emergency fund... what do you think?

[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!

Speaking of Lucky, how is he these days?

[Catsnclay]

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

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! 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"...?

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!