wrote in message
...
But I feel it necessary to point out what a HUGE population of poor
and indigent there is in America. There are MILLIONS of elderly and
disabled living on $700 - $800 per month, TOTAL. That's BEFORE the
rent/utilities are paid! (Next we purchase cat food and litter! LOL)

They have NO jobs, NO credit cards, NO homes to mortgage. Perhaps NO
family.

Most do not have cars. Even their food 'choices' (like they 'have' a
choice???) would probably appall you. Or the list of things they
routinely, on an every day basis, do without. Like meds, soap,
diabetes accessories, nightclothes, coats, bedding, etc.

Are these folks (me), not supposed to have the companionship of
pets???

Honestly, I don't know. I know for these people, a pet may be their only
source of companionship. However, is it fair to that pet to keep him, when
you can't afford basic vet care? I'm actually going through this debate
with my fellow shelter workers. We just started a community service program
to vet cats and dogs of low-income people, for little to no cost. I feel
bad sometimes handing a cat back to someone who I know cannot afford to care
for it. OK, we vetted it this time, but what about next? We're only doing
routine stuff like spay/neuter and vaccines, what if this cat gets a urinary
blockage (easily treatable, but costs several hundred dollars to fix)? Will
he die because of this?

If feel like, it's one thing if you are doing OK and able to afford a pet,
and then hard times hit. But if you take on a pet when you have no income?
I do have a bit of a problem with that.

The fact is Hospitals do not REFUSE to treat children unless you have
cash in your hand, as they do pets...

Hospitals are also non-profit (oh please, not that debate again) in many
cases, vet clinics are not.

I really wish there was some sort of Medicaid and WIC for pet owners. I
know, our gov't barely wants to provide health care for people, let alone
animals.

--
-Kelly
kelly at farringtons dot net
"Wake up, and smell the cat food" -TMBG