How Daisy inspired Veterinary Pet Insurance to cover dog wheelchairs
It was 2002 and Eddie's Wheels was making its debut at the Western Veterinary Conference in Las Vegas. We were excited to show the veterinary professionals our innovative design and brought our mascot, Daisy, a 12 lb. dachshund paralyzed from 4 herniated discs to show off our products. In one of the center aisles of the huge conference exhibit hall, Veterinary Pet Insurance was entertaining hospital managers to sell them on the idea of pet insurance.
Daisy and I stepped into their booth while a half dozen executives were in a meeting. They asked us to leave, but we persisted. "Just give us 15 seconds of your time" I asked."Here's a 7 year old dog who was not a surgical candidate with 4 herniated discs,and is mobile in this wheelchair that is warranteed for the life of the dog. Even if she were a surgical candidate, there would have been no guarantee she would walk again on her own. The other option was euthanasia. Dead dogs don't pay insurance premiums, and the cost of a wheelchair is 10% of the cost of a surgery. This is a cost effective option that gives the dog and owner a great quality of life!"
The owner of VPI was impressed. "Give me your card and we'll be in touch!" Before the conference ended, they had agreed to cover our carts. The founder of VPI even adopted a disabled dachshund, put him in our wheels, and used him in their advertising. Now 20 years later, most pet insurance companies cover the cost of pet wheelchairs.
Posted: to Eddie's News on Fri, Nov 22, 2024
Updated: Thu, Dec 5, 2024