How strange whenever an animal got hurt, they usually put to sleep almost immediately. Didn't those vets ever try to save those animals at all?
Take this scenario for a moment,
Problem: A race horse with a broken leg.
Solution: Put it to sleep.
...now try put that scenario into human situation,
Problem: Track athlete with a broke ankle.
Solution: Put him to sleep.
HOW'S THAT?!!
As for that $500 just for a checkup?! THIS IS MADNESS!!
If the $500 was for treatment, I can still accept.
BTW, sorry to hear about your dog. My condolence. I know how it feel, especially when they die in your arms, that really make you sad.
I once had my kitten die in my arms. It happen when I noticed he was coughing strangely then suddenly just drop motionless, right in front of my eyes. I got panic and quickly grab my kitten trying to wake him up. Then I tried to massage his chest, like doing CPR thing, and even gave him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Then I manage to bring him back alive, but just for a while before he drop dead again.
After that, I just sat speechless there with him in my arms. Then I done something I haven't done since I'm in grammar school, I cry. Right in front of my family.
So, yeah I know how it feel. What important is you and your pet have your time together, even if it was a short time.