are there a point were we can''t afford to keep our pets?

[Dancing Fire]

i was reading on a koi forum and b/c of this recession some koi hobbyist mite not able to afford to keep their wet water pets. really sad

there's this high end koi hobbyist whom i met in S.F. a few years ago (she's from Minn) said she would need to sell some of her koi in the next few months just to make ends meet b/c they lost a lot of $$$'s in their IRAs accounts due to the stock market collapsing. lunch time!!

 

[Linda W]

That is so sad. I see on the news all of the time and in our local paper too, where people are giving up their pets because they can''t afford to buy food for them. I breaks my heart.

Personally, we could never ever give up our Miss Mazie dog, or Taco our Indian Ringneck parrot.

 

[princesss]

Honestly, I would give up every luxury I have and move in with roommates and change everything I possibly could before I give up my kitties. They might see their food get downgraded, but I would move heaven and earth to keep them. They keep me calm, and if I was so hard up for money that I had to give up a lot of my luxuries, I''d probably need something to keep me calm!

 

[Lauren8211]

My kitties are my babies. They eat before I do.

If I was living out of my car, they''d be comfy in the back seat.

 

[purrfectpear]

In Dancing Fire''s example I think they were looking at their Koi as more of an "investment" and potential source of cash than as pets. With some Koi selling for thousands, and the fact that you might not be so attached to fish in the pond, I don''t think it''s quite the same thing

But to answer your question, I''m with the other posters. Trooper and I would be homeless and sleeping in the Scion before he would leave my side. He''s my bud for life

 

[Irishgrrrl]

I would do whatever it took to keep my babies. DH and I have a horse and three dogs, and they''re our kids!

 

[poshpepper]

Date: 10/24/2008 4:48:04 PM
Author: purrfectpear


But to answer your question, I'm with the other posters. Trooper and I would be homeless and sleeping in the Scion before he would leave my side. He's my bud for life

Ditto here too!

I have had to downgrade on the food I was feeding my doggies (from $38 a case down to $25 a case) so our pets are already seeing some effects of the budget tightening. However, they would get fed no matter what, even if it meant eating human food. There are so many animals being abandoned and it is just so sad, I would do everything I could to keep them.

 

[bee*]

There is no way ever that I could give up my babies. I would do absolutely anything to make sure that they are full and happy.

 

[Elmorton]

Around here, the humane societies are filled beyond capacity...apparently the numbers of people giving up their pets has skyrocketed in the bad economy, and honestly, the midwest hasn't been all that affected compared to other areas in the country.

Would I give up my pet? Uh, never. When DH and I were looking for a second kitty, we were so upset by all the tags on cages at the HS that read "Owner Moved." SO? DH and I had to look so much harder to find an apartment that would allow pets when we rented, but we were sure as heck weren't going to live somewhere without them. A pet is a for-life responsibility, and I hate it when people don't realize that. I suppose something like Koi or a horse where upkeep also = the land you own may be a different matter, but when it comes to dogs and cats and other small house pets, there are so many programs out there to help people keep their pets instead of abandon them.

 

[joflier]

That is really really sad. I guess I don''t know much about koi or fish in general. So I''m kind of curious, do you form a strong bond/relationship with them as with a cat or dog? Do people get that same type of attachment with them?

 

[omieluv]

Date: 10/24/2008 4:23:11 PM
Author:Dancing Fire
i was reading on a koi forum and b/c of this recession some koi hobbyist mite not able to afford to keep their wet water pets. really sad

there's this high end koi hobbyist whom i met in S.F. a few years ago (she's from Minn) said she would need to sell some of her koi in the next few months just to make ends meet b/c they lost a lot of $$$'s in their IRAs accounts due to the stock market collapsing. lunch time!!

That stinks for them DF, Koi are so beautiful and it would be a shame to have to let them go.

joflier - I have had aquariums for a long time and have not developed a bond to any of my fist except 1, which happened to be a goldfish that I had for 8 years. It really wasn't anything special and did not do tricks like you sometimes hear of fish. However, I was just "used" to it being there everyday and would love to watch it swim around. One day, something startled it and it jumped suddenly and hit its head on the hood of the aquarium very hard. It was so hard that the hood flew open and came down. It did not jump out, but it must have hit its head very hard as it did not survive past the night. I was very sad because it was a very healthy fish and had several good years left. I kinda grew up with that fish, got him at the local fish store for 10 cents when I was 8 and it died when I was 16.


