Why do people attack those who cant afford a pet's needs?

Question

I posted a question about not being able to take my dog to vet and pay for its medicine because i was on a tight budget. For me, my pet is a family member. Just because I am going through a time where I can't afford both does not mean I should give up my dog to someone who can care for it. People have children that they sometimes need assistance for and noone says they should give them up to they state, they are given assistance. That is what was asked, does anyone know what I can do to help my pet. If I did not care for my dog, I would let her get over her infection on her own. So why attack someone that is trying to help her animal?

Answer 1

Because, by the grace of God they haven't been there yet... I sure have!

Once they have experienced that kind of poverty, they won't be so high and mighty...

Answer 2

Here's my take on it having worked with vets. Pets are a luxury, not a necessity. If you have a pet, you need to be prepared for the eventuality that they will need major medical or surgical care at some time during their life, which costs money. They also need yearly physical exams and heartworm testing/prevention medicine, flea/tick control, and vaccinations as appropriate, which also costs money. Either consider pet insurance or perhaps set up a "pet fund" that you put money into every month to prepare for what may come!!

If you are doing all of the above preventive care (think along the lines of children and wellness exams) you SHOULD have a good enough relationship with your vet that in a dire situation, he/she will be willing to work things out with you. If you are a "give my dog his rabies every three years because I have to" client, your vet is not likely to set up payment plans.

What people don't think about, is that veterinarians are not in the money lending business... banks are. Most vets that try to help people in your situation get financially burned, big time. I'm not saying you would stiff your vet on a bill, but many people who cry the same song as you will do just that. Once a vet has heard the sob story 3 or 4 times and gotten stiffed for thousands of dollars of medical bills that they will NEVER see, they stop being as willing to work out payments... can you go to the grocery store and make payments?
That's my $0.02.

Answer 3

Here is the reason why people attack: if your children are sick (like in your example) you, as a parent, will do everything in your power to go to friends, family, neighbors, the government, humanitarian organizations, churches, etc. to ask them for money and help. Many people who post on Yahoo Answers have not done this for their animal. They come on here looking for some magical cure that doesn't cost money. The truth is, dogs are expensive, but there is always a way to get it medical treatment, therefore it is unreasonable for people to say they can't take a dog to a vet.....yes, it may take a couple of days to get the money together, but the point is you need to have the resources to take care of the pet, or else you need to find it a new home.

I know your situation is tough. When I was in college, my dog was very sick with cancer. It cost almost $1,000 in treatment. She had various other chronic problems that cost me thousands in bills. I was a full time student, I got NO support from my parents, so I was completely broke. I knwo form personal experience, though, that if you really care about your dog, you will do everything you can to help it....and there is ALWAYS an option available.....beg the vet to work out a payment plan; get "CareCredit" (see link below); money from family, friends, and neighbors; do a fundraiser (wash cars, sell baked goods); make a webpage and gather donations online; go to your local humane society; contact the Animal Hospital Association for a grant;........there are a million options, and no need for an animal to suffer.

I know it is tough. It takes more work to find trx for an animal than a child. I've been there....take care, and good luck!!

Answer 4

I read through the answers to your question about your sick pet and I only found one answer that suggested you turn your pet over to a shelter if you can't afford to take care of it. The rest of the answers were pretty much what I would have suggested...work out a payment plan with your vet. Vets are more willing to do so than human physicians, and I think more humane than humans! When my dog's paw swelled up & got hot, making my dog lie flat on her side, I did whatever was necessary to get her help, even though I didn't have much money. Losing her wasn't an option I wanted to even think about. I agree with you. My dog is my kid and part of the family. When she hurts, I hurt. She can't talk to me and tell me where it hurts. She depends on me to get her what she needs. How can I look into her brown eyes and tell her I can't? No, I'm not trying to make you feel bad. I just didn't see anyone attacking you, as you stated in your question. I think the person answering your question was really trying to help you see your options, though giving up your pet would be the ultimate sacrifice to get them what they needed. I had to give up a dog once, when I moved to an apartment in a big city and knew I couldn't take her. It was the hardest thing I ever had to do, but it was for her own good. There was no room for her, and I wouldn't have had enough time to give her the exercise she needed on a daily basis. I think this person was suggesting that if this was the only way for your pet to get the care she needed to live a full life, it was an option worth considering. Again, I would make payment arrangements with your vet, or contact your local humane society for other options available to you. And do it quickly, for your pets' sake. <*)))><

