Quality of life over quality of emotions. Not to sound harsh, however $3K can feed another pet AND provide a 40lb. bag or 2 for your local pet rescue. If the consensus regarding surgey is on par, do what's right for your friend. There's a person who comes to your house and puts them down. I know Jer has used them. When i worked at VTH i saw lots of positive reports from people who used them too.