And now I'm broke... (haha)

WOW that's expensive. You may want to shop around for another vet. She is a young healthy pup I don't see a need for tests unless something is wrong. Always look into those low cost vaccine clinics they are pretty good and they do save you some $$. I'm blessed with the vets I use they are very helpful and never try to make you do anything you don't really need. They even let me shadow them sometimes to watch surgeries, its really neat. I learn so much. Just do your homework and find a vet you feel comfortable with and does what is best for Lillian.

Sounds fairly reasonable to me for an annual visit.  Vets are DOCTORS ,  with a clinic and staff to pay.  Why  should our pets DR get paid less than our own DR?

There is no doubt all health care has increased over the years both human and canine. I think I was more annoyed by all the up-selling. It would be like if I went to my kids Pediatrician and they were like you should get this blood test, no? then get this blood test, no? then buy these heart worm pills instead, no? then buy this flea tick med, no? then can we trim the nails? .... I wanted to be like are you hurting for money? I came in for vaccines.... But I know hey aren't they are quite fancy and high tech there. I'll just use low cost vaccine clinics to avoid the up-selling saga over and over. Then when I need a doctor I'll use the doctor. Because yes you are right I don't want to disrespect the profession so I'll use them as needed or when concerned. Just like we do our own doctors.

Its a touchy subject.... yes...its getting more and more expensive in both human and pet world.   Working at a clinic for 4 years...I see why.  They  have doctor to pay, they have vet techs to pay and then their receptionists.  They have to buy their equipment which is not cheap..and I don't know about you but when I went looking for a vet I wanted one that would be able to take care of my dog for most problems...I wanted to build a relationship with them... can't do that at a vaccine clinic.  I believe in a yearly exam for my dog..with HW check etc. I personally stay away from vaccines where I can, I get Gibby titers...that is expensive, more than vaccines.     A kind of funnything..last year I was getting titers... it was all set up...and the  girl that came in the room to get info and all before the vet came in tells me about all the vaccines due..I said  " I am getting titers today" and she answered " yes..but he is also due for his other vaccines,"   Huh???  "Read my lips....he is getting titers today..why would I get him vaccines AND titers?"

Absolutely. That is what I wanted... and I'm not getting that. I am getting commercially bullied for tests or products that I know we do not need at 18 months old primarily indoor family dog up to this point. I cringed and leave with a headache anytime I've seen this Vet.

Little background on our family, we are really holistic compared to most. I don't vaccinate our children after my first born had severe reactions. Educated myself on vaccines and was blown away (and scared away). We are just big on preventative care and very proactive. I adore the relationship I have with my Pediatrician and we respect one another a lot.

This is what I wanted for our dog... but I'm not finding it. Now I know Rabies is the law so that's fine whatever we will do what we need to do. But I also know that being a Therapy Dog I'm sure our foundation or hospital will require certain additional vaccines as well. Possibly even ME needing vaccines to handle her in the hospital. I've found Massachusetts to be really pro-vaccine. It's the reason I didn't end up working in a hospital and did administrative care because I just couldn't stomach all the vaccines they would have made me get. Our perspective on health care truly changed when we had children. Organic food, exercise, we try to really prevent holistically.

I keep great care of Lillian she eats Orijen 6 Fish and she is just glowing. Her teeth are excellent we brush them often... so I try hard.

But at the end of the day I am emotional and disgruntle about the relationship with my Vet. I had higher hopes.

The great idea would be to find a holistic vet...do you have any  in your area?  Gibby has both.... I had hid Thyroid test done by her as well and sent to Dr. Jean Dodds...something my regular vet would not do.     Its your business to say " no" do the vaccines and other things they want to do...don't be afraid to say no.    I had another dane under the care of the clinic where I worked and she died and I got Gibby who was also under their care.... I got free vaccines and did do the puppy vaccines that were necessary but turned down all of the others...such as Lymes, Lepto, Kennel Cough..etc.   Everyone there was unhappy with me...its my dog, my business.   Yes...they now add flea prevention to their suggestions, nail clipping etc etc.   Thats not a bad thing...lots of people want it and forget to ask.  All you need to do is say " no."  The vets are loosing a lot of money to PetMeds and online pharmacies...its their fault in that  if online can sell them cheaper, why can't the vets. BUT some will price matchmatch, I know Banfield does.  Bet a lot do.   I mean I do agree with you...it seems like they are only after our money by suggesting all these extras.... but they  are the extras that a lot of people want and ask for.