As for my cat, she is on a prescription diet ($40/ 16 pound bag), so there would be no way I could cut costs on her in that aspect. However, she is totally worth it and can make her 16lb bag of food last for a long time.

 

[NewEnglandLady]

I might sound snobby, but I think that if you feel you are in a position where you might not be able to financially care for your pet in a responsible way (i.e living paycheck-to-paycheck), then you shouldn''t consider getting a pet. It''s not a responsibility that should be taken lightly because there is so much care involved beyond just feeding them--you never know when a pet might need a $4,000 surgery or regular visits to the vet for unpredictable diseases (or physical therapy). Even monthly heartworm preventative, flea and tick preventative, etc. can be as costly as food.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Date: 10/24/2008 4:48:04 PM
Author: purrfectpear
In Dancing Fire''s example I think they were looking at their Koi as more of an ''investment'' and potential source of cash than as pets. With some Koi selling for thousands, and the fact that you might not be so attached to fish in the pond, I don''t think it''s quite the same thing

But to answer your question, I''m with the other posters. Trooper and I would be homeless and sleeping in the Scion before he would leave my side. He''s my bud for life

no, koi aren''t investments.they''re no different than diamonds, you can''t get much for them in the USED koi market. believe me, koi hobbyist are attached to their pets as much as the dog and cat owners out there. they even have names for each of their fish.

 

[joflier]

Date: 10/24/2008 5:17:58 PM
Author: omieluv

That stinks for them DF, Koi are so beautiful and it would be a shame to have to let them go.

joflier - I have had aquariums for a long time and have not developed a bond to any of my fist except 1, which happened to be a goldfish that I had for 8 years. It really wasn''t anything special and did not do tricks like you sometimes hear of fish. However, I was just ''used'' to it being there everyday and would love to watch it swim around. One day, something startled it and it jumped suddenly and hit its head on the hood of the aquarium very hard. It was so hard that the hood flew open and came down. It did not jump out, but it must have hit its head very hard as it did not survive past the night. I was very sad because it was a very healthy fish and had several good years left. I kinda grew up with that fish, got him at the local fish store for 10 cents when I was 8 and it died when I was 16.


As for my cat, she is on a prescription diet ($40/ 16 pound bag), so there would be no way I could cut costs on her in that aspect. However, she is totally worth it and can make her 16lb bag of food last for a long time.

I see what you mean about just being used to them always being there. But holy cow, that must have been one strong fish to knock the hood open, the poor thing!

 

[Dancing Fire]

Date: 10/24/2008 6:13:11 PM
Author: NewEnglandLady
I might sound snobby, but I think that if you feel you are in a position where you might not be able to financially care for your pet in a responsible way (i.e living paycheck-to-paycheck), then you shouldn''t consider getting a pet. It''s not a responsibility that should be taken lightly because there is so much care involved beyond just feeding them--you never know when a pet might need a $4,000 surgery or regular visits to the vet for unpredictable diseases (or physical therapy). Even monthly heartworm preventative, flea and tick preventative, etc. can be as costly as food.

don''t think they expected for their retire money to lose that much value in such a short period of time. they were planning on living off of their IRA''s. she also said they may have to down size their home which they can''t get much for it in this market,plus one can''t move a koi pond to a new location.

 

[lovegem]

Sad. I have watched on the news that there are many foreclosure pets in the shelters now. This recession is hurting many living things.

I agree with NewEnglandLady that if you can''t afford the basic care to give your pets, don''t consider them at the first place.

I don''t take my birds to the vet every year, because they stay indoor 99% of the time. However, I pay close attention to my birds behaviors and there were times that I noticed problems and spent quite a bit of money on the vet bill. Then there are some little problems that we have the knowledge and techniques to help our birds get better. For me, the vet cost due to illness was anticipated when I was considering buying a pet bird. I would think all responsible owners should have done that too.

 

[Lynn B]

Such a sad, dreadful scenario... feeling so desperate that you feel you have to give up your pets. I cannot even imagine.

Well, I have to say that in any downsizing we might have to do, it would never be an option for us to leave or rehome Boo. No matter how tight things get, he's with us for life. Even if we had to ration and apportion our food, it would be divided with him.

 

[Italiahaircolor]

I would get another job before I gave up my puppies...I could never part with them.

 

[omieluv]

Date: 10/24/2008 6:37:18 PM
Author: joflier
I see what you mean about just being used to them always being there. But holy cow, that must have been one strong fish to knock the hood open, the poor thing!

