When to give or not to give?

Question

I just got took for $4.70. A guy came into the shop saying that his car broke down, (the timing belt went out). His grandmother and grandfather and two nieces are with him and and they only have .30 cents cash. It's a $1.00 per person for the bus. I gave $4.70 of my change. Then I watch him and he walks right past the bus stop, then I think well he has to walk back and get the rest of his family. Well it's been 30 minutes and he's long gone. He didn't look like a bum, he was clean well dressed, had a cell phone?

I'm single and every penny counts.
Of course, this is nothing to the $250.00 I paid for a boxer puppy I never got. I saw the puppy, it did exist. Then on the day I'm suppose to pick it up, it got into antifreeze and died. I never got my money back.

Why I'm I such a sucker? Should I just say no?

The puppy thing was just an example of how trusting I was. It happened three years ago and I just dropped it. I got two dogs from the shelter, half boxers.

I guess the point is, I don't mind helping people, but I also don't like being lied too. If someone is truly in need, I'd give them my last dollar. This guy got me because he said he had kids with him. It's telling when they're being honest, that I have a hard time with.

Answer 1

You give, because you'd like to think that people are still honorable in this world. You'd also like to think that someone would help you if you need it. I've given money to people who begged for it, and then didn't use it for what it was intended for. That's just life. You either become a total cynic and trust no one or try to be careful and not just throw it around. A lady and her child came up to me crying once and asked for money for food. I told them I would give them $20, but would take them to buy it. She told me to f*** off, couldn't I just give her the cash? That's gratitude for you!!! It makes you not want to help anyone.

As for the puppy, stuff like that I would not give money to until I got the merchandise. You may have seen the puppy, but who knows how many people were scammed with the same story. It never died, they just keep using it to make more money. But...don't change, this world needs more giving people.

Answer 2

Nasty Guy, be careful of these hard luck stories. As for the Pup. Well it could have been true but unless you had collected the pup and he died after you should have been given your money back. If so did you see a solicitor? if not and this happened recently then do so. Now about being a sucker - you aren't just a soft natured trusting person who needs to toughen up a bit. Be more discerning and careful in the future. So sorry the pup died(if it did) and hope you are not too sad about it.
all the best pet,
from Dot.x.

Answer 3

You should get your money for the puppy because that wasn't your fault. As far as charity your duty is the help people out. After that feel good about yourself. You can't be responsible for what happens afterwards. Maybe he had to catch another bus elsewhere. It's better that you help a few good people even if you get scammed every now and then. I think you could take the dog people to small claims court.

Answer 4

I learned that lesson as well.What I do is if someone asks for change to buy a coffee I will say I don't have any change but will gladly take them to McDonald's and buy them a coffee usually if they want the money for something else they will say never mind. I am sorry about the puppy. I don't know if you bought this dog on line but that is something I would never do. I would look in the Phone book and find a reputable breeder in my area that I could go and see and talk to before buying a puppy or kitten.

Answer 5

I'm a Christian - I give to people like that all the time.
I know sometimes I am being taken.
When they start with their story I tell them to stop. I tell them I don't want to hear their story, that if they are in need I'll be glad to help if I can. I ask how much they need - if it's more than $5 or $10 I tell them $5 or $10 is all I can give them.
When they say thanks, I tell them don't thank me, do the same for someone else.

As far as the puppy, I would threaten legal action.

Answer 6

It is sad that we have to start thinking like your question reads. There are a lot of people out there willing to take advantage of you.
You have 2 totally different examples.
If you can not afford to give the money, you shouldn't . You need to take care of yourself first. Family 2nd.

If you were low on cash for the 4.70, why in the name of God did you give anyone 250 for a dog? If you want a dog, the animal shelters are full of loving babies needing good homes.

Caution...Think...Learn to say no, unless you really want to say yes.

Answer 7

You were being kind to the man and helpful.
God saw the good that you did.
If the man did lie he will have to answer for his actions to God.

So sad we live in a time when people can be so cold. Just like it says in
2 Tim 3:1 But know this, that in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, self-assuming, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, 3 having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, 4 betrayers, headstrong, puffed up [with pride], lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godly devotion but proving false to its power; and from these turn away.

Answer 8

I will never suggest that anyone give what you can't afford. I firmly believe that what you do give comes back to you. Many religions believe that, from Pagan to Christian. He could have been a con man..or an angel from God.. As a Christian I believe that what ever you do for a fellow human you do to The Lord.
I am so sorry about your dog!
You are not a sucker, you have a kind and good heart. Don't change.

Answer 9

Like the billboards read: JUST SAY NO.

My favorite place for giving is to my local food bank. I know it will be used to feed hungry people.

As for the puppy, demand a refund from the breeder or pet shop. Take them to small claims court if you have to. Then go to your local shelter. You can get a dog already "fixed" for about $70. The shelter is also a good place to give money or time.

You just don't know about people on the street. I never give them money.

Answer 10

When I can give I feel good,If they buy a lottery ticket which I do not or alcohol which I do not ,so be it my heart did what was right.I would not want the 4.70 back and to me that is a lot of money.