Comments on: Should Poor People Have Pets? http://blogs.dogster.com/vet_blog_information_advice/should-poor-people-have-pets/ Sat, 20 Mar 2010 03:48:50 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Brian http://blogs.dogster.com/vet_blog_information_advice/should-poor-people-have-pets/comment-page-2/#comment-6195 Brian Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:50:44 +0000 http://blogs.dogster.com/vet_blog_information_advice/should-poor-people-have-pets/#comment-6195 Pets are a luxury. They deserve good care and at the minimum excellent basic medical care to include preventative care. If a person cannot afford to house or feed themselves they should not have a pet. Love is great but it doesn't pay the bills. I've seen too many pets suffer from lack of basic veterinary care for simple problems that became major problems. This is abuse and neglect. It's not abuse or neglect to not have the five thousand dollar cataract surgery done or the heroic cancer treatments but it is abuse and neglect to not treat a urinary tract infection, skin problem or other. I don't have any problems with some animal shelters having rather high standards in the money area when deciding who can and cannot adopt their animals. Veterinarians are business people who must make a profit. They don't make a profit from yearly shots and common low cost to fix health problems. They make the money from the biggies and bank on an owners love for their pets. Pets are a luxury. They deserve good care and at the minimum excellent basic medical care to include preventative care. If a person cannot afford to house or feed themselves they should not have a pet. Love is great but it doesn’t pay the bills. I’ve seen too many pets suffer from lack of basic veterinary care for simple problems that became major problems. This is abuse and neglect. It’s not abuse or neglect to not have the five thousand dollar cataract surgery done or the heroic cancer treatments but it is abuse and neglect to not treat a urinary tract infection, skin problem or other. I don’t have any problems with some animal shelters having rather high standards in the money area when deciding who can and cannot adopt their animals. Veterinarians are business people who must make a profit. They don’t make a profit from yearly shots and common low cost to fix health problems. They make the money from the biggies and bank on an owners love for their pets.

]]> By: DC http://blogs.dogster.com/vet_blog_information_advice/should-poor-people-have-pets/comment-page-2/#comment-5699 DC Sun, 28 Jun 2009 22:16:11 +0000 http://blogs.dogster.com/vet_blog_information_advice/should-poor-people-have-pets/#comment-5699 I got both my animals during much better financial times. One was a purchase, the other was a rescue in the truest of terms. Since I've gotten my dogs, I've gone through a divorce (I got the dogs- yay!), and I've been crippled by an infection that damaged my CNS in new and exciting ways. I now embarassingly live on govt assisted disability. On good days I'm able to get around with a walker. On real good days a cane. Usually I'm stuck in a chair or a bed. I can't walk my dogs like I used to. It kinda works out though, one is lazy, and the other recently tore her ACL. Although I'm not a vet, my education was in biology- and when I was young my family owned a kennel that bred and trained champion hunting dogs, so I have a handle on the basics of dog medicine. Sometimes I'm able to talk my doctors into giving me prescriptions when the need pops up. For things I can't handle, I'm lucky to live in a progressively liberal town with a few low cost clinics that cater to our large poor & homeless population. So far no free clinics though :( (Austin TX) Sometimes I have to go without so I can afford a necessity for the dogs- but I don't mind. No two dogs have ever been as loved as mine. They got me through the worst times of my life. They may not have the best material things, but they do have VERY good nutrition, and they sleep under the covers in bed with a master that they love more than anything.... what more could any animal ask for? Heck, what more could I ask for!?!? If times get better, they'll get better "stuff" because I like to spend on my babies- but if not, we've got each other, a roof over our head for now, and food in our tummies. I do wish I could afford a more hi-tech arthroscopic surgeon for the ACL surgery- but we do the best with what we have. DC, Lou, & Choppy I got both my animals during much better financial times. One was a purchase, the other was a rescue in the truest of terms.
Since I’ve gotten my dogs, I’ve gone through a divorce (I got the dogs- yay!), and I’ve been crippled by an infection that damaged my CNS in new and exciting ways. I now embarassingly live on govt assisted disability.
On good days I’m able to get around with a walker. On real good days a cane. Usually I’m stuck in a chair or a bed. I can’t walk my dogs like I used to. It kinda works out though, one is lazy, and the other recently tore her ACL.
Although I’m not a vet, my education was in biology- and when I was young my family owned a kennel that bred and trained champion hunting dogs, so I have a handle on the basics of dog medicine. Sometimes I’m able to talk my doctors into giving me prescriptions when the need pops up.
For things I can’t handle, I’m lucky to live in a progressively liberal town with a few low cost clinics that cater to our large poor & homeless population. So far no free clinics though :( (Austin TX)