Yeah, he was a decent size and quite healthy, which is why it is so sad his life got cut short like that...bummer.

NewEnglandLady - I do not think you are being snobby at all. One must consider potential costs of owning a pet before taking the plunge. I wanted 2 cats, but decided against it after my cat had to have a $1500 surgery. Of course, I could afford it and she is totally worth it, but yikes. My mom is going through cancer treatments for her cat, which are not cheap. Fortunately, she has decent pet insurance, so she has only paid like $300 out of pocket.

Speaking of pet insurance, my mom swears by Petplan (www.gopetplan.com). She has had great service and everyone has been friendly. She has the $200 deductible and 90% reimbursement at the Bronze level. I think she pays $20/month, which is based on the age of the animal. Her insurance is more for emergencies, which is why she elected the bronze level. Had I had petplan for Omie's surgery, I would have only paid like $400 for it vs. $1500.

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 10/24/2008 6:13:11 PM
Author: NewEnglandLady
I might sound snobby, but I think that if you feel you are in a position where you might not be able to financially care for your pet in a responsible way (i.e living paycheck-to-paycheck), then you shouldn''t consider getting a pet. It''s not a responsibility that should be taken lightly because there is so much care involved beyond just feeding them--you never know when a pet might need a $4,000 surgery or regular visits to the vet for unpredictable diseases (or physical therapy). Even monthly heartworm preventative, flea and tick preventative, etc. can be as costly as food.

Agreed...in answer to DF''s original question, even if we were really hurting financially, I would do whatever it took to keep our dogs! They are part of the family.

 

[scarleta]

neatfreak said it so well.
Pets are your family.Would you part with your child in tough times? Things will get better as they always do.

 

[Dancing Fire]

she owns one of thee best koi collection here in the U.S..her koi has won many first place at shows. imagine if they were your dogs or cats that had won first prize at shows and you mite need to rehome them.

 

[Cind11]

I could NEVER give up my four cats. They rely on me just as much as my human children do.

 

[brazen_irish_hussy]

My DH once had to bounce a check to buy his cat food, but he did it because they are our babies. In this town, it is impossible to find a place to rent that allows cats and when we did find one, we had to pay a $300 nonrefundable pet fee and we didn''t think twice, our cats are our children and I would never forgive myself for not doing right by them.

Besides, if my ILs can manage to feed their dogs and cats, than anyone can if they really want to

 

[AmberGretchen]

Date: 10/24/2008 5:09:02 PM
Author: Elmorton
Around here, the humane societies are filled beyond capacity...apparently the numbers of people giving up their pets has skyrocketed in the bad economy, and honestly, the midwest hasn''t been all that affected compared to other areas in the country.


Would I give up my pet? Uh, never. When DH and I were looking for a second kitty, we were so upset by all the tags on cages at the HS that read ''Owner Moved.'' SO? DH and I had to look so much harder to find an apartment that would allow pets when we rented, but we were sure as heck weren''t going to live somewhere without them. A pet is a for-life responsibility, and I hate it when people don''t realize that. I suppose something like Koi or a horse where upkeep also = the land you own may be a different matter, but when it comes to dogs and cats and other small house pets, there are so many programs out there to help people keep their pets instead of abandon them.

Ditto elmorton, well said.

People really do give up their pets for the most lame and inexcusable reasons. Our society treats them as disposable, and the millions of animals euthanized needlessly in shelters every year are a testament to that.

 

[PrincessDijon]

Date: 10/24/2008 4:35:33 PM
Author: elledizzy5
My kitties are my babies. They eat before I do.


If I was living out of my car, they''d be comfy in the back seat.

Ditto Elle!!!!

 

[pixie1216]

i''m in a situation with my dog that is causing almost daily strife between husband and i. we have a dog with urinary problems. she is 10 years old, we have had her since she was 8 weeks old. she possibly has early kidney/adrenal problems. the vet says chemo. MIGHT help, but no guarantees. she would need weekly to monthly blood tests in addition to the drugs. well, we can''t afford it. she is not in pain, she eats fine, has a tendency to drink water a lot. she could live for years like this. the big problem is she pees everyday in the house, sometimes several times a day! we have thrown out every rug, even our dining room and living room oriental style rugs. i can''t have any throw rugs around, she will pee on them. we have wood floors downstairs, and she is not allowed upstairs anymore, we had to replace that carpet b/c of her. we can''t take it anymore!! we both flip when we step in urine, you have to do a scan of the floor in the morning before you walk on it. she will even do in right in front of the door, and not even bark to go out. my 22month old son has even stepped in it!

