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

[Sammy Mommy]

I don't think your income would make you a good or bad pet owner. The key is to be a responsible and loving pet owner. We are not rich by any means, but I know I have to put money away each month towards vet bills, groomer, food, etc. Like other posters have said, it's your priorities and my dog and my sons are my priorities. I would so without something for myself to make sure they are happy and healthy.

[chachi]

Originally Posted by FlDebra

Actually no one said either took better care of their pets! The real issue was about whether or not they took their pets on vacation or boarded them. Here are their REAL words.

kjcmsw said: "I'm not generalizing...but it seems to me "many" of the people I have met where price is not a consideration are the types that can afford frequent vacations and dropping off their dog to be kenneled while they are vacationing is the norm. I don't think that's in the best interest of one's dog...but that's my opinion. Some kennel at the drop of a hat and think nothing of it. I commit to the dog, if it can't go with me, then I don't go. That being said, management of one's money and making any purchase that is within a person's budget shows intelligence and responsibility, just the type of person that should buy a dog.

rhettsmomma said: And not to be argumentative, but I've found the opposite to be true with the people I know. Those with a comfortable life style tend to be a little more picky about being separated from the dogs for a vacation- if the dog can't go, they don't go...and boy, do those dogs go to some NICE places; while those who are not tend to see nothing wrong with leaving the dogs out in the backyard with a big pile of food and a couple bowls of water for a long weekend away because kenneling is too expensive. Of course, there are exceptions to every argument.

Yea I know I can read she said someone who didnt have a comfortable income would leave the dog outside so that does have to do with care. But this thread was also started because I do see differences in what people consider adequate care and I wanted some opinions. Im sorry your offended but I hope you have a nice day

[FlDebra]

Originally Posted by chachi

Yea I know I can read she said someone who didnt have a comfortable income would leave the dog outside so that does have to do with care. But this thread was also started because I do see differences in what people consider adequate care and I wanted some opinions. Im sorry your offended but I hope you have a nice day

I am not offended, even after the remark about not being ale to read. I posted it not to you but in reference to your post. Thoght others might be interested to read what actually was said as it was not being well-represented IMO. But I thank you for telling me to have a nice day -- I wish the same for you and yours. No reseason for this to be argumentative. Each of the people in the other thread were just saying what they knew to be true from people they knew or had seen. We often have different experiences.

I do think most are confusing being lower income with not having enough money to adequately provide for puppies. They are NOT the same thing. Obviously everyone here is taking excellent care of their pups. They are not unable to provide. You can be lower income, but use the money wisely and provide well for pups. Some do not have it to use wisely, there is nowhere to cut back from! They should no own a yorkie yet. I waited to get Yorkies. I wanted them but knew from talking to my mom that they cost a lot more than even those intitial prices. So I waited. It did not mean I was not a good pet owner, I just was not ready then. Others are in thta position now. They should NOT be a yorkie owner yet. They may be the best yorkie owners ever in the proper time. Waiting is not so bad. I never gave up on my dream and they mean the world to me now!

Having money does not make you a good or bad pet owner. But not considering all the pets needs ahed of time could make you a poor pet owner -- poor in quality not income. Again -- the people posting in this thread are obviously taking cre of their dogs by whatever means they have worked out. They are NOT in question. But some prospective owners ARE! A breeder would be irresponsible if they did not consider financial needs among the MANY things they consider when deciding on placing their puppies or not.

I think you mean well -- but there really is no fight here. It is not about the haves and the have nots -- it is more about those who do consider a dog's needs and those who do not.

[gemy]

Originally Posted by chachi

Yea I know I can read she said someone who didnt have a comfortable income would leave the dog outside so that does have to do with care. But this thread was also started because I do see differences in what people consider adequate care and I wanted some opinions. Im sorry your offended but I hope you have a nice day

Adequate care; that probably does have a whole sliding scale. Beyond the basic necessities of proper nutrition, water, warm and clean housing, proper exercise and stimulation, what is adequate care for your Yorkie?

Advances in veterinary medicine, provide an option for sick pups, that might not have been available 30 or more years ago. In fact all the new tests, that say diagnose liver shunt would not have been available a few decades ago. And here-in lies the potential heartache for the dog owner.