Sometimes I have to go without so I can afford a necessity for the dogs- but I don’t mind.
No two dogs have ever been as loved as mine. They got me through the worst times of my life.
They may not have the best material things, but they do have VERY good nutrition, and they sleep under the covers in bed with a master that they love more than anything…. what more could any animal ask for? Heck, what more could I ask for!?!?

If times get better, they’ll get better “stuff” because I like to spend on my babies- but if not, we’ve got each other, a roof over our head for now, and food in our tummies.

I do wish I could afford a more hi-tech arthroscopic surgeon for the ACL surgery- but we do the best with what we have.
DC, Lou, & Choppy

]]> By: fordogzsake http://blogs.dogster.com/vet_blog_information_advice/should-poor-people-have-pets/comment-page-2/#comment-5676 fordogzsake Fri, 26 Jun 2009 03:09:57 +0000 http://blogs.dogster.com/vet_blog_information_advice/should-poor-people-have-pets/#comment-5676 where i live, if an animal is in need of medical attention and is not provided regardless of cost, etc., it is considered, by law, animal cruelty/neglect. the clinic i work for has, on several occasions called the ACI or told the owner that the animal leaving the clinic was not an option as it would sentence the animal to great pain and or death. we also have a few doctors (and the owner's wife) who have had the animal signed over to them and provided the medical treatment out of pocket. we have an adoption program, in association with the Pet Adoption League, so that we can make sure they go to wonderful homes. just the other day, a lady brought in a rat terrier pup approx 10wks old. his leg was caught in a door and was broken. she couldn't pay for the office visit and the x-rays, much less any treatment. she said she was unemployed and on food stamps. she was crying and in distress about her poor pup. our dr. offered to take the pup if she was willing to sign him over. she did, knowing it was the best thing for his recovery. does Dr. C want another dog? no, but she knew it was the right thing to do and knew there would be many options after the pup was treated to find him a home. so the little guy, named (starring) Max Darwin (dah dah dah), has his little leg in a splint, has current vaccinations, dewormed, flea and tick prevention, good food, he gets tons of love and attention at the clinic during the day and then goes home with his personal doctor at night! where i live, if an animal is in need of medical attention and is not provided regardless of cost, etc., it is considered, by law, animal cruelty/neglect.

the clinic i work for has, on several occasions called the ACI or told the owner that the animal leaving the clinic was not an option as it would sentence the animal to great pain and or death. we also have a few doctors (and the owner’s wife) who have had the animal signed over to them and provided the medical treatment out of pocket. we have an adoption program, in association with the Pet Adoption League, so that we can make sure they go to wonderful homes.

just the other day, a lady brought in a rat terrier pup approx 10wks old. his leg was caught in a door and was broken. she couldn’t pay for the office visit and the x-rays, much less any treatment. she said she was unemployed and on food stamps. she was crying and in distress about her poor pup. our dr. offered to take the pup if she was willing to sign him over. she did, knowing it was the best thing for his recovery. does Dr. C want another dog? no, but she knew it was the right thing to do and knew there would be many options after the pup was treated to find him a home. so the little guy, named (starring) Max Darwin (dah dah dah), has his little leg in a splint, has current vaccinations, dewormed, flea and tick prevention, good food, he gets tons of love and attention at the clinic during the day and then goes home with his personal doctor at night!

