Bri & The Pets, Pet Angel Fund, Read post 95 for More info.

[Catty1]

I think when Bri asked if it was an ongoing fund - my impression was she was asking if it was a general fund for all pets at the clinic, not an endless fountain for her animals. She was answered that it was for her pets alone.

And, by rights, her mom should have all these questions - internet, smoking etc, - addressed to her - but Bri says she doesn't know how to use the computer.

Bri's initial post was to find Gizzy a home - I am sure rehoming offers would be valid, but the initial reaction to this by a couple of folks was to try and get Gizzy spayed so she would settle down and perhaps not have to be rehomed.

I initially had hoped that contributions could be made to pay for the Banfield Vet Wellness plan - VERY affordable by the month, and different plans cover different things. That wouldn't have cost anyone very much, and I am sure Bri and her mom could carry on with it afterwards, which is why I wanted to go that route. Just buy the appropriate wellness plan, and away we go - and if Bri and her mom could carry on afterwards, it WOULD be a hand up as opposed to a perceived handout.

For some reason, Dr Robinson, the vet at the Banfield where Bri lives, wanted to do this through his OWN clinic's fund - hence the $730.00.

Perhaps rehoming the pets should be a condition of this funding?

Anyone willing to adopt?

Suggestions welcome.

[kittycats_delight]

I am very disheartened by the way this thread is turning out. This thread was originally started to find Gizzie a new home as Catty1 already said. The problem was no one had any suggestions. The shelter in Bri's area is a KILL shelter and to stop Gizzie from being tossed into a KILL shelter and 9 chances out of 10 ending up dead which she certainly does deserve the suggestion of spaying Gizzie was brought up. If donated a couple of bucks to save this cats life was the solution then so be it. I would rather see that happen than poor Gizzie lose her life through no fault of her own.

Yes their vaccinations and spays should have been something that was dealt with but there were unforeseen circumstances in this situation that happened after the animals were obtained. Bri had both cats and dogs before things turned bad. Her mom lost her job, they had a break in and lost a lot of things and almost got evicted. It has been a long climb for her mom (a single mother) to get back on her feet.

I think considering if anyone can come up with a better solution here I would love to hear it. And like I said before if it means Gizzie losing her life or putting up a few buck to get her spayed then I vote for the few bucks. I have already voluteered to help from the beginning. I don't want to see this cat killed because we feel they were not responsible. That doesn't make things right by any means.

If you don't want to help don't. If you have other suggestions as to how to solve this please say so but do not slam a 14 year old child and single mother for this. And with all due respect Bri is 14 what kind of job do you honestly think she can get to be able to pay a vet bill of $730? And considering her mom is not steadily employed now don't you think it will be possible if she does get a job that some of her money will have to go to help keep them afloat?


Michelle

[Cinder & Smoke]

If you don't want to help, don't.

If you have other suggestions as to how to solve this please say so ...

Some of us have objected to the family's desire to ADD more Pets to an already crowded home;
and the mention of possibly "moving" and needing to rehome the critters.

It seems to me that the well being of the Animals is not always (if ever)
being considered as a family priority.

/s/ Phred

[kittycats_delight]

Some of us have objected to the family's desire to ADD more Pets to an already crowded home;
and the mention of possibly "moving" and needing to rehome the critters.

It seems to me that the well being of the Animals is not always (if ever)
being considered as a family priority.

/s/ Phred

Phred I have spoke with Bri privately and she knows she cannot handle the pets she has not let alone more but she is only 14 and sometimes kids don't think about what happens next. They just know they want it and that's that. I know and you know and many others know that it is not possible and if someone takes the time to sit and talk to the younger person they too come to realize it is not possible.

I also know that it seems the animals are not the family's main priority but when you are wondering how you can get your next rent paid or if you will have work next week I think a lot of thing lose perspective. They are in a bad place and need to re-evaluate the entire situation. But really if we could not manage to find a home for one cat how are we going to find a home for 2 cats and 2 dogs? If their only choice is to keep the animals and struggle or send them to a KILL shelter what is the choice to make. Would either of us if we were stuggling choose to send our babies to a place where they would most likely be killed within a week or keep them with us and look after them and ourselves the best way we could. It is not an easy situation. Bri does love her pets but she is only 14 and her mom is trying to the best of her ability to provide for herself and her child and her childs pets. It has to be hard for her mom too knowing that her daugther loves these animals and they can't provide for them as they should.

