Cuddles' Surgery Success: From Hobbling to Happy
Position: Chief Snuggle Officer
Qualifications:
Soft fur
Expert-level knowledge of human laps
Ability to stay close to family members despite limited space
Responsibilities:
Daily stress deescalation
Face kisses
Ensure that Larry is never alone, even for a moment
Larry’s three-year-old Pomeranian, Cuddles, earned her name through her affectionate nature and rigorous performance in this demanding role. She loves sitting on laps, giving kisses, and sleeping close to her family. But then, the most crucial part of her job—getting onto and staying on a lap—became agonizingly difficult.
As a first-time pet insurance holder, Larry never imagined how crucial that coverage would become when Cuddles developed a serious mobility problem that threatened her quality of life. The trouble started subtly. Larry noticed Cuddles would constantly stretch out her left leg while walking. They later learned this was her way of popping her kneecap back into its proper position in the knee socket. The condition, called Medial Patella Luxation, causes the kneecap to dislocate from its normal groove at the end of the thigh bone. Over time, the problem worsened dramatically. Cuddles began hobbling on three legs, unable to put any weight on the affected limb.
Larry took Cuddles to their local veterinarian, who examined her and immediately recommended seeing a surgical specialist. The surgeon took X-rays and explained exactly what needed to happen. Given Cuddles' young age, surgery offered the best chance for a full recovery and a pain-free life. But first, Larry needed to know if the procedure would be covered by his Embrace Pet Insurance policy.
When Larry called Embrace after the initial diagnosis, he was able to talk to a real person and get some help. The company confirmed that since Cuddles had been insured as a puppy, the condition wasn't considered pre-existing. The surgery would be covered up to the policy limits. "It eased my mind and made the decision even easier to have the surgery and get her in good shape," Larry recalls. The surgery and related care resulted in a $5,000 reimbursement from Embrace.
After she recovered from her procedure, Cuddles was able to return to her job responsibilities as her playful, energetic self. She can walk, run, and chase bunnies without pain. For Larry, the ability to provide this care without devastating his finances proved invaluable. "Having that surgery meant that she could walk around and then run and then not have any pain," he says.
The experience transformed Larry's perspective on pet insurance entirely. As someone who had never carried pet coverage before, he now considers it essential. "I will never get another pet unless I have immediate coverage," he states firmly. For Larry, the surgery was worth every effort because, as he puts it, when you love your pet, "you want them to have the best quality of life." Thanks to Embrace, Cuddles’ job security as the Chief Snuggle Officer is guaranteed for life.
Claim reimbursement is based on actual policyholder claims 2025. Reimbursement amounts may vary depending on the specific terms of the policy, including coverage selected, annual deductible, reimbursement rate, and annual limit. Testimonial from the policyholder is based on their personal experience. Individual experiences and outcomes may vary.