]]> By: Helen http://blogs.dogster.com/vet_blog_information_advice/should-poor-people-have-pets/comment-page-2/#comment-5651 Helen Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:14:14 +0000 http://blogs.dogster.com/vet_blog_information_advice/should-poor-people-have-pets/#comment-5651 I don't like judging people, because the day will come when I will be judged. When I lived in the Bay Area, I saw lots of homeless men and women with pets. Many of those pets were strays or abandoned. Those pets were loved and cared for. Whenever I could I kept nice biscuits in the car to give to the dog or any spare change I could. I commend organizations who help the poor. Dogs and cats for the poor and homeless are often the only pleasure this world can provide. Dogs and cats don't care what you look like, what kind of car you drive even if it's a grocery cart. Cesar Millan says that most of these dogs are the most well adjusted dogs and are loved. Many wealthy people or should I say those who have resources are selfish and abandon their dogs or cats for trivial behavioral or medical issues instead of working with the animal. Well I'm one of the pet poor with 4 dogs, 1 foster dog and 2 cats. I do invest in pet insurance for all of my babies. Not everyone can do that but it is sure worth it!!! I foster one dog at a time until they are adopted. I can only do one. I've done two at a time, but it's too hectic, but at least I'm saving one at a time. My key phrase is "there but for the grace of God goeth I." My whole world could be rocked tomorrow by a tornado, an earthquake and I could lose everything. I would be even more poor and devastated to lose my pets. They love me no matter what. So I try to provide the best I can for them. But most of all love. Right now, I feed them the best I can afford and it saves me tons of vet bill money and if my income is reduced, then I cut back on Direct TV, Starbucks, and other pleasures like vacations and so forth and there are ways to make your dollars stretch. I've discovered some ways to make it work. You can make homemade ear solutions without buying ultra expensive ones at the store, I save my money for heartworm meds and flea and tick prevention with a really good holistic food. I would be forever buying dog food if I fed Pedigree or grocery brands. It would be pooped out. I can make a 20 lb bag of my current holistic food last a month between 4 dogs and a foster. They are not emaciated or underweight believe me. They don't need it, the nutrition is so dense, they would gain weight if I over fed them. I can make it stretch. I have worked in a vet clinic and that is why I recommend one thing for all pet owners who can find the funds, PET INSURANCE. Yes, you still have to pay the bill up front but you do get reimbursed for sickness and injury with the pet insurance I use at least 80%. That will pay back your credit card or bank account. At least it is something. There are several types of plans to work with your budget. I recommend PetfirstHealth or Embrace. Don't bother with VPI unless you want to wait forever for reimbursement. Having pet insurance if you can swing it could mean the difference between euthanizing a pet or saving your beloved pet for illness or injury. I've seen so many people crying their eyes out because they cannot afford a 3,000 vet bill up front. Who can unless you are wealthy. Most of us are not. But you do get reimbursement with pet insurance so it takes some of the sting away. I get reimbursed within 2 to 3 weeks on average. I know that homeless people cannot afford pet insurance or a pet and can barely feed themselves. But I would rather give up my Starbucks to pay for pet insurance and care than lose a pet because I can't afford treatment. I've seen a dog euthanized due to ongoing ear infections from an owner with financial resources. He couldn't be bothered. Sad. But the little homeless man with his grocery cart and little chihuahua have what not many of us get from our families, friends, and even spouses, unconditional love. He would be devastated if anything happened to his little dog, and it would break his heart. So he is richer in a way. If I ever win the lottery, if that ever happens, it will be my mission to provide for these people and their pets via donations to good organizations who provide these free veterinary services as well as spay and neuter services. So I guess I'll be pet poor awhile longer, in the meantime. My