emergency fund... what do you think?

[marysmerrycats]

I thought I would post a poll, so everyone could post their opinions... or just vote or both.

[ScantyNebula]

I have questions/doubts .. I think it is a great idea, of course, but it should only be used in certain circumstances..I mean who knows, someone could join pettalk just with the intentions of getting this emergency fund or something .. like a non-cat person or something (I'm not implying this may ever happen) But this IS the internet, there are heartless people out there, and I just think we should be careful thats all, the emergency fund, if it ever went ahead, should be kept discreet I think

[PayItForward]

Originally posted by ScantyNebula
I have questions/doubts .. I think it is a great idea, of course, but it should only be used in certain circumstances..I mean who knows, someone could join pettalk just with the intentions of getting this emergency fund or something .. like a non-cat person or something (I'm not implying this may ever happen) But this IS the internet, there are heartless people out there, and I just think we should be careful thats all, the emergency fund, if it ever went ahead, should be kept discreet I think

Ditto

[K & L]

I agree as you probably read from my other post. How would you distribute fairly if more than one were in need? Plus the legalities of this need to be checked into.

[Cataholic]

I think it is a bad idea. I don't think we should do it, and I wouldn't participate on that level. :(

[ScantyNebula]

Originally posted by Cataholic
I think it is a bad idea. I don't think we should do it, and I wouldn't participate on that level. :(

I'm curious to know why you're against it...

[HayleyRosie]

I'm on two minds with the idea of the emergency fund. At first I thought it was a great idea. Now I am finding that I am thinking about what could go wrong with it. What would classify as an emergency and what would not? Who would be in charge of the collection of the money for the fund? How would it be distributed? Would you need to show some kind of proof from the vet that you actually have an emergency? I'm still thinking about it. Just a little nervous.

[ScantyNebula]

Hmmm....thinking aloud here

so .. Karen/Paul collects and keeps the money safely

more than one emergency = even split of money

valid proof of emergency from vet needed as rosie mentioned


or we could not have an emergency fund and just play the cards as they are dealt (aka .. if something comes up like it did with Basset everyone can chip in at that time)

[PayItForward]

I like the idea in general but worry about con people.

I am still not convinced the 'Save Jasper' post we received recently, was a valid case. (Might be wrong, just had bells ringing about that web site)

But if we could help genuine owners with their pets, I would be 100% for the fund.

[RICHARD]

i like the ER fund but how's about
checking into maybe paying for a year's worth of
pet insurance???

like a 'scholarship/grant' for some PT members??

good points
it's preventative
relatively cheap
anyone can use it
it helps with payments


bad points
may not cover pre exsisting conditions..
may not be available for overseas PT members..
???????

[Cinder & Smoke]

Yes, it's a "nice" idea,
BUT!...

One of the best ways to destroy a Friendship...

Is to involve :eek: MONEY in it.

Pet Talk is NOT the place to discuss or involve people's
financial needs or problems.

In SOME cases we have - with usually favorable ourcomes...
(Naomi and Bassett's case is a good example) -
managed to discuss and assist with financial difficulties...

But we've done it on an individual basis, and quite infrequently.
Let's not "push our luck"!

Let's keep it informal...
If you have a "problem", and want to toss it out for consideration -
feel free to do it.

I, like Johanna (Cataholic), do NOT think that a "Fund" should be set up!
The logistics of controlling and dispersing the "Fund" would become
an absolute Nightmare! :(

/s/ Phred

[HayleyRosie]

The thought of having an emergency fund available sounds great but I have decided that I will not contribute if one is set up. I will however evaluate each emergency case myself and decide at that time if I want to make a donation personally like we have done in Naomi and Bassett's case. Like I said the thought of having this available sounds great but I am very afraid of what could go wrong. I hope my decision does not upset anyone.

[catlady1945]

It's a nice thought, but I don't know how on earth it would be handled. There are all kinds of legal issues, who would administer, etc. You would almost need a Foundation of some sort and I don't think anyone is equipped to do this.

[marysmerrycats]

I don't see why your post should upset anyone... there are alot of reasons against it.. but if there were to be one (emergency fund) obvioulsy it would not just easily go to new members, and not without it being verified. with Naomi, we know its true, and we have a vets clinics address/phone. I just think that someone that has a less amount owed to a vet and has a job is less of an emergency than the HUGE amount that Bassetts surgery is costing and when she has not found a job yet. theres a difference. it probably would be too difficult to do...the idea of everyone sending in a few dollars a month is a good one though.

[marysmerrycats]

we haven't heard from Karen and Paul...?

[aguu]

It's a lovely idea and before I read everyone's post I was going to vote FOR it. However now I agree with HaleyRosie et all. We should just decide if we want to help someone out as it happens. It's just simpler and in the end more fair, I think. It just gives those who are willing to give a choice to whom their contribution goes to!

[marysmerrycats]

well I just posted the poll today and it is already at 50% voting no, and second place is people have doubts. I guess wait a few days and see what it says. if most are against it then it won't happen anyway. I just thought he had a good idea but it isn't going to work out. I guess if some people really want one they can make one, I would give to it but don't know how it would be done...?

[Karen]

I think the idea behind it is genuinely nice. In all practicality, however, it could be a legal and logistical nightmare. There would have to be all sorts of rules and who would set them up, who would administer the fund, what country should it be in, how would the funds be controlled, invested, how would contributions be handled, what are the legal ramifications of it, would people havev to apply, and what would the application process involve ... and the questions just go on and on ...

I think for the moment, informal is best ...

