I completely see everyone's point of view, I really do, and I do have to say that I am very thankful that we have the health care system we do in Canada. We are blessed.

I hope that none of you think that I'm harping on vets. I understand that they have costs, and they do deserve to make a living as well. I wasn't trying to say that they shouldn't charge so that they can't stay in business, and they did have to fork over the money for a college degree in veterinary medicine, which isn't cheap.

I do have to address this part, and Synn, I hope you understand where this is coming from.

When we decided to have kids both of us were working. In fact, back then, I made a lot more money than my husband. I was 27 when I got pregnant with Jared. We were financially secure, we had our own home, 2 cars, both paid for, and the help and support of our family. My parents only lived 5 minutes away from us, and they helped out a lot, not only physically, but financially. The one thing we really didn't give much thought was that I'd be out of work for 4 months after Jared was born. It was going to be a tough 4 months, but my parents agreed to help. Then, when I was 2 months pregnant, the company I worked for bought out another company. The staff of the new company was going to integrate with ours. As a result, half our people, and half their people, would have to be let go. I had told my manager that I was pregnant, she told the CEO, and when the cuts came, I was actually asked to the CEO's office, and he told me point blank that I would be one of the people to go, and the only reason was the fact that I was pregnant, and the timing of my pregnancy would make things very hard for them. I could have sued their arses, but they offered me a severance package, I stayed at my job until 2 weeks before I had Jared. So, when Jared was born I had 4 months mat leave (65% of my wage) and then for almost a year after that I had severance, full pay (and I made very good money then), full benefits, etc. After the severance I qualified for unemployment (65% of my wage) and Rod got promoted at his job, so we decided that I'd stay home again. I was asked to go back to my job, but I declined, and looked for part time work instead. I had just started working part time with a home builder, doing their books etc. I started in October, my mom found out she had cancer in November, my dad died in January. I took a month off when my dad died, but I stayed at the job, and then found out that my mom was terminal. They called me into the office, said that they were happy with my work, but they were going to do me a huge favor and let me go so that I could spend the last weeks my mom had with her.
Long story short (and boy do I have the gift for gab), we really couldn't afford to have a baby when we had Jared. We were in a better position when we had Syd, but still not ideal. In fact, I have to say, if Rod and I had waited until we could afford children, we probably still wouldn't have any.

But my main point is this. Children aren't euthanized if they can't find a home. If a teen gets pregnant, you can bet that there are people lined up waiting to take that baby as their own. It's not the same with dogs, but for some reason we make it almost impossible for the average income family to afford a pet.

That's why we have so many "This is wrong with my dog, and I can't afford a vet" threads. Most people don't have thousands of dollars saved up just in case their dog swallows a chicken bone.

You all know that I'm a huge advocate of only allowing breeders to breed. Stop the puppymills, the backyard breeding, have stricter laws for breeding your pets. If someone isn't a registered breeder, then they should have their pets spayed or neutered. That would literally eliminate the problem. But I also think that vets should offer payment plans for extremely costly surgeries. I'm not saying they shouldn't charge, but at least give pet owners a chance to save their pets lives. I know that the majority of pet owners would make the payments, and be so very grateful, but most vets won't even consider allowing a payment plan, not unless you've been with them for years.

I don't know one person personally that could afford a $2000 vet bill if something should come up tomorrow. I know I can't.

Synnen I am looking for a discussion. I feel if people discuss this maybe solutions can be thought up that can be implemented on a small scale and then spread. I hold out hope that we can solve problems by talking, disagreeing (respectfully), and brainstorming. What are your thoughts on how we can change things for the better for animals?

I see this as a discussion too, and a valid one.

There has to be a solution. I know the solution to the problem with over population of dogs, but unfortunately that solution hasn't really been implemented, despite many people doing their best to make those responsible see reason.

I hate to say it, but right now I'm really not that focused on all the animals in the world. I'm focused on one, and that's Jasper. I just want the best for him, and whatever I have to do to make that happen, it will happen.

I don't know if I mentioned it on this thread, but our appointment has been pushed off until Thursday. Our vet had a few emergencies, and since Jasper doesn't seem to be in pain, they pushed off his appointment until Thursday. So I have 2 more days to worry about this, and hope that the delay won't mean the end for him.

I just fear that I may lose him because of this. I know that losing him is inevitable, eventually, but I just can't face that right now, not at his age. But then again, he's not a young dog. He's 10, and that's old for a larger breed. But Indy was 16. I told Jasper that he has to at least live as long as Indy did.

I'm just worried that I may lose my Jasper, so soon after losing my Indy. Even Chewy seems worried. He's not himself either. He isn't bugging Jasper to play, he won't go for his walks because Jasper can't come along. He spends most of his time laying beside Jasper, licking his leg. Poor Jaspers leg looks like a hot mess fur wise, all thanks to Chewy's licking. But Jasper seems to appreciate it.

I really wish he could tell me how he feels, tell me if he's in pain (which I really don't think he is, otherwise I'd be at the emergency vet, which I called, and they also told me that he's not an emergency, and I should wait for my regular vet).

I just hope they're not wrong, that this isn't an emergency. I also hope that this won't break our bank (that seems cold hearted, but it's something I have to worry about. We're not rich). :(

Alty hugsss and if I had the money I so would give it to you so you would not have to worry. All I have is a shoulder, a ear and lots of good thoughts. I too am worried about your fur baby Japser. This sucks and there is no other way to put it... IT SUCKS

Thank you so much Mogrann.