neighbors can still stare when I walk all four dogs, and the foster, but I'm richer in the love I receive from all four dogs and the two cats. I don’t like judging people, because the day will come when I will be judged. When I lived in the Bay Area, I saw lots of homeless men and women with pets. Many of those pets were strays or abandoned. Those pets were loved and cared for. Whenever I could I kept nice biscuits in the car to give to the dog or any spare change I could. I commend organizations who help the poor. Dogs and cats for the poor and homeless are often the only pleasure this world can provide. Dogs and cats don’t care what you look like, what kind of car you drive even if it’s a grocery cart. Cesar Millan says that most of these dogs are the most well adjusted dogs and are loved. Many wealthy people or should I say those who have resources are selfish and abandon their dogs or cats for trivial behavioral or medical issues instead of working with the animal. Well I’m one of the pet poor with 4 dogs, 1 foster dog and 2 cats. I do invest in pet insurance for all of my babies. Not everyone can do that but it is sure worth it!!! I foster one dog at a time until they are adopted. I can only do one. I’ve done two at a time, but it’s too hectic, but at least I’m saving one at a time.
My key phrase is “there but for the grace of God goeth I.” My whole world could be rocked tomorrow by a tornado, an earthquake and I could lose everything. I would be even more poor and devastated to lose my pets. They love me no matter what. So I try to provide the best I can for them. But most of all love. Right now, I feed them the best I can afford and it saves me tons of vet bill money and if my income is reduced, then I cut back on Direct TV, Starbucks, and other pleasures like vacations and so forth and there are ways to make your dollars stretch. I’ve discovered some ways to make it work. You can make homemade ear solutions without buying ultra expensive ones at the store, I save my money for heartworm meds and flea and tick prevention with a really good holistic food. I would be forever buying dog food if I fed Pedigree or grocery brands. It would be pooped out. I can make a 20 lb bag of my current holistic food last a month between 4 dogs and a foster. They are not emaciated or underweight believe me. They don’t need it, the nutrition is so dense, they would gain weight if I over fed them. I can make it stretch.
I have worked in a vet clinic and that is why I recommend one thing for all pet owners who can find the funds, PET INSURANCE. Yes, you still have to pay the bill up front but you do get reimbursed for sickness and injury with the pet insurance I use at least 80%. That will pay back your credit card or bank account. At least it is something. There are several types of plans to work with your budget. I recommend PetfirstHealth or Embrace. Don’t bother with VPI unless you want to wait forever for reimbursement.
Having pet insurance if you can swing it could mean the difference between euthanizing a pet or saving your beloved pet for illness or injury. I’ve seen so many people crying their eyes out because they cannot afford a 3,000 vet bill up front. Who can unless you are wealthy. Most of us are not. But you do get reimbursement with pet insurance so it takes some of the sting away. I get reimbursed within 2 to 3 weeks on average. I know that homeless people cannot afford pet insurance or a pet and can barely feed themselves. But I would rather give up my Starbucks to pay for pet insurance and care than lose a pet because I can’t afford treatment. I’ve seen a dog euthanized due to ongoing ear infections from an owner with financial resources. He couldn’t be bothered. Sad. But the little homeless man with his grocery cart and little chihuahua have what not many of us get from our families, friends, and even spouses, unconditional love. He would be devastated if anything happened to his little dog, and it would break his heart. So he is richer in a way. If I ever win the lottery, if that ever happens, it will be my mission to provide for these people and their pets via donations to good organizations who provide these free veterinary services as well as spay and neuter services.
So I guess I’ll be pet poor awhile longer, in the meantime. My neighbors can still stare when I walk all four dogs, and the foster, but I’m richer in the love I receive from all four dogs and the two cats.