Do we really want these animals sent to a shelter where they will lose their lives or do we want them to stay where they at least have half a chance. Bri has searched for homes and has come up short. What now? It is obvious if she is in a place where there is only a kill shelter that it may not be so simple as you might think to find the right solution here.

Michelle

[shais_mom]

The ONLY thing that I think is good about this is that the money goes directly to the clinic.
I really don't think that we are bringing negative statements into this thread - just voicing concern. No one implied that ANYONE didn't have a brain in their head, Catty - sheesh. Now who turns it Nasty?
I'm sorry but I see a HISTORY here. HISTORY.
This is the family that couldn't afford vet care for one dog and it died, and then turned around and shelled out $$$ a month or 2 later for another pom and since then more animals.
This is the same child who last year in one thread said they didn't have enough money to pay rent or buy food but was thinking about asking for a $300 camera for her birthday. Then asked if anyone had an memory card to give her. Do you see what I'm saying? It doesn't seem like its never enough and I do understand that she is 14. But @ 14 I would not have the guts to ask for the things she has to us and to her mother, and while I do understand that its the animals lives @ stake but doing this is just enabling her to think that we owe her something and that she will carry thru the rest of her life. I am not implying she would be UNGRATEFUL @ all, before you put words in my mouth and imply that. I'm sure she would be grateful but what about next year when she gets another dog or another cat and wants money then?
I honestly think in my heart, that she has seen us give money to several people who have needed it over the couple years she has been here, and now she thinks it is her turn.

[Ginger's Mom]

I have purposely not come to this thread at all since it was brought to my attention by Brianna posting a plea for help in Dog General. I knew that I would become angry and upset. But, now that I have, I see that I am not the only one who feels this way. Michelle and Catty1 I truly believe that you are both very good ladies who have only the best interest of the animals at heart, and I applaud you and your good hearts for that. But, I also believe in this case you are enabling a situation that should never have happened to continue. Do I want these animals taken to a kill shelter and put to sleep, of course not. Do I want any true animal lover's pet (as I believe Bri is) taken to a shelter and put to sleep? Again the answer is no. But I do not have the money, time, patience, nor do I feel it is my place to right the wrongs of every irresponsible pet owner out there. I feel for Bri and her mother. They need to take care of themselves first and never should have brought the animals into the situation that they did. It is nice of you ladies to want to help. But do not chastise those that feel differently than you do. I personally think that anyone who really wanted to help these animals would be putting much more time and effort into finding suitable homes for these animals than in collecting money for a temporary fix.

[Kfamr]

I am not sure they are as bad off as a few of you seem to think.

I know that if I couldn't care for my pets routine check-ups, spaying/neutering, etc. that I would not have a cell phone, internet, computer (that apparently only the teenager in the home uses), and constantly buying movie-themed items. To me, that's someone who is pretty well off and should be able to pay for 4+ animals.

There are things in life that we need to give up to be RESPONSIBLE pet owners. If we cannot afford something, then we should not have it.

Heck, Mufasa was sprung on us. We didn't expect to pay $400 something for his first check-ups. We didn't expect to spend close to $500 4 months previous to that for Kiara while she was missing - I didn't even work that whole week! It's just something we had to do - and yes, I had to give up some of my guilty pleasures - I didn't buy anything for myself for a while, just the bare necessities. Don't see me asking for a "Kay's Crew Fund."

After having a job for nearly 2 year now, I just NOW got cell phone a month or so ago.

Point being, I would give up everything to be sure of my pets well being - if that meant not going out with friends, not buying anything but necessities, etc, then so be it. And YES, I have been in a situation where there was only 1 source of income in our home - with 5 people and 1 dog on a fast food related income. Simba didn't receive any less - we had our necessities, he had his necessities. And YES, I was "only 14" or even younger.

And NO ONE needs to tell ANYONE to "SHUT UP." That is incredibly uncalled for. This is a public discussion board and I am sorry not everyone agrees with your opinion.

It's great that a few of you are trying to help, however, it seems this is just a free ride. If they aren't paying for routine vet care now (which I was almost sure that we were told they were previously) who's to say they are going to down the road? This is just a similar story over and over from this child and all this is going to do is enable the situation.

[shais_mom]

Also know that I am not implying that anyones brains are in the wrong place, as CATTY1 implied that I/we were. And I KNOW that people's hearts are definately in the right place.
I have a question Michelle, but won't ask it here. I will PM you, and I hope you will answer it.