[K & L]

I'm sorry, I just don't think it's a good idea for all the reason I've already stated, plus the fact it would single out individuals, which really wouldn't be fair. There are times ALL of us could use the extra funds for one reason or another. What/who would determine whether our need was more deserving than the others?

I think it's just better to contribute when and where you personnally feel it's needed.

[marysmerrycats]

yeah I agree. good idea but no way to do it on a site like this, with everyone all over the world. well, the money for Naomi is adding up fast and Im sure it would again...

[Cincy'sMom]

At one time a a year or so ago there was al ist put together for PT emergencies. I do not remember who has the list, but basically those willing to help sent that person their name and phone number. If an emergency came up people on the list could be contacted and asked if they were willing to help with that situation, such as transporting an animal or helping with costs. IF something were to be organized, maybe all we would want to do is prepare another list, or add to the previous one. It would be a starting point if help was needed, but there isn't just mny sitting "somewhere" Maybe that is not even needed. Word gets around pretty fast here and people are very willing to help out if and whenthe story is legitimate.

[Catsnclay]

One of the best ways to destroy a Friendship...

Is to involve MONEY in it.

Pet Talk is NOT the place to discuss or involve people's
financial needs or problems
========================================

Gosh, this couldn't have been said any better.....

I don't want to sound like the "bad guy" here and this is why I haven't posted on this subject to date, but we have just gone through the same problem with Lucky, minus the surgery part, and no one has offered us any help. We are still paying off our $5,000.00+ bill. Now please don't get me wrong, I am not asking for any help here, but WHERE do you draw the line on this? We all have or are going to have problems and who do you give to without hurting someone else?

[Miss Meow]

I initially voted yes, but after reading others' opinions about the legalities and human complexities, I've changed my mind. I think we'll be biting off more than we can chew and probably causing more problems than we'll be fixing.

If someone is in need and they are happy to receive assistance, we can probably keep doing the same thing by letting informal donations grow organically.

[ScantyNebula]

Originally posted by Miss Meow
I initially voted yes, but after reading others' opinions about the legalities and human complexities, I've changed my mind. I think we'll be biting off more than we can chew and probably causing more problems than we'll be fixing.

If someone is in need and they are happy to receive assistance, we can probably keep doing the same thing by letting informal donations grow organically.


this sounds like the best resolution. keep things the way they are right now to avoid complication.

[marysmerrycats]

yes, now I think it would really be a bad idea. I mean the original idea was great, but it just would not work out... oh well.

catsnclay
I feel so bad, I know Lucky was sick, but didn't realize the cost was so high.... Im going to re-read the posts....

[K & L]

Whewwwwwwww Bunny $5000??? Lucky IS lucky to have such caring parents!

I imagine if we all totaled up our expenses, we would be shocked at the results! We did this one year for tax purposes on rescue and donations for the ferals....OMG...we couldn't believe how much money we spent. It would've been better if we hadn't known!:D

Speaking of Lucky, how is he these days?

[Catsnclay]

Yes, we were quite surprised when we added up the totals, too! :eek:

My Lucky is extremly lucky!! I guess we named him correctly. He went back to the Vet yesterday because his rash came back. He is allergic to the medications for Chylothorax (actually the diuretic). So they took another x-ray and much to our surprise there was NO trace of fluid in his body at all! :D :) :p Talk about being shocked!! So now he can stop the medication that he is allergic to!!

We got out of the Vet's office this time with only a $200.00 bill....that's been the cheapest vet bill so far! I can't believe how expensive animal specialist are! But, Lucky is certianly worth every penny of it.

Thanks for asking...

[K & L]

YIPPPEEEE! That's wonderful news Bunny. Keeps us updated on him!

[jenluckenbach]

As much as the original thought of an emergency fund was a caring gesture, I do not believe it would work. I DO however like the idea of a "list" of people who could be contacted if an emergency came up.
I would like to propose a way to do it, maybe you can add to this idea and we can come up with a working plan.
I think there should be one person with the names. No one would know who was on this list except for the one in charge of it. Anyone needing help would PM the peson in charge and that person would PM all the people on the list. Then each person would weigh the pros and cons, concider their own financial situation and respond to the one in need if they could. With the list being private, it would prevent hurt feelings if person "A" donated to #1 but not to #2.
Is this a possible idea?

[Cinder & Smoke]

Why would we need a "list"...? :confused:

We've already GOT this huge big BBS -
that can alert the Whole Gang - with a single Post!

Anyone having an Emergency - or needing help with something...
Only has to explain the need in brief terms...
anyone willing to help can either Post or conatact via PM. ;)

Kinda simple - just like we've done it in the past.
And a "list" - if only known by one or even a few - is not much help if the one or a few don't see the original plea for assistance.

Just POSTING if a problem develops will get you pretty much all the help
you can stand! :D

[Nomilynn]

When I mentioned this idea before, I hadn't really thought it through. But, after reading this thread, I have to agree with a lot of the points. It is probably more work than it is worth, considering how kind EVERYONE here is. Also, I really don't like the idea of the list.. I would not want to be contacted every time; I wouldn't be able to give EVERY time and it would make me feel guilty :)

[marysmerrycats]

well since almost 80% of pt'ers don't want it or have doubts, it really isn't going to happen anyway.

[jenluckenbach]

I agree 100 % that a simple posting would get all the attention you want :D I think what I was trying to avoid is this:

I wouldn't be able to give EVERY time and it would make me feel guilty
And if it was via personal contacts not everyone would know that you did not give.
But with a little more thought, I guess they who would really "keep track" any way?
OK.......enough said (from me anyway);)