]]> By: Summer's Momma http://blogs.dogster.com/vet_blog_information_advice/should-poor-people-have-pets/comment-page-2/#comment-5644 Summer's Momma Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:59:48 +0000 http://blogs.dogster.com/vet_blog_information_advice/should-poor-people-have-pets/#comment-5644 If I am already poor and go and get a dog or cat I know I cannot afford to take care of, should I? No way...that is ridiculously selfish. If I become poor should it be taken away? No, unless it is in some kind of danger. Being starved etc... But to advocate that folks who cannot afford pets, get them is highly selfish and irresponsible! People who cannot afford their animal's care, are less likely to have them spayed or neutered. And then we have more homeless pets. Why? Because someone was selfish. Animals deserve proper care. Loving them, is NOT enough. Real love is selfless. And knows that sometimes letting go is best, as to not cause further harm or pain. As far as humans go: Would you adopt a child if you were flat broke? Why not? Shouldn't you give the same kind of thought when adopting a pet!?? If I am already poor and go and get a dog or cat I know I cannot afford to take care of, should I? No way…that is ridiculously selfish. If I become poor should it be taken away? No, unless it is in some kind of danger. Being starved etc…

But to advocate that folks who cannot afford pets, get them is highly selfish and irresponsible!

People who cannot afford their animal’s care, are less likely to have them spayed or neutered. And then we have more homeless pets. Why? Because someone was selfish. Animals deserve proper care. Loving them, is NOT enough. Real love is selfless. And knows that sometimes letting go is best, as to not cause further harm or pain.

As far as humans go:

Would you adopt a child if you were flat broke? Why not?
Shouldn’t you give the same kind of thought when adopting a pet!??

]]> By: nickkie http://blogs.dogster.com/vet_blog_information_advice/should-poor-people-have-pets/comment-page-2/#comment-4875 nickkie Thu, 09 Apr 2009 06:33:49 +0000 http://blogs.dogster.com/vet_blog_information_advice/should-poor-people-have-pets/#comment-4875 poor people have the rights to own pets but I feel that they should be prepared to provide at least minimum medical support for their pets. its like bringing a child to the world and you want to at least give them decent food, basic education and health care. they should be prepared for the odd medical complications too. when your pets require expensive medical help, you have to be ready to find the money to save your companion otherwise you have to be ready to sacrifice your pet's life. thankfully there are good hearted people who are willing to provide free help to our innocent companions. poor people have the rights to own pets but I feel that they should be prepared to provide at least minimum medical support for their pets. its like bringing a child to the world and you want to at least give them decent food, basic education and health care. they should be prepared for the odd medical complications too. when your pets require expensive medical help, you have to be ready to find the money to save your companion otherwise you have to be ready to sacrifice your pet’s life. thankfully there are good hearted people who are willing to provide free help to our innocent companions.

]]> By: Kim http://blogs.dogster.com/vet_blog_information_advice/should-poor-people-have-pets/comment-page-2/#comment-4858 Kim Mon, 06 Apr 2009 22:25:22 +0000 http://blogs.dogster.com/vet_blog_information_advice/should-poor-people-have-pets/#comment-4858 Quick correction - I DID pay for spay & neuter (which cost $400 for the boy due to complications) + first year's vaccinations. (: ) Quick correction – I DID pay for spay & neuter (which cost $400 for the boy due to complications) + first year’s vaccinations. (: )

]]> By: Kim http://blogs.dogster.com/vet_blog_information_advice/should-poor-people-have-pets/comment-page-2/#comment-4857 Kim Mon, 06 Apr 2009 22:22:38 +0000 http://blogs.dogster.com/vet_blog_information_advice/should-poor-people-have-pets/#comment-4857 I just wanted to say, that there are ideal ways of doing things, in the world. Of course most people want to have $ for all vet bills, premium food, doggie classes, etc. The problem is that so few things happen in an ideal way. I think the best we can do is try to keep striving to reach that ideal. In the meantime, life is difficult at times, and I feel strongly that pets really help the people who love them. I feel a bit embarrassed to share this, but my 2 cats & dog have helped me through my mother's death and all the abuse & neglect I am working hard at recovering from. They make me feel loved, help with my depression & teach me not to get so caught up in troubles -- but to focus on the important things in life: like playing, cuddling & chasing squirrels ; ) They made me feel accepted during a time I thought no one else did & help me to help & reconnect with the world, become more confident. I am ashamed to admit that for 10 years I did not pay for vaccinations past the first year (and spay+neuter), for my inside cats (recently adopted my dog) but fed them Iams & took them to the vet the 1 time they appeared possibly ill. I'm lucky that they've been super healthy. And, now, I save and plan ahead to get them all their vaccinations - but I'm making it happen. I know it was not the ideal, 'right' way - I really feel bad for that - but I'm so grateful they were & are there to help me through. Thanks for reading. Best of luck to all! I just wanted to say, that there are ideal ways of doing things, in the world. Of course most people want to have $ for all vet bills, premium food, doggie classes, etc. The problem is that so few things happen in an ideal way. I think the best we can do is try to keep striving to reach that ideal. In the meantime, life is difficult at times, and I feel strongly that pets really help the people who love them.