hubsband wants to put her down in the worst way, i do understand how he feels. we can''t have a nice home with a dog peeing everywhere. i have ruined the finish on the wood floor cleaning it with disinfecting wipes/cleaners. i''m soooo torn. i don''t want to feel the guilt of putting her down, besides what do you say to the vet? but, she could go on for years like this! we have spend thousands and thousands of dollars on vet care for her, multiple surgeries for hernias, and other things. i just spend almost $600.00 just for her vaccinations this year, hubby said no more! we just can''t do it anymore. i''ve tried the dog diapers, they are very expensive too, 10 diapers for $20.00, baby diapers didn''t work. should i start buying diapers of the dog, and not my son! i don''t think she would do well in a rescue situation, who would adopt a dog with pee problems, i know i would always wonder how she was. sorry for the vent, any suggestions are welcome. no pet insurance, pre existing condition, can you imagine that!

when we tried to crate her, she pees all over the crate and herself, an even bigger mess than just peeing on the floor.

 

[AnitaT]

Pixie,
I am so sorry for what you and your family are experiencing right now. My heart goes out to you. This is a difficult situation. I don''t have any words of wisdom, just cyber hugs for you. Would getting a second opinion help?

We had a hard time deciding when it was time to put our 17 year-old cat to sleep (she had spinal disease) and found a helpful article about pet quality of life with objective markers. I will see if I can find it. These are BIG decisions and I know it is hard. I mean, she is your baby. Just imagine a lot of hugs coming your way.

 

[neatfreak]

Pixie,

You say that she pees on rugs, and I assume like most dogs she'd prefer to pee on something that doesn't reflect the pee back up at her which is why she might go for a rug instead of hardwood. So that being said, have you tried those pee pads? I normally think they are not a great idea because they are marketed for people who don't take their dogs out (

) but in your situation it really might help mitigate the situation for now if she had a place she could go "safely" in the house.

And have you examined why she is peeing in the house? I know you said kidney/adrenal problems, but is it just an issue of her not getting out enough during the day? Or does she already have a doggie door? If you can (and haven't tried it already) you might want to try to see if increasing the number of times she's out during the day helps...I know with my parents golden he started to lose control of his bladder but his accidents were greatly minimized when my parents simply upped the number of times they made him go out per day. It really helped with the peeing in the house situation.

And before you think about getting her pts I would personally get a second opinion...especially if your vet isn't sure what's going on.

 

[Haven]

Oh, Pixie, I''m so sorry to hear about your situation. We have a kitty (Bootsie) with hyperthyroidism, and your pup''s symptoms sound very close to Bootsie''s. I''ve had Bootsie since she was just a few months old, she''ll be 18 on November 12th. (So, I was ten when my family adopted her, and then she became mine when I moved out on my own.)

Bootsie first became ill over three years ago, and we had no idea how long she would live with the disease, although we hoped it would be a long time. We''ve been treating her with medication (average $100 a month, depending on dosage changes, it''s often more), monthly to six-week blood tests (about $300), special food ($40 a month), daily poop clean-ups, etc. etc. She now lives in a giant cage (one of those pet store cages where up to ten cats live when they''re in the shelter or store) because she was peeing on any and every fabric in the house. We probably spend at least $500 a month to keep Bootsie happy and healthy. For us, we can afford it, and it''s worth it. But I have no idea what we''d do if we couldn''t spend that kind of money. (Her quality of life is still high, so don''t flame me for keeping an old, sick cat alive. She is happy and thriving.)

Pixie, I just wanted to give you an idea of the cost of keeping these animals alive when they do have hyperthyroidism. More importantly, we had the option of putting Bootsie through a surgery where they inject radioactive iodine into her thyroid, which would have supposedly fixed her issue. We decided it would be too traumatizing for her, because she''s old and she''d have to be in quarantine for three days, but it would have been much more affordable in the long run. If something like THAT is an option for you, go for it! Good luck, Pixie. Big hugs.

As for the OP''s question, it breaks my heart that many people can''t afford their pets in these economic times. I cannot imagine giving up my babies, and I never will. We made the commitment to care for them when we adopted them, and we do not plan on going back on that commitment. Honestly, if it came down to a serious economic problem for us, I would get a second job to keep them. I really would.