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

[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.

[Kfamr]

See, NOW this thread has got out of hand because no one was "fighting" in the first place.

What is said is said, and I don't believe I was in any wrong whatsoever to express my opinion, which obviously there are others who agree.

You say to mind our own business, however, once you post such things on Pet Talk (Public Message Board) and ask for our money, you make it OUR business.

I also believe some of you haven't seen some of the things from this "14 year old girl with a single mother" that some of us have. I know many single mothers - some with pets, some without - however they aren't depriving their children or their pets because of it. So that is certainly not an excuse.

[jennielynn1970]

If she can get her to PA when I find out there is a clinic, I'll pay for it myself. It's a drop in the bucket compared to what the typical vet offices want. Spay and shots should be under $45.00 (the abortion is only $5.00 extra).

I'd just like to see the cat taken care of. Maybe mom needs to put her foot down when it comes to taking in more pets, and maybe friends and family need to step up and help them out. The fact that no family at all is helping them in their time of need (and strangers are) is just sad. I see poor hispanic families that would die before letting someone else, a stranger, take care of a family issue. Same with muslim. It's goes against their beliefs. I'm not hispanic or muslim, and I'm not a christian holy roller either. I just think that when a person's extended family doesn't help one of their own it shows how their world and humanity is just going to hell.

I didn't want to bash Bri. That was not the intent.

I have a vet appt. tomorrow for a foster who is being returned because he has a UTI and peed on the new owner's couch, and she refuses to take him to the vet and told her daughter in law to tell me to come and take him back after a month or month and a half of living there. She's more worried about her precious sofa than the poor cat who is peeing blood.

I'm just hating humanity right now. Will have to revisit things when I'm less negative.

but yes, figure out how to get Gizzy up here, I'll get her spayed. It's a short procedure, she just needs to be resting and carefully watched. This vet is AMAZING. I never seen such small incisions, and such great work.

[jennielynn1970]

We could also put her in one of our no-kill shelters as well if this would alleviate some issues at Bri's house. After the spay of course.

[Daisy and Delilah]

I have to tell you Kay...you are an amazing person with what you do with your money. The way you manage it is to be commended by all of us. You work in the fast food industry, and you are able to take good care of four dogs. You should be a great example here. A great example of budgeting correctly, saving money, as well as, earning what you need.

I'm not trying to hijack this thread. Only trying to comment to Kay that I think you have earned the right to give your opinion and advice here.

This illustrates that it can be done by anyone that wants to work hard enough for it.

[crow_noir]

DO your research! This IS safe to use. It's used in human food supplies as well as cattle feed. You can find tons of info on it online and in books. I am NOT the only one who has used this to deworm their pets.

Crow_noir, roundworms rarely show up in fecal matter unless they get very bad. They look much like spaghetti and are usually vomited up. The ones most commonly seen are tapeworm segments, which look like tiny specks of white rice. Recommending something like that probably isn't a good idea. She could easily take the cat to a deworming clinic to get them dewormed by a vet who knows what they are doing, and Petsmart sells Tapeworm Tabs over the counter that work very well, Praziquantal...or however it is spelled. It's the equivalent of Drontal or Droncit and will kill not only tapes, but roundworms and hookworms. Just because you used this remedy (which sounds very sketchy to me) doesn't mean it is safe to use!

And not to jump on the bandwagon here but I wholeheartedly agree with Shais_mom and Kay!

[shais_mom]

I don't ever remember saying in any of my threads that I was a perfect pet owner. I haven't ever claimed to be perfect at anything in my life.
I think I'm more sad over the fact that you think that if we can afford vet care for our pets that we think we are perfect. Money doesn't make anyone perfect.
I have a full time job but I live pay check to pay check due to my spending habits. Is this something I'm proud of? NO Is this something I'm trying to change in my life? YES Did I have to think long and hard before adding another pet into my family. YES If I have ever second guessed my decision it isn't b/c of the money issue, its b/c Kloe is such a twerp, and it feels as tho we haven't bonded. But rehoming her would be like cutting off one of my arms/legs. Just like any of my pets.

[luckies4me]

DO your research! This IS safe to use. It's used in human food supplies as well as cattle feed. You can find tons of info on it online and in books. I am NOT the only one who has used this to deworm their pets.

Previous quote...

You should be able to get it at any garden type store. make sure it is NOT for pools. (Pool grade is highly toxic.

Mix a bit of this up in some broth or gravy (NOT WARMED... adding heat to DE can make it toxic!)

Offering this kind of advise online on a pet forum to a 14 year old is a little absurd. Why not suggest taking the cat to a *VET* or recommend an over the counter cat dewormer that is veterinarian recommended. That would seem a little more reasonable don't you think? And it beats having to treat over and over again to make sure the parasites are completely gone, when you can treat twice and know the product you are using is effective. Not to mention, if the cat has fleas and is not treated for fleas, the worms will just come back anyway. What makes you think a 14 year old is going to remember exactly how to mix it up? Seems a bit chancy to me.

I've used this in my garden for years. While medical/food grade DE can be safe to use as a dewormer *if you know what you're doing* <---key point here, it's still risky, and I really wouldn't trust the boxes sold at your local Wallmart/garden supply store. Your best bet is to purchase it online from a pet supplier, who will have the right stuff. There are many places online to purchase it.

