I know there are probably a lot of shelter dogs that would be happy to go to a low income home, and eat food from Wal-Mart, I'm just sayin'....
This is a good topic. I think it takes courage to come out and say "I don't have money". At least it does for me, I have never been in this position and it is HUMBLING.
Since I lost my "day" job, my income has decreased by about 50%. I no longer have the money to pay for biweekly baths, and monthly grooms. I don't buy as many treats as I used to, but that is partly because Cooper got pancreatitis. For that reason, I will not consider changing brands of food, even though it is pricier than some (Wellness Core). I wonder about the people who say dogs should eat less of a premium food, because my 3 GOBBLE this kibble.
I have to plan for vet visits (they are coming,it is vaccination time), by cutting somewhere else. It is a struggle when I used to blow money right & left, to be so consumed by making it stretch now.
But, here is what we do now. We go on walks every day, for our health. They love it. I bath them and do the "sanitary" cuts on my own...they go to the groomer when they get too shaggy. I buy boneless skinless chicken breasts, boil, cube, and freeze, for their snacks. We stay up until we are tired & go to bed when we are sleepier. I think my pups are happier in my reduced income house, because they have more Mom time.
I have no money set aside for vet bills, I am being honest here. I seriously doubt many people do. I would do the same thing when I had to pay nearly 1k for Cooper's bills this summer, we had to juggle other bills to pay for it. If one of them got sick again, I would sell something I own, draw it from our retirement, SOMETHING....I would get the money, plain and simple.