A couple of pet peeves! Beware, I'm in a mood!

[Deb's Tiny Dogs]

O.K. I need to vent! I haven't vented in a while so here goes:

1. I get so irritated when new people start off on the forum with a plea for help because their dog is dying due to fill-in-the-blank and Oh, God please help me!!! From their descriptions it sounds like the dog is on death's door.

Then the more senior members go out of their way to diagnose symptoms, suggest some remedy that will get them through the night, or suggest immediate vet care.

Then, the next day, someone writes a post asking how the dog is today, because the person doesn't bother to give us an update. Many times we get no answer back. We don't know if the dog lived or died. OR, we get an answer of "Oh, everything's fine now, thanks". The night before this dog is dying, now everything is o.k.? argh!!! I once pm'd with someone for two hours late into the night regarding a semi-emergency situation and never heard anything the next day or ever!

2. I am so tired of dog owner's saying, "Well, I can't afford a vet visit, so can you help me/tell me how to treat my dog?" Sometimes it's a simple thing and no big deal. But invariably, it's something the dog should definately go to the vet for. I'm really hearing this more and more and it's driving me nuts.

Owners must except the responsibility for their dog's health at all times! They need to know where they can get emergency funds if needed, or have worked out a plan pro-actively before a crisis hits.

I realize that sometimes when you get a dog there is money to care for it, but then financial situations change. That's unfortunate, but it still does not release the owner from the responsibility of having a plan in place.

If I knew I couldn't afford vet care for my dog, and couldn't get the funds anywhere, in the spirit of responsible dog ownership, I'd rehome it, at least temporarily. That's sounds harsh, I know.

I know we're living in the real world and not the nirvana this post looks like I expect. I don't expect anything to change from this post. I just wanted to get a couple of pet peeves off my chest. Done now.

[bernicesmama]

I will have to agree on several of your points. the spca, humane society, local animal control, and st francis of asisi all offer low cost vet care and many other programs to help assist people.

my dogs are worth more than money to me

[Savage Destiny]

I TOTALLY agree. It makes me so mad when I talk to people, on this forum or others, who are like, "My dog's not spayed becase I can't afford it. I think she might also have heartworm. What should I do?"

If you can't even afford heartworm meds and a spay, WHY DO YOU HAVE A DOG?

[weezyNollie]

Preach on girl, preach on!

I agree whole heartedly. I gave up on these types awhile ago. Even with all my knowledge and such, I chose to give it to those that need it and deserve it. Occasionally if no one else has anything to post, I'll add something. Otherwise... nope.

Sadly, I run into this here online and at work. Dogs that come in on emergency, owners don't have the money or wont pay for it.. and then it becomes a reliquished pet and sometimes even euthanized. I have built some tougher skin for it, otherwise I'd be a wreck all the time.

[tigersmom]

I am new here so I probably should keep my mouth shut or my fingers still! I have the most wonderful rescue dog in the world he also is in very poor health. I made a committment to him we spend between 200.00 and 300.00 a month on the vet and meds. this does touch his food grooming etc. I would give up all kinds of junk (cable, computer, cell phone for his health) Today I had surgery and who is on my lap my beautiful cocker Tiger.
tigersmom

[Savage Destiny]

Originally Posted by tigersmom

I am new here so I probably should keep my mouth shut or my fingers still! I have the most wonderful rescue dog in the world he also is in very poor health. I made a committment to him we spend between 200.00 and 300.00 a month on the vet and meds. this does touch his food grooming etc. I would give up all kinds of junk (cable, computer, cell phone for his health) Today I had surgery and who is on my lap my beautiful cocker Tiger.
tigersmom

That's wonderful! Not very many people would take in a rescue who required so much care... You're a wonderful person.