And really. I didn't ASK for your god***m opinions, and I don't want to hear them. THOSE OF YOU WHO CAN ONLY BASH ME, MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS

Do you really think this is the kind of attitude one should have when there are two great people out there right at this moment helping your pets get the veterinary care they need? I have seen no one bashing you on this thread, just pter's merely questioning what is going on. No one is calling you names, and when you post to a public forum you are making your life our business. If you don't want us to know/care about what goes on with you perhaps you should rethink about posting it for all to see.

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.

THANK YOU! I am a single mother with a 5 year old and a baby on the way. Being single is no excuse! Everyone has issues/troubles, it doesn't matter if you are single, divorced, widowed, or married. I have been supporting myself since the age of 17, and now have a great job as a Veterinary Technician at one of the largest animal hospitals in the U.S. Times are tough, but I am coping. All my animals are well taken care of and you better believe I would starve myself before ever letting my children/pets go hungry. I would love to add another bearded dragon to my household but is it the right time? No. I don't have the funds or the time to care for another pet. I used to run a rescue and recently due to becoming homeless and having major health issues it was in the best interest of the animals in my care to be rehomed, as bad as it hurt me inside. I knew they deserved better so I did the responsible thing and all found great loving homes, even Tony who I had been trying to adopt out for a year and a half! I even managed a way to make sure everyone was up to date on shots etc. before going to their new homes, because I owed them that much. After all, they did not ask for me to "rescue" them. They were MY responsibility. Now I'm on top of my game...anyone can do it. It might take awhile but it is possible. You just need to sacrifice, and sometimes sacrificing can mean doing something you really don't like. But that's life.

Well, my mom finds this whole idea rediculous and I don't think she gives a rat's butt if Gizzie is ever spayed, she just wants her out of here T_T. I've been doing everything so far. My mom wouldn't even call a rescue for me, she just wants to take Gizzie to the animal shelter and dump her.

Since page one it seems excuses have been made for why the family can't do this. First it was getting to a phone (it's not that hard to walk down to your local 711 or what have ya to use a payphone), then it was her mother not wanting her to call etc etc etc. She even said herself the mom just does not like the cat. What if we spay the pet and the mom just gets rid of the cat anyway?! Don't you think the animal deserves to be somewhere where it's stay at the house isn't in jeopardy every day? And I don't buy the excuse that nothing can be done to find this animal a home. Just because there is only a kill shelter around does not mean the animal has to go there. She has the internet and can easily place an ad online on Craigslist, maybe even in her local newspaper? Craigslist is free, and placing an ad in the paper isn't too spendy. I'm sure someone here would be willing to do that as well. How about making a flyer with the cats picture on it and posting it in your local vets office or pet shop?

I feel awful for you Bri, as you should not be the one having to deal with all of this. You are just 14 and it should be your mother's responsibility. If she knew you guys could not afford another pet she shouldn't have let you bring another into the house, plain and simple. I really hope everything works out in the favor of the pets. I know you would love to keep them, and I hope that your family situation gets better soon so that you may get to do that. But please, if you know you cannot care for them in the way they need it may be best to rehome them. I would hate for your mom to take someone to the shelter after so many people here have helped with her medical needs, so that the chances of her staying are better.

Ask yourself. What happens if Gizzy's behavior does not change after her spay? What if she keeps clawing furniture etc? Then what? Keep in mind, all of us here are just thinking of what is best for the pets.

[crow_noir]

There have been plenty of suggestions to take the cat to the vet, and i even mentioned it in my post that this was just until she could get them to a vet. This was a solution that i was offering for "right now, today." Not a week from now.

If money is truly an issue here i was trying to offer a low cost suggestion that can last for years. Dewormer poisons can expire.

As for being able to mix it up properly, i highly doubt "do not heat" is too hard a concept for a 14 year old to remember. She can always print out the instructions or save it to some form of document program for easy finding.

Most instructions for the DE online say to only use twice also, but i like to err on the side of caution.

Previous quote...

Offering this kind of advise online on a pet forum to a 14 year old is a little absurd. Why not suggest taking the cat to a *VET* or recommend an over the counter cat dewormer that is veterinarian recommended. That would seem a little more reasonable don't you think? And it beats having to treat over and over again to make sure the parasites are completely gone, when you can treat twice and know the product you are using is effective. Not to mention, if the cat has fleas and is not treated for fleas, the worms will just come back anyway. What makes you think a 14 year old is going to remember exactly how to mix it up? Seems a bit chancy to me.

I've used this in my garden for years. While medical/food grade DE can be safe to use as a dewormer *if you know what you're doing* <---key point here, it's still risky, and I really wouldn't trust the boxes sold at your local Wallmart/garden supply store. Your best bet is to purchase it online from a pet supplier, who will have the right stuff. There are many places online to purchase it.

...

Keep in mind, all of us here are just thinking of what is best for the pets.

Exactly.

[luckies4me]

As for being able to mix it up properly, i highly doubt "do not heat" is too hard a concept for a 14 year old to remember.

Maybe not, but a lot just don't care to remember. Don't you remember being 14? Not to pick on the youngins or anything!!! Plus, since she has no job and the money is tight I'm not so sure her mother would be willing to buy it, especially since a fund has already been set up.

I guess being involved in Veterinary Medicine for the past 9 years has me a little biased.

[Pawsitive Thinking]

I'm not as perfect as the rest of you with all your money.

Tell that to my bank manager sweetheart Always have too much month left at the end of my money