Giving up animals due to the economy
Posted by mirrya1 on Dec 23, 2008 · Member since Jan 2006 · 2210 posts
I don't know how I feel about this article. On hand I feel bad for the families but on the other hand it pisses me off. The article doesn't say wether these people canceled their cable, internet service, cell phones or other unnessesary (sp?) splurges before deciding that their pets were too expensive and had to go. I can think of tons of things I could do without in order to keep all my pets. Also, I think the amount of money they give as being the average cost to have an animal per year seems high. I've never spent $1000 on/for my cat in a year.
P.S. not sure if that link will work....I'm not sure exactly how to post one in a message.
This is a small, slow growing tumor, that without extreme treatment, he can easily live for another 5-7 years, he is 7 now. Occasional use of prednisone is all that is needed to keep him comfortable for the moment. And now he has urinary tract issues, which is what's costing a $hitload of money.
This is a small, slow growing tumor, that without extreme treatment, he can easily live for another 5-7 years, he is 7 now. Occasional use of prednisone is all that is needed to keep him comfortable for the moment. And now he has urinary tract issues, which is what's costing a $hitload of money.
I wonder if there is a program that can help you? See if there is any animal charities or Humane Society or SPCA around that can help. Some vets are willing to work with those on a limited budget. You have to look around though and approach them in the right way. Maybe, your cat can be fostered out for a while by friends or family until your circumstances improve?
There really isn't any help available at this time in my area. I've looked into it. The only thing the SPCA or Humane Society can do is to put him down for free. Like I said, besides giving him up (even temporarily) what am I to do? All my friends are struggling as well, and my dad doesn't believe in indoor cats.
I just thought I'd share my position, because I don't think myself, or others in similar positions should be given guilt trips when really, it could be in the animal's best interest to rehome them. This thread really ruffled my feathers.
Having worked at an animals shelter I can assure you that most people do not give up their cats (or dogs) because of a situation like yours. Most often they got a "free" puppy or kitten, that is now grown up and since they are moving it is just more convenient to dump them off, rather than finding a place that accepts pets, or pay a deposit. There are some people that have legitimate reasons - but MOST do NOT. That is the reality. There are also many people that dump their animals when there are behavior issues.... mhmmmm. Animals are family members, would people dump their kids if they had some issues? Well some probably would....
Have you found a solution? I am sorry this is such a hard time for you and your cat.
I know I sure as hell could go without food for a while to keep my dog, that's for sure. That's ridiculous. I don't think it's possible to be too poor to feed your animal. Bunch of crap.
I've never spent $1000 on/for my cat in a year.
LUcky you. My dog needed $1500 surgery the day after I got him, then he got pneumonia which was $800, and now he is getting leg straightening surgery for both legs that will be nearly $10,000. Hooray for credit cards.
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