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No money for loved pets, where is the balance?
I just wanted some feedback and may be get something going here....I saw in this forum a few posts about pets needing medical attention and funds were scarce.........
I was discussing this with my basemate and he came up with a thought provoking statement.( to me anyways) Why is there more help and devotion and services for throw away , unloved or sick dogs than there is for the dearly loved animals that have owners that cannot afford to give them the medical attention they need?
I experienced this first hand when I've had to mortgage or tap into credit cards to take care of my animals...........I'm still paying on knee sx on my dog Frizby when he was 1.5 yrs old. He died of a heart attack at 9 last year. I am involved in dog rescue however I can be , but this made me think some. I have seen or heard of animals costing thousands of dollars to fix up, and taking months to find homes..........seen photos of terribly abused and sick dogs that would be better put down.............I have very mixed feelings aobut all this and would love to see all animals in a loving safe home, but it also tears me up to see animals that are lacking care or dumped because of money issues.......and it is against the law I think to NOT get care for a sick dog......I think.........the only financial aid I see is for homeless people and their pets..........kibble for thoughts or insight into programs that help.............
I was discussing this with my basemate and he came up with a thought provoking statement.( to me anyways) Why is there more help and devotion and services for throw away , unloved or sick dogs than there is for the dearly loved animals that have owners that cannot afford to give them the medical attention they need?
I experienced this first hand when I've had to mortgage or tap into credit cards to take care of my animals...........I'm still paying on knee sx on my dog Frizby when he was 1.5 yrs old. He died of a heart attack at 9 last year. I am involved in dog rescue however I can be , but this made me think some. I have seen or heard of animals costing thousands of dollars to fix up, and taking months to find homes..........seen photos of terribly abused and sick dogs that would be better put down.............I have very mixed feelings aobut all this and would love to see all animals in a loving safe home, but it also tears me up to see animals that are lacking care or dumped because of money issues.......and it is against the law I think to NOT get care for a sick dog......I think.........the only financial aid I see is for homeless people and their pets..........kibble for thoughts or insight into programs that help.............
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Andrea Schneider on -
Hi,
I have an idea about how to approach this problem. I'm doing some research and will then propose an approach. I like the focus on people who already have animals they love and care for, but are having a tough time. I think this can happen to anyone and it's usually random. With our changing economy, more need is surfacing.
I also have concerns about 'homeless dogs', again with a person, but still on the street. Having this specific focus does not compete with our rescue groups, would be an addition to Portland's range of services for animals. I think Animal Aid has a program, I've written them to find out more.
Working on this type of project would be a good one for pdxdog and it's members, fill a need and add value to our community. It would be a collaborative project. I can see writing grants and doing fundraisers for this cause and perhaps helping people through small mini-grants. I think the issue Karylee has raised is very compelling and perfectly timed.
Would you guys be interested in having a meeting sometime in the next few weeks?
Andrea
Andrea
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Permalink Reply by Marley, Sushi and their Mama on -
Good idea! I wondered if this would spark a whole new side to pdxdog.
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Permalink Reply by Andrea Schneider on
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Yup!
I spoke with Animal Aid today, and they have a small fund for loans. The director told me about Paw Team, but haven't had time to look into what they are doing.
We could make this come to life with events, grants, sponsorships. I can 'see' how this could be amazing and very helpful to the community.
After I finish getting up our new ad and event packages, I'll have more time to set up a meeting for discussion. I like the idea of pdxdog having a "cause" to do something really good in the community.
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Permalink Reply by Andrea Schneider on
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that's a really good idea, pet insurance. might take total load off vets and balance it out a little.
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Permalink Reply by Marley, Sushi and their Mama on
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This topic and Andrea's idea for a future pdxdog.ORG interest me greatly... because I'd love to help in some way with the planning stages AND because I completely relate and would be so relieved to find a local resource that might help me and my pets when I'm in a tough spot.
I just think it's great that Andrea has the determination, skills and courage to take an idea and turn it into a real solution.
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Permalink Reply by Andrea Schneider on
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Marley & Sushi,
Big thanks for the positive response. As soon as I feel pdxdog.com is on solid financial footing, I will pursue the non-profit idea, if interest holds. We will need a team to help make it happen and to run the best non-profit around.
I know how to do a lot of this, but would never do it alone. That wouldn't be any fun and I think we should always have fun doing good things. I too would feel good knowing there was a resource like this around, I think we all could visualize ourselves in this picture. That's part of why we would be able to raise money through donations and grants, it touches people's hearts directly.
I'm thrilled you would want to help out in the planning...we will need good solid thinking and help to make it happen.
a
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Permalink Reply by Karylee on -
Hi Andrea,,,,,,,,,wow, I havent looked at this in a bit....I'm glad to have opened this discussion. Please include me for any kind of help that may needed. As far as the insurance goes, I have it on my cat and dog ($60) a month and it only covers major medical...and has the 80-20 kind of deductibles and exclusions as regular health insurance (which I dont have on me BTW). So it is a scramble to pay those when needed also for some. (for me soon) ....Let me know how I can help.........I need another cause......damn heat.........
Andrea Schneider said:Marley & Sushi,
Big thanks for the positive response. As soon as I feel pdxdog.com is on solid financial footing, I will pursue the non-profit idea, if interest holds. We will need a team to help make it happen and to run the best non-profit around.
I know how to do a lot of this, but would never do it alone. That wouldn't be any fun and I think we should always have fun doing good things. I too would feel good knowing there was a resource like this around, I think we all could visualize ourselves in this picture. That's part of why we would be able to raise money through donations and grants, it touches people's hearts directly.
I'm thrilled you would want to help out in the planning...we will need good solid thinking and help to make it happen.
a
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Permalink Reply by Andrea Schneider on
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Hi Karylee,
You really did start something! It's a really good idea and everyone can identify with it. I will definitely call on you if we get something going! My first order of business is to make sure the website & (me) is in good financial shape so I have the ability to focus on this with you and others.
I really love the idea, think it's challenging (very) and is needed. Thanks for starting this.
a
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