Do you think lower income people can make good pet owners?

[Cha Cha]

Money can shape a person, but it does not make the person. Just because you do or don't have money doesn't reflect necessarily on the kind of care a person will give their pet. Sure, it can be a huge factor in decision making if you do or don't have the money, but I think there are a lot of low income people who will go to the end of the world for their pet, and I think there are a lot of wealthy people who are very stingy and will make the most inexpensive decision possible when it comes to their pet.

I know a low income (very young) person right now who went in debt big time for her dog who was given little chance of ever using it's badly broken leg again. She couldn't even get care credit on her own. Her mom had to be on the credit with her. The dog is a walking miracle today. A testiment to the owner, and the veterinarian who performed the surgery.

[bchgirl]

Sorry but a dog missing meals is not one being well taken care of...unfortunately animals do not live on "love" alone.

[BamaFan121s]

Originally Posted by bchgirl

I don't think lower income people love thier pets any less, however, there needs to be something in place for veterinary care. There isn't anything more heartbreaking than an owner who can not afford unexpected medical expenses.

That's what I was going to say.

I don't think one's income has any connection to how the dog is treated. So long as the dog can be provided for, especially in regards to any medical issues or needed treatment, including emergencies. IMO, one needs to have some money set aside for 'what ifs'. Other than that, I don't think it matters.

[Darlin Beauxs]

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.

[lil fu fu girl]

When I first joined the board, a story was told by another rescue worker. The pup she currently was fostering was received due to a phone call from a women who said that the dog they currently owned had pancreatitis and she could not afford to pay for the meds and new food plan that the vet had prescribed.
The rescue worker decided to meet her at the vets to pick up the yorkie. When she got there she waited until a brand-new BMW pulled up and out came a women dressed to the nines, Gucci purse included, who had the poor little yorkie who could not afford the surgery!! In fact she had known about the illness for quite some time and yet proceeded to feed the dog its regular food escalating the disease on the already sick pup, explaining that things were just too tight to afford the meds and food.

So in answer to your query, finances and savings do not really matter in my eyes as I have seen those with practically nothing, create the funds for their pets needs, and those that have essentially everything treat their pet like garbage. In my eyes it is not a matter of finance, but a matter of humanity.

[lil fu fu girl]

Originally Posted by Darlin Beauxs

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.

Thanks for sharing and being courageous enough to tell us your story.

[Britster]

Originally Posted by bchgirl

Sorry but a dog missing meals is not one being well taken care of...unfortunately animals do not live on "love" alone.

Obviously they don't live on love alone, which so many people with little dogs tend to think that a dog can survive with being held all day and carried in a purse. To me, that is worse than a dog who misses a meal. Which, btw, I was using that as an example. The homeless person I saw on TV- I have no idea what his dog eats or how much he eats so I was making an assumption.

Still, to me, compared to the 1000's of dogs living out on the street with NO love, guidance, or much of anything... I'm sure a dog would MUCH rather be with a person who loves them and has a bond with and miss a meal for the day rather than be put into a crowded noisy shelter with little chance of survival (where most of those types of dogs will go). People go through hard times and they shouldn't be forced to part with their dog because of it.

I would never personally not have food for Jackson for the day obviously... but I'm just saying not everyone is in the position I am and they should not be judged for it. I watch "Pit Boss" on Animal Planet and this one man had a really nice paying job and a Pit Bull whom he had been with for 8yrs. He was living in a small trailer on the side of the road and he wanted badly to keep his dog but he ended up calling the Pit Boss for help on rehoming. Well they ended up donating a bunch of food to him so that he could keep his dog. He was getting his life back in order, it was just taking time. Just because someone may have an off year and not be able to properly provide for their dog doesn't mean that you should just give them up... you COULD get through the year and not miss out on the next 10-15yrs that dog could provide just because ONE year out of the whole dogs life may be messed up.

[Darlin Beauxs]

Originally Posted by lil fu fu girl

When I first joined the board, a story was told by another rescue worker. The pup she currently was fostering was received due to a phone call from a women who said that the dog they currently owned had pancreatitis and she could not afford to pay for the meds and new food plan that the vet had prescribed.
The rescue worker decided to meet her at the vets to pick up the yorkie. When she got there she waited until a brand-new BMW pulled up and out came a women dressed to the nines, Gucci purse included, who had the poor little yorkie who could not afford the surgery!! In fact she had known about the illness for quite some time and yet proceeded to feed the dog its regular food escalating the disease on the already sick pup, explaining that things were just too tight to afford the meds and food.

So in answer to your query, finances and savings do not really matter in my eyes as I have seen those with practically nothing, create the funds for their pets needs, and those that have essentially everything treat their pet like garbage. In my eyes it is not a matter of finance, but a matter of humanity.

