The price we pay to save our pets

Here's what happened: Burica and her fiancé adopted a Great Dane named Birdie from Border Tails Rescue in Northbrook. Birdie had been a puppy mill breeder before coming to the shelter.

• About a week later, Birdie showed signs of bloat, which can be deadly.
• The vet basically said: "We need to start surgery now, or we will have to euthanize [Birdie] because she's in pain."

How much it cost: Burica had to put down $11,000 before the surgery, but complications meant Birdie had to stay in the ICU.

• Burica and her fiancé considered postponing their wedding because of the costs.
• Total cost was approximately $20,000.

What she's saying: "I'm lucky to know Birdie because she truly is the most beautiful soul and is worth all of it, even though most of it hasn't been easy," Burica says.

• And she and her fiancé are still on schedule to get married next year.