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 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...?