For Yorkies a breed with some serious health concerns, and as carefull as a purchaser is, sometimes you just have to deal with a health concern. I think/feel, that this reality needs to be addressed by a would be Yorkie owner, and a plan put in place. Be the plan pet insurance, or self insurance, something needs to be prepared.

I would do almost anything for my pups, but that anything would stop at the health and well being of my family. I know sometimes we all joke, that I'd give up my hubby before my dog, my reality is if the cost of my husbands health care was so onerous that I couldn't properly care for my pups, then I would have to rehome. I certainly hope that situation never arises for me, but this thread got me thinking about things, we don't often ponder.

We all know people here at Yt who have spent thousands of dollars to help heal their sick pup. So how much really should be put aside for a pup's/dogs extraordinary care? What happens if the cost of the care is $xxxx(you fill in the number that would provide hardship for you), with no guarantee on just what the quality of life will be after. Are you a bad owner if you say no? These are very tough questions, with no easy answers.

And I believe Mary(Mardelin) wrote about someone who gets rid of a dog if it costs more than $500 per year, that one made my blood boil. Can you imagine anyone actually admitting to this in civilized company. My jaw dropped. but I guess there are still folks out there, that look at dogs as disposable property. Those ppl should own pet rocks!

[J_is_my_initial]

Originally Posted by katienme2002

I would be classified as lower income, I actually live in a mobile home, never had a brand new car. But I pay the bills and it works. Roxie never lacks in vet care or grooming for that matter. I think anyone in any class can be a wonderful parent to a furkid, IMO.

I too live in a mobile home (I always say emphasis on home, not mobile). While I may no longer be classified as low income as per getting help with bills and such as some relatives I know, we are no means rich. We get by with my dh's careful budgets. My dream vehicle that I have now is a 1991 jeep, my dh drives a blazer we bought from my dad, and he inheirited his dad's very old truck. I have 3 dogs, who many say is too much for me. Not the money part, but the training part. My babies get vet care when needed, all are spayed and neurtered asap. They get groomed though maybe not as often as some do, I happen to like the scruffy look. When we were on food stamps, renting a trailer from the goodness of friends, when my dtr was small, (tomorrow she turns 24) we went to the animal shelter and rescued a beagle. It gave our life a lift.
The reason we used tax refund money to buy a yorkie was because I needed a smaller dog due to health issues. We make pet food and vet care a priority, just as the health and feeding was important when raising our dtr. She turned out pretty great if i do say so myself. My furbabies are doing fine too,.

[chachi]

Originally Posted by gemy

Adequate care; that probably does have a whole sliding scale. Beyond the basic necessities of proper nutrition, water, warm and clean housing, proper exercise and stimulation, what is adequate care for your Yorkie?

Advances in veterinary medicine, provide an option for sick pups, that might not have been available 30 or more years ago. In fact all the new tests, that say diagnose liver shunt would not have been available a few decades ago. And here-in lies the potential heartache for the dog owner.

For Yorkies a breed with some serious health concerns, and as carefull as a purchaser is, sometimes you just have to deal with a health concern. I think/feel, that this reality needs to be addressed by a would be Yorkie owner, and a plan put in place. Be the plan pet insurance, or self insurance, something needs to be prepared.

I would do almost anything for my pups, but that anything would stop at the health and well being of my family. I know sometimes we all joke, that I'd give up my hubby before my dog, my reality is if the cost of my husbands health care was so onerous that I couldn't properly care for my pups, then I would have to rehome. I certainly hope that situation never arises for me, but this thread got me thinking about things, we don't often ponder.

We all know people here at Yt who have spent thousands of dollars to help heal their sick pup. So how much really should be put aside for a pup's/dogs extraordinary care? What happens if the cost of the care is (you fill in the number that would provide hardship for you), with no guarantee on just what the quality of life will be after. Are you a bad owner if you say no? These are very tough questions, with no easy answers.

And I believe Mary(Mardelin) wrote about someone who gets rid of a dog if it costs more than $500 per year, that one made my blood boil. Can you imagine anyone actually admitting to this in civilized company. My jaw dropped. but I guess there are still folks out there, that look at dogs as disposable property. Those ppl should own pet rocks!