That is too sad, I was in this position this summer. The vet prescribed science diet I/D and I did feed it, even though it is ranked horribly until Cooper's blood came back normal. I resented it being so much more than food I knew was healthier, but the important thing was, IT WORKED. Before that, I was feeding Merrick, which I thought was good. I truly think the dehydrated chicken strips made him sick (I had changed to another brand)

BUT I want to shed some light on something. The lady dressed to the nines driving a fancy car could be poorer than you. The reason why I say this is because people always think my husband and I have money. We have decent cars but NOT BMW's, but we are very nice dressers and I have nice jewelry and a name brand purse collection. But those are things we bought when I was working, and we take good care of our things, because we are not buying new right now.

Looks can be deceiving.

[DvlshAngel985]

Originally Posted by lil fu fu girl

When I first joined the board, a story was told by another rescue worker. The pup she currently was fostering was received due to a phone call from a women who said that the dog they currently owned had pancreatitis and she could not afford to pay for the meds and new food plan that the vet had prescribed.
The rescue worker decided to meet her at the vets to pick up the yorkie. When she got there she waited until a brand-new BMW pulled up and out came a women dressed to the nines, Gucci purse included, who had the poor little yorkie who could not afford the surgery!! In fact she had known about the illness for quite some time and yet proceeded to feed the dog its regular food escalating the disease on the already sick pup, explaining that things were just too tight to afford the meds and food.

So in answer to your query, finances and savings do not really matter in my eyes as I have seen those with practically nothing, create the funds for their pets needs, and those that have essentially everything treat their pet like garbage. In my eyes it is not a matter of finance, but a matter of humanity.

I love the last part!! Very well said.

[Britster]

Originally Posted by lil louis

Brit, I am always amazed that you are only 20 years old!

Thank you.

Originally Posted by lil fu fu girl

So in answer to your query, finances and savings do not really matter in my eyes as I have seen those with practically nothing, create the funds for their pets needs, and those that have essentially everything treat their pet like garbage. In my eyes it is not a matter of finance, but a matter of humanity.

Couldn't agree more!

[lil louis]

You're welcome Brit!

[chachi]

Originally Posted by lil fu fu girl

When I first joined the board, a story was told by another rescue worker. The pup she currently was fostering was received due to a phone call from a women who said that the dog they currently owned had pancreatitis and she could not afford to pay for the meds and new food plan that the vet had prescribed.
The rescue worker decided to meet her at the vets to pick up the yorkie. When she got there she waited until a brand-new BMW pulled up and out came a women dressed to the nines, Gucci purse included, who had the poor little yorkie who could not afford the surgery!! In fact she had known about the illness for quite some time and yet proceeded to feed the dog its regular food escalating the disease on the already sick pup, explaining that things were just too tight to afford the meds and food.

So in answer to your query, finances and savings do not really matter in my eyes as I have seen those with practically nothing, create the funds for their pets needs, and those that have essentially everything treat their pet like garbage. In my eyes it is not a matter of finance, but a matter of humanity.

One of my aunts and uncles are that type of pet owner. It was the reason I started this thread. They are upper income but if their pet needs major vet care they think you put it to sleep. On the other hand their are people in my neighborhood that go without things to get their pet emergency vet care. I also think the elderly make good pet owners usually and they live on limited income

[Britster]

Edit-- quoted lil louis but it was deleted so I took out the quote.

And again, I'll say I know a lot of people who have money, whose kids are treated like crap. Sure, they get bought anything they want and have the finer things... but they have no moral values, or sense of family, etc.

Yet, the poorest folks in the world are usually the closest families you'll find because they had to work together and the kids appreciate what DOES get done for them.

[Darlene68]

Originally Posted by lil fu fu girl

When I first joined the board, a story was told by another rescue worker. The pup she currently was fostering was received due to a phone call from a women who said that the dog they currently owned had pancreatitis and she could not afford to pay for the meds and new food plan that the vet had prescribed.
The rescue worker decided to meet her at the vets to pick up the yorkie. When she got there she waited until a brand-new BMW pulled up and out came a women dressed to the nines, Gucci purse included, who had the poor little yorkie who could not afford the surgery!! In fact she had known about the illness for quite some time and yet proceeded to feed the dog its regular food escalating the disease on the already sick pup, explaining that things were just too tight to afford the meds and food.

So in answer to your query, finances and savings do not really matter in my eyes as I have seen those with practically nothing, create the funds for their pets needs, and those that have essentially everything treat their pet like garbage. In my eyes it is not a matter of finance, but a matter of humanity.

[Cha Cha]

Originally Posted by Britster

Exactly.

but they have no moral values, or sense of family, etc.[/B]

Yet, the poorest folks in the world are usually the closest families you'll find because they had to work together and the kids appreciate what DOES get done for them.

And they grow up and become pet owners.