Cindy, you struck a nerve with this timely post. Six weeks ago in Florida, my dog and I were hailed by a shabbily dressed man with an elderly pit bull mix, Trooper, whom he had rescued as a puppy. I could tell the dog was greatly loved but severely underfed, all his ribs showing through the skin. His nails were yellowed talons that had never been cut. As a visitor to the neighborhood, I didn't know where to direct this man for the free food Trooper urgently needed. Yes, he should keep his dog, who could well be his only true friend in the world. The local shelters, like shelters everywhere, are bursting with unwanted animals. Thank you for your bringing compassion and common sense to the fraught matter of "affording" pets.
Thank you for this compassionate post, Cindy. It is especially meaningful that you write about your own journey in understanding through volunteerism for animal welfare. An important conversation here.
I loved this. I recently wrote about the emotional impact on pet owners when their pets care becomes financially unsustainable. There is so much guilt and shame. I wasn’t even aware that there were resources to support folks who need help feeding their pet, that is wonderful to know. I am going to check this out in my community so I can know where to point anyone in need.
Sure, it would be preferable if people who take in nonhuman animal companions had the money to feed them and take care of all their health needs. But is it not better that they are saving such beautiful beings from certain death. These are good people, in my books.
I find it interesting that the kindest-hearted people are often, but not always, the ones who have the least money. I met many such persons in my life. Yes, they were financially poor, and many had their own health problems, but because of these factors, they had compassion and empathy.
So, money should not be a factor in whether one should be allowed to adopt. I hope there will always be people with the financial means to support food pantries for human and nonhuman animals.
Cindy, you struck a nerve with this timely post. Six weeks ago in Florida, my dog and I were hailed by a shabbily dressed man with an elderly pit bull mix, Trooper, whom he had rescued as a puppy. I could tell the dog was greatly loved but severely underfed, all his ribs showing through the skin. His nails were yellowed talons that had never been cut. As a visitor to the neighborhood, I didn't know where to direct this man for the free food Trooper urgently needed. Yes, he should keep his dog, who could well be his only true friend in the world. The local shelters, like shelters everywhere, are bursting with unwanted animals. Thank you for your bringing compassion and common sense to the fraught matter of "affording" pets.
Thank you for sharing your story and your viewpoint, Rona!
Thank you for this compassionate post, Cindy. It is especially meaningful that you write about your own journey in understanding through volunteerism for animal welfare. An important conversation here.
We need these sorts of conversations! Thanks for joining in.
I loved this. I recently wrote about the emotional impact on pet owners when their pets care becomes financially unsustainable. There is so much guilt and shame. I wasn’t even aware that there were resources to support folks who need help feeding their pet, that is wonderful to know. I am going to check this out in my community so I can know where to point anyone in need.
Where do you live? I may have some resources to start you on your journey.
Sure, it would be preferable if people who take in nonhuman animal companions had the money to feed them and take care of all their health needs. But is it not better that they are saving such beautiful beings from certain death. These are good people, in my books.
I find it interesting that the kindest-hearted people are often, but not always, the ones who have the least money. I met many such persons in my life. Yes, they were financially poor, and many had their own health problems, but because of these factors, they had compassion and empathy.
So, money should not be a factor in whether one should be allowed to adopt. I hope there will always be people with the financial means to support food pantries for human and nonhuman animals.
I hope, too!