My income was reduced to less than 1/3 of what I was making when I lost my job 6 years ago. I didn't go back to work because my parents needed my help on a daily basis. Then my husband took early retirement last January due to some health issues. So we went form making a good living to low income. I do have insurance on my 3, but that didn't cover Pixie's recent 2600.00 LP surgery. I have a Care Credit and savings for any vet emergencies. My babies are fed premium foods and Cali gets 60.00 month allergy medicine. I groom all 4 myself, something I never did when I was working and only had 1 dog. As times are getting tougher, I cut out their fancy treats and saved 40.00 a month, they get much more affordable treats and are just as happy. So I feel fortunate that even though our income is greatly reduced, I have the insurance on my 3, (Nikki is too old to insure), a good emergency fund and the Care Credit Card. I do know that 4 dogs at our income level would be risky if not for the financial precautions I have been able to put in place. But I also know that Nikki's owner was not in a financial situation to have him. She could not afford to feed herself much less Nikki. When I met her she was relying on neighbors to help her out with food and went without food many days. She always made sure Nikki had food but even that was becoming a struggle. I noticed that Nikki had terrible breath and wasn't eating good, but he wouldn't let us look at his mouth. I took Nikki to the vet for his shots and the vet looked in his mouth and showed us that his teeth were so decayed that he needed them all removed and major gum work done. It would run 900.00, an amount that Carol, his owner, had NO way of paying. This kind vet ended up doing the surgery for 400 and I put it on my Care Credit.
I can't imagine the pain he was in for who knows how long. Since I took Nikki in last February I had his records transferred to my vet. A couple of months ago they mentioned something about the information sheet from his rescue. I asked for a copy. I was really shocked to see that this well known Yorkie rescue adopted him out to Carol in the shape he was in and knowing Carol was on a limited income. Nikki lived for 2 years that I know of with horrible infected rotted teeth. So there are circumstances where your income can affect how you an care for your pet. Carol loved Nikki to pieces but really could not afford to care for him. I see every week at the shelter I volunteer for pets turned in because they need surgery or treatment that the owner's can't afford. I know no one can foresee their future, but it is heartbreaking to see these poor babies dumped in a shelter through no fault of their own wondering what the heck happened. So I feel income is only one factor in what makes a good pet owner. If you have a low income, but commit to making sure your pet will get the medical attention, love, food and shelter it needs you can make a good pet owner. I have also seen where people dump their pet because of health or training issues and have the money to take care of it but don't want to be bothered. It is easier for them to go out and get another pet and another if need be, because they can afford to. So having a good income doesn't make someone a good pet owner either. |