I agree with the title. The thought that a dog is suffering because someone can't afford treatment makes me sick. A member here, while visiting her vet overheard a couple telling the receptionist to put their healthy lab to sleep because they could not afford several hundred dollars to fix his broken leg. I really think animals adapt to new situations and people have a harder time adjusting than the animal does. I think it's a very unselfish act to give a dog up, but in my opinion, someone who puts a dog to sleep because they can't afford standard medical treatments doesn't deserve to ever have a dog again. I know everyone has a limit on what they could afford, but I'm talking about basic care and treatment for injuries. I wouldn't fault someone for choosing to end the life of a dog suffering from cancer. I think that's why its good to study the breed before you buy and be aware of the genetic conditions that afflict the breed. Also, people should be aware that even healthy dogs tend to rack up more vet bills as they grow older and either have insurance or a savings for their pets. |