I feel a bit embarrassed to share this, but my 2 cats & dog have helped me through my mother’s death and all the abuse & neglect I am working hard at recovering from. They make me feel loved, help with my depression & teach me not to get so caught up in troubles — but to focus on the important things in life: like playing, cuddling & chasing squirrels ; ) They made me feel accepted during a time I thought no one else did & help me to help & reconnect with the world, become more confident.

I am ashamed to admit that for 10 years I did not pay for vaccinations past the first year (and spay+neuter), for my inside cats (recently adopted my dog) but fed them Iams & took them to the vet the 1 time they appeared possibly ill. I’m lucky that they’ve been super healthy. And, now, I save and plan ahead to get them all their vaccinations – but I’m making it happen. I know it was not the ideal, ‘right’ way – I really feel bad for that – but I’m so grateful they were & are there to help me through.

Thanks for reading. Best of luck to all!

]]> By: Transplant http://blogs.dogster.com/vet_blog_information_advice/should-poor-people-have-pets/comment-page-1/#comment-4042 Transplant Tue, 13 Jan 2009 14:01:57 +0000 http://blogs.dogster.com/vet_blog_information_advice/should-poor-people-have-pets/#comment-4042 If I truly didn't have the money or the time needed to take care of a pet responsibly I would not have gotten one. Until we were ready to take on the responsibility of a pet, we volunteered to watch other people's pets and helped at an animal shelter. We learned a lot about diferent breeds and pet care that way. We also researched it online and in books at the library. I called the vet to see what costs would be expected on a one-time as well as a regular basis. We started with a short haired indoor cat as I decided that was a committment I could make financially and time wise. We added to that with further visits to the animal shelter and at present we have two cats and two small dogs from a rescue. Unfortunately, since then the cost of vet care has skyrocketed as we moved to a more expensive city due to my husband's job. Now my husband might lose his job with all the cutbacks. I don't want to part with my pets and will make every sacrifice possible to keep them. We all have unforseen circumstances. We might lose a job, have to move or die. We will do the best we can. We have searched and found a less expensive vet and online flea prevention. If it came down to having to give up some or all of my pets, I would look for homes for them where they would be well cared for, but I would hope that wouldn't happen. I hope instead we'll be Ok and be able to share ou pets by visiting nursing homes and bringing smiles to the eyes of those that can no longer care for their own pet, but remember the days when they did. If I truly didn’t have the money or the time needed to take care of a pet responsibly I would not have gotten one. Until we were ready to take on the responsibility of a pet, we volunteered to watch other people’s pets and helped at an animal shelter. We learned a lot about diferent breeds and pet care that way. We also researched it online and in books at the library. I called the vet to see what costs would be expected on a one-time as well as a regular basis. We started with a short haired indoor cat as I decided that was a committment I could make financially and time wise. We added to that with further visits to the animal shelter and at present we have two cats and two small dogs from a rescue. Unfortunately, since then the cost of vet care has skyrocketed as we moved to a more expensive city due to my husband’s job. Now my husband might lose his job with all the cutbacks. I don’t want to part with my pets and will make every sacrifice possible to keep them. We all have unforseen circumstances. We might lose a job, have to move or die. We will do the best we can. We have searched and found a less expensive vet and online flea prevention. If it came down to having to give up some or all of my pets, I would look for homes for them where they would be well cared for, but I would hope that wouldn’t happen. I hope instead we’ll be Ok and be able to share ou pets by visiting nursing homes and bringing smiles to the eyes of those that can no longer care for their own pet, but remember the days when they did.

]]> By: Barbara Saunders http://blogs.dogster.com/vet_blog_information_advice/should-poor-people-have-pets/comment-page-1/#comment-4014 Barbara Saunders Sat, 10 Jan 2009 03:03:05 +0000 http://blogs.dogster.com/vet_blog_information_advice/should-poor-people-have-pets/#comment-4014 4-5 million homeless animals are killed annually in the U.S., many of them healthy. I would rather see a pet with less-than-ideal dental care living out its life with a loving person who lives in a car than see the pet dead and the human still living in a car but with one less friend. 4-5 million homeless animals are killed annually in the U.S., many of them healthy. I would rather see a pet with less-than-ideal dental care living out its life with a loving person who lives in a car than see the pet dead and the human still living in a car but with one less friend.

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