Border Collie cross Dachshund Aron is adored by his 62-year-old owner Gabriele.
Having been with her since he was 9-weeks-old, he is very much part of the family. At the same time, he causes her so much stress and worry, she's unsure what resources she has left to help him.
Special care
In his first year with her, "Aron had to have urgent surgery costing 1,500 euros. He has suffered a pancreatic disease since 2016, and and an autoimmune intestinal disease since 2019", explains his owner.
Aron also requires a special diet, which comes to around 110 euros every month. This is a necessity for the 12-year-old dog, due to his existing health conditions.
A financial strain
For devoted owner Gabriele, the continuous vet care and food costs are a constant financial strain. As a retired kindergarten assistant in Vienna, she lives off a pension of 1,196 euros a month. With Aron's food alone costing 217 euros for two months, and a rent of over 600 euros, every penny counts.
Gabriele finds the food prices for Aron increase every 3 months, making the situation virtually impossible to manage. To compensate for these costs, she instead lives as sparingly as she can. "I cook very cheaply, despite diabetes, and I make sure I somehow put aside €50 a month" explains Gabriele in an interview with meine.at.
Everything she has is dedicated to Aron's care, aside from the "one luxury" of her 14-year-old car. She needs this to take her dog to the vet. Once Aron dies, Gabriele is certain she won't get another dog as the expense is just too difficult to sustain. In the meantime, she will enjoy the time she has left with her beloved companion.