ETA:
I agree with Kay - I didn't think ANY ONE was being rude or negative until CATTY1 told us to SHUT UP.
I wasn't going to say anything @ first even tho I 100% DISAGREE with this - I know its going happen regardless. If that is what Pet Talker's want to do with their money, so be it. I just hope that when a pet comes up TRULY in need, that this doesn't burn them out. B/c it certainly would me.
I think if she wouldn't have put requests in each of the general sections to make it appear begging that emotions wouldn't be quite so high for some people.

[Catty1]

Folks - I am very short tempered right now, had a meltdown yesterday - I haven't had major surgery in my whole life, and it is happening Tuesday. I apologize.

It was deliberate that we set things up so money would go to the fund directly. That way, no accidents happen.

If you folks have ideas for rehoming Bri's animals, then maybe send her a PM. I am way up here in Canada and have no idea what is in TN.

Maybe Dr Robinson has clients that would adopt them? I don't know. Maybe they would chip in for the surgeries and stuff.

But I am getting to the end of having time to do anything.

I have sent in my donation. If the funds come in and they are not used for the specific fund in a month's time, the $$ will be allocated to other needy pets.

I mean...not easy to rehome an unspayed pet.

Again, ideas and other solutions are welcome.

[Vela]

Catty I truly wish you well with the surgery, I know it can be very stressful (not trying to derail the thread) and I know you have good intentions in this whole thing, as well as Michelle.


Trust me I KNOW what it's like to have hard times. I've eaten out of garbage cans as a young child and lived on my own since I was 16, so there is no need to tell me about age either. There are priorities in life that people have to learn to make for themselves. I do not want anyone's pets to suffer or be put to sleep, but honestly it was the attitude it was brought forth with that made it seem so frustrating I guess.

Just last month she was begging people to buy her items on ebay for 20-40 dollars and she would send them the money. If she had that last month she should have used it on her pets. She's had money to buy other fish and other things, wants 300 dollar cameras, but not save it up for what her pets need, then with a glib fashion of "oh well we can't afford it, please give me money" she asks for people to take care of basic care for her pets. It's about proirities, and making them if you are going to be a pet owner. It's time to grow up and stop being selfish and if you are going to have the pets, take care of them, not buy yourself things.

I do understand right now they are in a tight spot, but the animals went without those shots ,etc this long, the only priority should be spaying the one cat to stop the problems. I also still feel they should be rehomed to take the stress off of her mom about putting food in their mouths but since I can't do anything about it, I don't live there, I can't say you need to rehome them. I feel bad for the situation, but some of it just comes down to choices. I hope it all works out in the end.

[jennielynn1970]

Yes their vaccinations and spays should have been something that was dealt with but there were unforeseen circumstances in this situation that happened after the animals were obtained. Bri had both cats and dogs before things turned bad. Her mom lost her job, they had a break in and lost a lot of things and almost got evicted. It has been a long climb for her mom (a single mother) to get back on her feet.

I think considering if anyone can come up with a better solution here I would love to hear it. And like I said before if it means Gizzie losing her life or putting up a few buck to get her spayed then I vote for the few bucks. I have already voluteered to help from the beginning. I don't want to see this cat killed because we feel they were not responsible. That doesn't make things right by any means.

If you don't want to help don't. If you have other suggestions as to how to solve this please say so but do not slam a 14 year old child and single mother for this. And with all due respect Bri is 14 what kind of job do you honestly think she can get to be able to pay a vet bill of $730? And considering her mom is not steadily employed now don't you think it will be possible if she does get a job that some of her money will have to go to help keep them afloat?


Michelle

First off, I think that there are many single moms out there that would be totally offended to know that they are thought of like this. Many single moms are out there doing everything in their power to make sure that their kids and their family is taken care of. Being a single mom is NOT a disability. Please get that one straight right now.

Bri may be 14, but as I said before, that is no excuse for this behavior. 14yr olds know how their actions affect situations, and they know right from wrong. If she were, say, 4 (following developmental psychology, which yes, I have studied), it would be an acceptable excuse. This is not. Heck, we have 4 pregnant 14 and 15yr old in the 8th grade where I teach. They are not stupid, and it didn't happen accidentally. They want kids. They know how to manipulate as well.

A "few bucks" also doesn't add up to $730.00.

There are always "unforeseen" circumstances. It happens to everyone. I had to replace 4 tires on my car on Xmas eve, because our block was vandalized, and then in the same day, the alternator went on my car, and it's a VW. So, all together, it was $1600.00. That was unforeseen. I'm a single girl, who owns her own home, and am responsible for the mortgage and the care of my cats (and I care for the fosters).