Great post! I didnt see the post where Mardelyn said that but I cant believe anyone would pu7t a pet down over $500. You should at least have the purchase price amont of thedog saved for an emergency or have something you can sell or something to get that amount

[StarrIreland]

Ooops that should be 8000 pounds[I think thats about $16000] and 1000.....

I now have a deal with my vet that every week to leave 20-30 pounds in lieu of future treatment.... I have now got enough to treat a serious complaint in 2 animals....

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by gemy

Adequate care; that probably does have a whole sliding scale. Beyond the basic necessities of proper nutrition, water, warm and clean housing, proper exercise and stimulation, what is adequate care for your Yorkie?

Advances in veterinary medicine, provide an option for sick pups, that might not have been available 30 or more years ago. In fact all the new tests, that say diagnose liver shunt would not have been available a few decades ago. And here-in lies the potential heartache for the dog owner.

For Yorkies a breed with some serious health concerns, and as carefull as a purchaser is, sometimes you just have to deal with a health concern. I think/feel, that this reality needs to be addressed by a would be Yorkie owner, and a plan put in place. Be the plan pet insurance, or self insurance, something needs to be prepared.

I would do almost anything for my pups, but that anything would stop at the health and well being of my family. I know sometimes we all joke, that I'd give up my hubby before my dog, my reality is if the cost of my husbands health care was so onerous that I couldn't properly care for my pups, then I would have to rehome. I certainly hope that situation never arises for me, but this thread got me thinking about things, we don't often ponder.

We all know people here at Yt who have spent thousands of dollars to help heal their sick pup. So how much really should be put aside for a pup's/dogs extraordinary care? What happens if the cost of the care is (you fill in the number that would provide hardship for you), with no guarantee on just what the quality of life will be after. Are you a bad owner if you say no? These are very tough questions, with no easy answers.

And I believe Mary(Mardelin) wrote about someone who gets rid of a dog if it costs more than $500 per year, that one made my blood boil. Can you imagine anyone actually admitting to this in civilized company. My jaw dropped. but I guess there are still folks out there, that look at dogs as disposable property. Those ppl should own pet rocks!

$500.00 a year, NOT, $500.00 in a dog's lifetime. I have a belief; Beware of those that don't love children, animals or flowers. I've found that it rings true as to a person's character.

[gemy]

Originally Posted by Mardelin

$500.00 a year, NOT, $500.00 in a dog's lifetime. I have a belief; Beware of those that don't love children, animals or flowers. I've found that it rings true as to a person's character.

My Mom always said that. I think it has to do with the ability to perceive beauty and innocence, and to be touched by that. There might not always be innocence in beauty, but innocence is always beautiful.

[Honsinger]

Why is this even a question on here? Does your income make you a better person, better dog lover, better parent? NO. Case in point, look at Michael Vick, making millions. Was he a responsible per owner? I'm really bothered by this questions, just because someone is considered "lower income" doesn't make them love their pets, their children, their friends or family any less, it doesn't make them any less human than the "upper income" people.

[Mardelin]

The question was posed as a topic of discussion to obtain people's viewpoints. Not as a topic for debate or arguement.

[chachi]

Originally Posted by Mardelin

$500.00 a year, NOT, $500.00 in a dog's lifetime. I have a belief; Beware of those that don't love children, animals or flowers. I've found that it rings true as to a person's character.

That is terrible and you as a breeder have probably seen it all good and bad pet owners

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by chachi

That is terrible and you as a breeder have probably seen it all good and bad pet owners

Not really, I've been pretty lucky with my families. I don't ship, I offer free grooming and boarding. That affords me the opportunity to have hands on with my pups.

But, the situation with my grandson's mother just reminds me that there are those people out there that think a animal is just animal. If it get's sick, they'll just another. It's very difficult to change that mentality.

[LuvTaycieGirl]

Originally Posted by rhetts_mama

i still, in my next life, want to come back as britster's dog. Every dog should have an owner like her.

agreed!!

[Rachael1983]

I'm not rich. I consider myself middle income but I'm running a household by myself. I'm a single mom, in grad school and trying to make the best of everything. Troy is family and what he needs, I make sure he gets.

I don't think you need to have buckets and boat loads of money to be good pet parents I think it takes a person with good moral character to own a pet. Someone who understands that pets are dependant on them for their well being.