Abandonment is Not the Answer
It makes me so sad to see stories like this. People deciding that their situation is so bleak that their only choice is to abandon their pets. Animals who have come to rely on their humans for survival. Living creatures unaccustomed to living alone or fending for themselves. Giving love and loyalty to their humans no matter what.
Some humans do not deserve such loyalty.
My hubby and I would rather live out of our truck than give up our dogs. All four of them!
I’m at risk of losing my job and it made me think about how much we do spend on our dogs. One thing we will not skimp on is their dog food. It’s $50 a bag. And we can go through four bags fairly quickly. If I have to cancel our cable and cell phone service I will before I’d start feeding them cheap crap food.
One thing we could also do is give our own vaccines. My grandpa has always done that with his dogs so I’m sure he can help us purchase the vaccines we need. It would help us avoid the $40 office visit. Although I love our vet I don’t feel the need to visit him just for vaccines. And we wouldn’t switch to a lower cost vet either. For the things that matter he is the best.
As Urban Ground mentions and I agree … I’m sure the same people abandoning their pets are still eating out, still have cable, still use their cell phones, and smoke or drink.
This world seems to have gone insane. People are abandoning their children too. Is that what the “me” society has brought us? It’s all about me and forget anyone or anything else?
November 20th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
I agree with you. Our dog comes first in this household. She is part of the family. Period. Have a great day.
November 20th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
That makes me crazy. And as much as I’d love another dog, I *know* that I only have enough money to care for one properly. And if we were to lose everything and live out of our truck, you can be dang sure that dog would be right there with us!
I know things happen and people lose their jobs and become ill… but there are rescue groups, no-kill shelters, friends, family…
Dogs, like children, are a ‘for life’ responsibility.
Sorry… I can get ranty quick when it comes to this…
November 20th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Heck, I see homeless people all the time who have dogs. These people have lost everything — except the love they have for their pets and the obligation to take care of them.
November 21st, 2008 at 10:44 am
I would look at a low cost clinic for shots. Sometimes also, pet stores or Tractor Supply Store hosts a shot clinic where you can get them super cheap too. The only hesitation I would have on giving them myself is that we occasionally travel or go to dog parks, etc with the dogs. If I give shots myself, it is not documented by a vet and some places won’t “count” it as being valid. (actually, you cannot administer rabies, but you can do others) If you do it yourself, make sure you get the serial number on the shot.
Another thing to consider is if you have not administered shots, ask a friend who is a vet tech or even a human nurse to help you.
I have found ways to cut costs by making my own dog toys, clipping my dog’s nails myself, etc. Also, I send away for every coupon imaginable for dog food and I also look for wholesalers.
November 23rd, 2008 at 12:44 pm
I’ve thought about mixing Ace’s more expensive food with a less expensive food that’s still decent so he gets at least some higher quality food. I figure, I don’t eat the best food all the time, just sometimes. My dog would be fine, too. Although I haven’t done this yet.
November 23rd, 2008 at 1:50 pm
We see dogs abandoned all the time here in Spain. When the dogs are no longer good hunters they are just left in the counrtyside. It is terrible to see. I can’t understand it at all, but it is quite a common practise.
Wher is the love?
November 29th, 2008 at 8:18 am
In our country (India), most of the dogs which can’t be controlled by owner were let off in the streets. (Recently I saw a GSD in the busy steert and informed blue cross to pick him). These pet owners after abandoning the pet, they still eating out, still have cable, still use their cell phones, and smoke or drink.