Answer 5

If you can't afford a vet why have a dog. Like a woman who gives birth to a baby with no means of getting diapers its so flipping silly its people like you that drive people like me to need medication. Poor dog I would run away from you and never turn back. Oh and if you go to the humane society they most likely will have you sign the dog over before any care can be provided and most likely the dog is to old and would be euthanized. Your best chance it to call around see if anyone does payment plan in your area. Then find better homes for your dogs.

Answer 6

I do not know what is wrong with your dog but you may find alot of helpful information by doing a search on "colloidal silver" be sure to add to the search..."testimonies" or the specific illness if you know.It can be purchased at a local health food store and it is far better than anything the vet would prescribe! I have treated my 3 children with herbal remedies for years because of the cost of medical treatment! I am a single mother and I also understand your situation. After 13 years of self treating them, I have learned that I trust my own practice over the "medical practice" physicians that I have taken them to. Broken bones...chest pains...lacerations that i can't stop the bleeding myself, I may call a doctor. Otherwise, I am headed to the local healthfood store!

As far as people that judge you...they probably should be taking a closer look at themselves. Surely they are far from perfect and obviously, they have not walked a mile in your shoes.

Answer 7

It is always tragic when a pet suffers because its owner cannot provide proper care.

However, there different kinds of tragedy involved. It does sometimes happen that a well-cared for pet needs something that we are not immediately able to provide. With family members, insurance or other options exist, but often not for pets.

There is another element though. By posting here, you should have known that the pet lovers would almost automatically shout that it should go to a vet no matter what- even if they themselves sometimes get caught in the same trap.

Answer 8

I'm not rich, I'm not pompous, but I do take care of my animals. I started putting away a few bucks every payday from day one.
Yes, people have children and if they neglect them and withhold medical care because they cannot afford it, the state comes in and TAKES them away. Look into it, happens every day.
Most vets will let you make arrangements for payments, you can get a credit card or look into this service here:
http://carecredit.com/index.htm
It covers people and animals, you can make payments and they are even interest free if you pay within the agreed time.
Where there's a will there's a way.
Don't take my word for it, I'm just a "rich" factory worker.

Answer 9

People should not have attacked you if you are going through a tough time which is temporary and unforeseeable. Unfortunately, the majority of pet owners are not responsible enough to plan for expenses in caring for their pets when their health declines. They think that once they have the pet all they will have to pay for is food and this is simply irresponsible. Maybe that's their reason? You needed a solution...

Answer 10

Because a lot of people are arrogant, pompous, un-sympathetic and rich. They have no concept of what it's like to love your pet and be poor. In a recent research it was found that homeless people in Seattle WA took better care of their pets than anyone else (including themselves!). Sure, they had to ask for help at the free clinics, but they cared.
Try calling your local humane society for help. Ours has a fund set aside just to help people like you with vet bills. They understand. In some areas there are free clinics. If you can't find help there ask if your vet will take small payments or even barter. I once traded a pen & ink picture for work.
Call around and network and hopefully you'll find some help. Good luck!

Answer 11

Because if you cannot afford to treat the animal right then you should give it over to the Humane Society so it has a chance of finding a good home with good care.

If you have a pet and you do not get it medical care then it's just like doing the same to your child

If you really care about the dog them call the social services and see if there are some vets who will work on her for minimum fee or without pay