We'll figure out the money part. Truth told, it's the least of our worries. We'll make it work, even if we have to tighten the ship a bit. ;)

I'm more worried about Jasper, and that there may not be a solution. My worst fear is that this is something serious, something that no amount of money will be able to fix.

I shouldn't think that way. If my mom and dad were here they'd be saying "Don't burn that bridge until you cross it". But it's on my mind, and I can't help thinking about the worst case scenario.

I'm crossing my fingers that this is a simple fix, and Jasper will be back to his old chubby self in no time at all.

I'm really hoping this won't be a big deal. I'm even praying about this, and you all know how I am about God and praying. Sigh.

It is indeed a bad dog week. One of mine, Norman, has a growth on his backside that needs to be removed. He has a heart murmur so he'll need an ultrasound done first to see if he would even do well under anesthesia or not. The growth may be benign or it may be cancer. Will have to wait and see.

Hugs to those who have lost their beloved pets and those who are worried about the health of theirs. They really are family.

Doula, I'm so sorry. Now I feel bad that I've been going on and on about my problems. I should know better. I should know that many others are going through the same thing, or worse.

Hugs to you. I hope that Norman is okay, and that everything will work out just fine.

He's in my prayers.

Awww, don't feel bad. This is the place to share and you are understandably worried about Jasper.

Thanks for the prayers... :)

Everyone and their pets including the fishes are in my thoughts and prayers.

Anyone got a smile or a distraction? I think we could all use one or two.

Hugs for everyone.

Here's one Cat:

A sign of the times with screen names and user IDs.

One of the little girls in my class looked at me thoughtfully and asked, "When you become a teacher, do you have to make up a name?"

"Make up a name?"

"Yes, did you make up Mrs. W?"

"No, Giselle, I just used my regular name." :)

Thinking. Thinking. Thinking of a distraction. Um...

I have a lame joke, will that help?

A blonde, wanting to earn some money, decided to hire herself out as a handyman-type and started canvassing a wealthy neighborhood. She went to the front door of the first house and asked the owner if he had any jobs for her to do.

"Well, you can paint my porch. How much will you charge?"
The blonde said, "How about 50 dollars?" The man agreed and told her that the paint and ladders that she might need were in the garage. The man's wife, inside the house, heard the conversation and said to her husband, "Does she realize that the porch goes all the way around the house?"
The man replied, "She should. She was standing on the porch."

A short time later, the blonde came to the door to collect her money.
"You're finished already?" he asked. "Yes," the blonde answered, "and I had paint left over, so I gave it two coats. "Impressed, the man reached in his pocket for the $50. "And by the way," the blonde added, "that's not a Porch (Porsche), it's a Ferrari."

I was just discussing too... it just got to be a busy day for me. Sorry for walking away.

I agree that it sucks, but I don't know that there IS a solution. I also don't know that it has ever really been affordable for the average family to have a non-working animal... If you go back even 100 years, the average family didn't have pets---only the rich did. The average family might have a dog or cat, but not solely for companionship. Cats moused and dogs helped with hunting and protection.

And we've come a long way in that 100 years. Unwanted children weren't euthanized then... just left to starve. We now can treat pets more effectively and more affordably--Think of how many affordable PREVENTIONS there are now! Rabies, distemper... these used to be death sentences for pets!

I'm typing one handed again and keep losing train of thought. But I think I covered some of my thoughts on it anyway

I sold something yesterday on Ebay for 36p. They charged me 21p for the fees.

So I ended up getting 15p.. . Stamps cost 60p ¬¬

Talking about dogs - I lost mine 2 weeks ago after weeks and weeks and well over $3,000. And do you know what I did when I had more animals than I could afford to "Vet?" I got a THIRD job typing papers for College students.

I look at things from another angle - I don't pay my Vet for the 10 minutes it takes to put a needle into a vein. I pay him because he's got X years of education and training AND he's going to put a needle into my dog's vein.

I see people with too many children all the time, living off the State, whining about their bills, in line with their food stamps in hand. Who told them to have another child? You can't afford 3 so 4 sounds like a better idea?

And while I'm on MY soapbox - I've lost dogs; I've buried a child, a parent, the grandparents who raised me, my husband. Grief is grief but it's NOT the same loss, not in my life. I can't equate human life and pet life. Sorry, but it's different.

So now everyone can throw stones at me.

I have an interview next Thursday... let's hope it goes as well as the last with one exception... being that I get this job...

Ooo, good luck hun! X

Alty.. I hope Jasper is better soon. I know how you feel about Jasper because I have two kitties that are my kids. I would be lost if something happened to one of them. They are a part of our family. I have a good Vet, when Shadow was hit by a car he kept her in intensive care for a week and I was traveling for business. He called me every hour the first day to let me know how she was doing. I was so worried and I was hundreds of miles away. He also let me make payments the rest of the year on the bill (it was huge).
I love my shadow and lucky and yes, it would be like losing a member of the family. I too have lost parents, a child and a husband. If I lost my kitty it would be equally as bad.

Been feeling today like I can't be arsed with this website any more. I'm sick of being patronised as I'm a "young'un" by a select few.

And I was fixin' to ask you for a blog essay.

I read the thread for a blog and didn't feel like I could anyway.