process to be very easy and structured. I received the reimbursement back very quickly, and I’ve never had any trouble filing claims or receiving the payment. I love my ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plan and will continue to be a member.”

 - Brenda O., Tuscaloosa, AL

Pet Photo Friday is a weekly column that showcases photos we receive from loving ASPCA Pet Health Insurance customers of their pets. If you want to see your pet featured, please email me!

“My Border Collie-Retriever mix is young and healthy, but she sometimes gets cuts on her paw pads from our active lifestyle. I got ASPCA Pet Health Insurance after spending several hundred dollars on vet visits to check out her injured paws. I later found a lump on her tongue. It was benign, but I was glad not to worry about how I would pay for treatment. I could focus on making the best medical decision for her, rather than the cost.”

— Veronica K., St. Paul, MO

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“Mandy, our precious Pomeranian, was diagnosed with Cushing's Disease, an adrenal disorder, in July 2009. She is doing well with the excellent care of her veterinarian and with financial assistance from my ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plan for her medications and lab work. Mandy has been covered by ASPCA Pet Health Insurance since 2005 and is a joy to have. We appreciate all the kind, caring help we have received from this insurance agency.”

– Claire T., Blackwell, OK

Pet Photo Friday is a weekly column that showcases photos we receive from loving ASPCA Pet Health Insurance customers of their pets. If you want to see your pet featured, please email me!

“Never in a million years did I think I would need insurance for my 7-year-old cat. Russ had signs of a urinary tract infection so I took him to the veterinarian and they found he had a urinary blockage. Russ went in for surgery and has since made a full recovery. My vet told me if I had hesitated for even a day in getting him treatment Russ wouldn’t have made it.  It was so easy to make the decision to get him care because I knew I would be reimbursed a percentage of the costs with ASPCA Pet Health Insurance. The customer service representatives were very helpful through the whole process, and my check arrived 14 days after I submitted the claim. It’s such a relief to know I can get Russ the help he needs and not be late on my actual bills!”

— Stephanie E., Twin Falls, ID

Pet Photo Friday is a weekly column that showcases photos we receive from loving ASPCA Pet Health Insurance customers of their pets. If you want to see your pet featured, please email me!

We continue our conversation with Tony Azevedo, four-time Olympian and ASPCA Pet Health Insurance pet parent to Apollo. The first half of our conversation can be seen here.

1. We’re sure your Olympic medals hold a place in your heart, but what makes having a dog special?

Having a dog is the greatest joy. For me, the companionship and friendship we form with animals is an invaluable part of life. Seeing the love that my pets have for me makes me a more humble and an all-around better person. 

2. You’ve had Apollo for a number of years, what has he done that has made you laugh the hardest?

Sometimes when we are sitting out on our back porch, Apollo will come over and try to sit in my lap. Watching him try to maneuver his giant body into a tiny chair with me is absolutely hilarious. I think he’s a lap dog at heart. 

3. You’re entering your fourth Olympic Games. What are you looking forward to the most in London?

We are a really strong team this year and I look forward for the chance to compete at the highest level and hopefully bring back the gold. 

4. What attracted you to the sport of water polo?

I love the action and the physicality—it’s an exciting game. But it’s also a game of smarts, and I have always been attracted to the tactics and the technique that the best players develop and showcase. 

5. And, finally, if Apollo were an Olympian, what would his event be?

Maybe sailing because since we are such a water-oriented family he loves being near the water, but not necessarily in it. 

Are you on Twitter? Join us in cheering on Mr. Azevedo and the rest of the U.S. men's water polo team by  tweeting your support to @WaterPoloTony!

Are you looking for a veterinarian for your feline friend? The article, “6 Tips for Choosing the Right Veterinarian for Your Cat,” from Catster offers some good advice about what to look for in a veterinarian for your cat.

You can also check out our Veterinary Locator to find some veterinary practices in your area.

Remember, with ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, you’re free to visit any licensed veterinarian in the US or Canada—even emergency clinics and specialists.

“Nora is an adorable, bright and engaging girl. She had surgery for the removal of two masses, and seeing her whimpering and in pain was horrible, but a few days later it only got worse. Nora had cancer, and the prognosis was grim--most dogs die from this form of cancer within five to six months.  Still, I wasn't ready to give up on her, and we followed up with a veterinary oncologist.

It is 13 months since Nora had her surgery and was given only six months to live. She's showing no signs of slowing down. I'm beyond grateful to ASPCA Pet Health Insurance because throughout the process I've been able to make decisions based on what's best for Nora rather than what I can afford, and that's allowed me to focus on her.”

— Ellie T., Ann Arbor, MI

Pet Photo Friday is a weekly column that showcases photos we receive from loving ASPCA Pet Health Insurance customers of their pets. If you want to see your pet featured, please email me!

Tony Azevedo, four-time Olympian and ASPCA Pet Health Insurance pet parent to Apollo, spoke to us about his furry companion and his life as an Olympian.

Mr. Azevedo is a member of the U.S. Men’s Olympic Water Polo Team and the team’s current captain. Born in Brazil and raised in Long Beach, Calif., he will be competing in this summer’s Olympic Games in London.  

1. Please tell us about Apollo. What kind of dog is he?

He’s an American Mastiff.

2. How did you and your family come to adopt Apollo?

My mom found him at the local animal shelter when he was a puppy. He had been thrown out of a car window into a park.  The people who had abandoned him tried to come back to the shelter to reclaim him because they realized they could have sold him.  But my mom was already interested in adopting him and the shelter helped her win custody.

3. How did you decide on Apollo’s name?

Our other dog (who recently passed away) was named Olympia because we got her the year that I participated in my first Olympic Games (Sydney, 2000).  When we got Apollo four years later, we decided to continue with the Olympic theme and named him after the Greek god.

4. Does Apollo ever get in the pool with you?

Not the pool, but he has played with me the in ocean.  Olympia used to be obsessed with the water and swimming so we would take both of them to the beach to play.  Apollo would get in and enjoy the water but only where his feet touched the bottom.  If he got pushed out farther, he would panic.

5. The Mastiff is sometimes considered a layabout breed, how does that mesh with the active life of an Olympian?

Apollo is actually a very active dog.  He loves going for walks and runs or playing ball out in our front yard.  He is always ready for any activity that we have planned.

6. Does he help you train for the Olympics?    
                                                   
When I’m at home I love to take him for runs, which serve as good cross-training since I’m always in the water.

Be sure to keep an eye on the U.S. Men's Water Polo Team as they go for the gold and visit us next week to learn more about Mr. Azevedo, Apollo, and more! To see part two of the interview, click here!

“Rex developed major health problems. I had to take him to veterinary specialists to have his symptoms diagnosed correctly. The expense was enormous. Thanks to ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, I was reimbursed a significant amount for Rex’s medical care and was even reimbursed for his medication. I am so pleased with ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, it is one of the best decisions I ever made. On a scale of 1 to 10, I give ASPCA Pet Health Insurance an 11!”

 – Dorothy V., Columbus, GA

Pet Photo Friday is a weekly column that showcases photos we receive from loving ASPCA Pet Health Insurance customers of their pets. If you want to see your pet featured, please email me!