I have had my dog Lucky for about 4 years now and I love her so much. I treat her just like a kid and spoil her rotten. So here's the problem. I became disabled and because of it poor. Each month I barely have enough to buy my own medication and that is with help. About a year ago Lucky started getting sick. I thought it was allegries and took her to see the mobile vaccine vet. He gave her a predisone shot and for a couple days things looks better and she acted like her old self. But she has just progressivly gotten worse. Its so bad now that she is biting herself and refusing to eat. I feel horrible because I cannot afford medical care for her anymore. I have contacted all the vets in this area and none will offer a reduced fee. One offered a payment plan but the payments were too high. I don't want my baby to die and so I know that I must give her up. I feel like such a bad person. Am I doing the right thing?
2007-03-13 06:26:39 · 28 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
You are not a bad person at all. Infact this is such an unselfish act, you are putting the dogs needs before your own and that is such love. If you feel that you cannot provide properly for this dog, finding the dog a new home is such a great alturnative. I know it hurts to have to give your friend away, but you are such a brave person to want your dog to have the best life possible *hugs*
2007-03-13 06:30:16 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 0⤋
I would hate to see you lose your dog, being disabled often causes depression in people, and those that have dogs often cope better than those without, so I would rather see if there is a solution for you to keep her.
Often the main cause of allergies is the food that is fed to the dog the main allergic ingredients are corn, wheat and soy that is in some dog foods, and if you are giving her parts of your own dinner that might contain, like bread , pasta, cookies etc all contain wheat. The odd ones are allergic to a meat such as chicken
Are you able to go to a Costcos or have a friend that may shop there and could pick up dog food for you ?
They have Kirkland signature Lamb and Rice or Chicken and Rice dog foods that is really quite good quality has no corn, soy or wheat in it and it is about $20 for a 40 lb bag it might very well put an end to the allergic reactions and depending what you current feed you may not have to feed as much of, it is the exact same food as Diamond Natural but made for Costco under the name of Kirkland Signature
http://www.diamondpet.com/products/diamond_naturals/dogs/dry_food/
if you click on any of the pictures of the food it will show ingredients and feeding amounts so you can compare what you are feeding now, if the feeding amounts are less then the cost of feeding her may remain the same
If you try the chicken and rice first and still no improvement after a month then for the next food select lamb instead just in case it is a meat allergy. Some benadryl can help with the side effects from the allergies like itchiness near the bottom of the pages is a chart for dosages so may might help to make her feel better http://lowchensaustralia.com/health/drugs.htm
I hope this is a solution that is workable for you
2007-03-13 14:27:16 · answer #2 · answered by OntarioGreys 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You're not a bad person, you're just stuck in a really nasty situation. Depending on where you live, there are some agencies that help people with pet costs -- from daily needs such as food and toys, to more acute needs, such as medical treatment. These programs often target people with disabilities or chronic illnesses specifically.
If you cannot locate such an agency in your area, I think finding her a new home will be a difficult but very selfless act.
I've included a link for one such program to give you an idea. I wish you the best of luck.
2007-03-13 13:41:22 · answer #3 · answered by SDTerp 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You are doing the RIGHT thing, it takes a very determined and loving owner to make the decision that will benifit the dog. I am sure if you had the money and the ability Lucky wouldnt be leaving your home. You are a responsible person to see you cant let her suffer. Unfortunately its going to be hard to find people to take her with her condition. I would try finding some rescue people. Or maybe if there is some way if you told your story to a Humane society or animal welfare group, they could find it in there budget to help you keep Lucky. With some free food, and prescript meds. If not that at least, take Lucky and find her a forever home with someone willing to help her sickness. Good luck and your not a bad person your a responsible pet owner.
2007-03-13 13:34:06 · answer #4 · answered by I luv Pets 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I don't normally agree with re-homing a pet but in your case it sounds like it would be the best thing for her. You can't afford to give her the care she needs so finding a home for her with someone who can is in her best interests. I don't normally advocate re-homing in most cases as when I adopt or purchase an animal I am making a commitment to care for it for its natural lifetime. I think people who buy a dog or any other animal on a whim without thinking about how long the commitment they are making is should not buy in the first place. Its one of the reasons so many end up in shelters or worse. Just be sure to thoroughly interview her prospective new owners to make sure she will have the care she needs and that they will love her as much as you do. Good luck to you and to Lucky.
2007-03-13 13:36:09 · answer #5 · answered by why 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
No, you aren't a bad person; quite the opposite.
You are one of the few people who are willing to put the needs of your beloved pet over your own selfishness.
Allowing her to have a full an healthy life with a family that has the financial means to take care of her as she deserves is the absolute best thing you could do for her.
It would be nice if it is a family nearby so you can see Lucky from time to time; but if not, so be it.
Lucky is truly lucky to have an owner with the heart that you have.
Congratulations.
Be well
2007-03-13 13:32:33 · answer #6 · answered by zaphodsclone 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
no your not my grandma just had recently 2 dogs that were not being fed every day one she has had since i was four and the other one she got last december so i brought these dogs here and fattened the one up and found her someone who could afford to take care of her and give her attention but the other one was just too old so i hate to say it but i had to put him to sleep i am 24 now so this dog was 140 in human years my husband and i fought for 2 months about putting him to sleep and i couldnt bring myself to do it but eventually i realized it was making him suffer not me so no you are not a bad person but try to find someone you see or talk to every day to take this dog in the long run it will be the best thing unless there is some kind of agency that can help you with a payment plan or something for her
2007-03-13 13:34:21 · answer #7 · answered by acstevey1 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If you cannot properly care for the pet, then there is nothing wrong with trying to find appropriate care for her. I am disabled as well, and yes pets are expensive, I would suggest taking her to the animal shelter in your area, explain the situation, they will take her and hopefully adopt her out. Many people will still adopt/resucue a pet, because of the health issue, instead of ignoring it, many people have a soft heart for a needy pet. Thank you for caring about the dog and not be irresponsible take her there today, good luck.
2007-03-13 13:33:05 · answer #8 · answered by fisherwoman 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I think this is ok to give the dog to a new nice owner....I also think you should try to give this dog to a person you know, this will help the dog so that it will be able to still see you... For her medical help you NEED to raise money....Maybe you could ask a friend or you can try and go to an animal shelter and ask if they can do anything..... I dont know what this website is but is goes like this http://www.helpmypup.com/ like I said I am not sure what this site is but it sounds like it may help!!!!
Hope this does help and good luck with your pup!!!
2007-03-13 13:37:39 · answer #9 · answered by lulu789 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, you're not a bad person. I think you are doing the right thing, especially if you can't afford her treatments. Some peole choose to put their dog to sleep when they can no longer care for them, so you're definitely making the right choice. Just make sure that she goes to a really good home with kind people. *hug* Take care!
2007-03-13 14:36:53 · answer #10 · answered by jamie6882 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