Something that bothers me - this is very long

[crow_noir]

If you have a dog near the low end of the suggested dosage you can use the next weight level down and it will work just fine.

Also Frontline actually works for three months, not one. So long as you don't do a heavy shampooing it'll last that long. (If you wash your dogs every month cut back to every three if you can. Then of course wait the week for your dog to get oils back on its coat.)

I honestly didn't like the idea of putting poison on my dog, but he was SEVERELY allergic to fleas.

~ ~ ~

I actually live in a county that was one of the top five poorest counties in 2005!!! My area of MI is hurting badly! Yet, we get by. We may be financially poor, but we're not poor in family.

Tell me about it! We've been naturally flea-free for over half a year, but I just noticed a flea on two of my pups. I went out to buy a single box of Frontline, and it costed me $57! Honestly, now, who has the ability to fork out $57 dollars every month for three dogs? Preventive care is fine and dandy, but I really think some of these things are quite unnecessary. I also doubt the medical benefits, but that's another rant

I understand your last sentiment as well. Financially, since 2001-2002, things have never been as good as they used to be.

[Argranade]

I Also AGREE 100%!

I think ''If you can't afford the vet you still desurve your pet''

Many people even the homeless have pets, pets do get sick and somtimes they don't have money to pay for the vet well that's life, everything has to die sooner or later .. at least the pet did not have to stay stuck in a shelter. Even if they have to put there pet to sleep at least they gave it a loving home and cared for it with all there heart. Argranade was very sick, I had a chance to take him to the vet (I was short on cash too) but I knew in my heart he was not going to make it, so I just loved him with all my heart and gave him comfert on his last hours on earth.

Some people don't have alot of money YET they'll use every last bit of change they have to feed and keep there pet, lucky enough I do have money to take care of my pets very well BUT if I did not I still would not get rid of them for that reason, as long as there well fed and there heart is happy that's all that matters.

[K9soul]

pets do get sick and somtimes they don't have money to pay for the vet well that's life, everything has to die sooner or later ..

I am glad I do not have that attitude or Raven's days would be numbered.


As for the other posts I agree with a lot said, although it is still frustrating sometimes when someone joins looking for a diagnosis and treatment without consulting a vet. For example: "My dog hasn't eaten in a week and is throwing up what do I do?"

There is nothing anyone here can do about that other than advise to please get to a vet. Then the person sometimes flat states they can't afford it, and continues to post more and more grim updates of the dog's decline. That is when it gets very very frustrating.

Being short on funds is understandable, especially in an emergency, but EVERY effort should be made if something is life-threatening to get the animal treated. There are organizations out there to help if people are truly unable to get money to help any other way. I think most Pet Talkers would "beg, borrow and steal" so to speak rather than just saying "oh well"

[Vela]

Argranade was very sick, I had a chance to take him to the vet (I was short on cash too) but I knew in my heart he was not going to make it, so I just loved him with all my heart and gave him comfert on his last hours on earth.

The responsible thing to do, when your pet it too ill to be saved, is to have that pet put down by the vet when it is suffering that greatly, rather than just let it linger around in the pain of oncoming death until it finally dies on its own. Yes everything dies, but it's the way of death that matters...

[critter crazy]

There are so many times I see someone ask for advice on their pets health because they quite frankly can't afford a vet at that moment. They'll usually get some very helpful information but then there is someone who will say "Why own a pet if you can't afford their vet services?"

Well, here's an example of how life really works sometimes...

My brother had 3 kitties and a dog. He adored them. He made great money, had a steady job and was well able to pay for any emergency that should arise. Three children and a wife later, plus a mortgage... he's still got 3 kitties and a dog. But, he loses his job because of downsizing in the company he worked for. He searched for 16 months before finding another job. It was all he could do to put food on the table for his children and his wife, let alone the pets. (I supplied him with pet food during this time so he didn't have to lose his beloved pets.) Thank God no emergencies came up with his pets during that time. He has a good job now, and can pay for emergencies again.

Or how about this scenario...

My aunt (who was divorced and getting NO child support at the time, supporting her kids on a minimum wage job and surviving) has always had pets. She loves dogs and cats, goats, chickens, rabbits, doves... you name it and she's had it. Usually indoors too! She's funny that way. She had 3 boys, twins and a boy 3 years older. Suddenly one of the twins is diagnosed with Leukemia. He ends up spending the better part of 5 years in the hospital. During that time, she nearly loses her house and everything she's got because of medical bills. She did have some emergencies come up with her animals, luckily her vet knew her situation and either charged her the very bare minimum or nothing at all. My cousin ended up passing away at the age of 10. My aunt still has as many animals as she can... but the difference is now she can actually pay for her vet services and she uses that same vet.

I just can't believe people would tell someone who is obviously so down on their luck "why have a pet if you cannot afford vet care". Sometimes it isn't a choice. Sometimes it is a matter of "Life happens". Please, don't be so quick to judge people, and please realize that sometimes coming places like Pet Talk may very well be the persons only available option.

A fabulous post and well said!! Great point, and I agree 100% as I have been in the same situations!