So, if you want to start a fund for me, hey, be my guest, because poor me, I'm single, a teacher (we're always underpaid), and I foster cats for shelters, so I'm taking care of animals not even my own.

[Catty1]

Jenn:

If a person doesn't have access to certain things, or can't get to a fax machine and fax something even before it was requested (I'm thinking maybe she's supposed to read minds and know beforehand what people are going to tell her what to do).

You are not God. You are not to judge others. No one is perfect except God.

Sound familiar?

I'd just like to see the drama end and see the cat get the surgery.

Amen.

[jennielynn1970]

And that was from IMOM... and that person was doing what they could to get the cat to the vet and all that. They took temp jobs to pay bills and to get money. They had friends drive them or lend them their vehicle to get to where they need to be.

Also, it a SICK cat. It doesn't need spayed. It doesn't need shots.

Look, first it was rehoming Gizzy.

Then the offer to get her spayed, which was great.

Now we're at $730, and a permanent fund, funded by others, at the vet so they can take care of their pets.

I'm not judging. I'm reading this and am appalled that it just keeps getting bigger and bigger. Where does it stop? Has anyone asked that??

Heck, if it was still just Gizzy getting spayed, I'd say bring her up here to PA and I'll take her to the vet who does our clinics. The stray that I took in there 2 weeks ago had a spay, an abortion, and shots for $45.00. That's it, no where near any huge price tag. Then again, it took me getting into contact with a bunch of other shelters to find out about this.

Again... everyone has tough times. This kind of thing happens all the time. Read the papers. As a teacher, I get annoyed when responsibility is pushed off on others and is just expected, and to anyone who is negative they become belligerent. Enabling just makes it continue.

[Daisy and Delilah]

This whole thing is incredible. WOW! We have some very generous people on this board. It amazes me how strangers, from all over the world, get together and donate money like this.

At first, I was shocked that anybody would set up a fund for vet care for someone's pets. It was so unbelievable, I just couldn't comment.

The recipients in this case should be brought to their knees with gratitude and humility. Hearing cross words from you Bri, astounds me. I think it's important that you realize what is happening here.

I was a single Mom for many years. Sometimes I had $5 left at the end of the week for groceries. I never asked for help and I certainly never received any from people willing to help me. It was a hard struggle and a great character builder. It made me who I am today. There were many days that I cried myself to sleep. I worried to the point of being physically sick, alot of the time. My main thing was, DOWNSIZE. I would go from nothing to even less if I needed to to feed my kids. We had one dog and it was all I could do to afford to pay a little each month to his vet. Times were hard but we made it.

I'm sorry your Mom doesn't have a job. What line of work is she in? Excuse me for saying this but here goes.......we have been hearing for a very long time that your Mom objects to this and she objects to that. When is your Mom going to come in with her part in the livelihood of your pets? Do you think it's right that she allows these pets to come into the house but can not seem to take care of them? It can't be all your responsibility. I have to say, either your Mom starts taking responsibility here or, you may have to rehome some of these pets. It's heartbreaking but life is not always a bowl of cherries. If you can't take care of them, you can't take care of them. Life is very tough but that's the way it is.

Believe me, I don't think they have to go to kill shelters either. You should have some nice friends that are willing to help. Wouldn't it seem more likely for people in your community to help you rather than strangers you've met on the internet? Just remember, Bri, we don't always get everything we want in this life. We have to earn all that we get.

No criticism to the people that are setting up this fund. If this is what you want to do, so be it. You're really a few in a million.

Edit to add: Just a suggestion Bri and probably not my business. Can you and your Mom get some federal help so that some expenses can be met? Many many years ago, I was able to get food stamps, etc. This could allow you guys to have more money for things you need. Has your Mom checked with Temp agencies?

[Catty1]

And that was from IMOM... and that person was doing what they could to get the cat to the vet and all that. They took temp jobs to pay bills and to get money. They had friends drive them or lend them their vehicle to get to where they need to be.

And that was also an adult. Who risks losing her funding because she doesn't stay in touch when she should with IMOM.

I think it's fine that you defend an adult who is being bashed, but why not a 14-year-old who has no help from the adult in her home? Who at least stays in touch regularly?

If your offer to spay Gizzy still holds, PM Bri, get it set up, and we'll chip in.