Gulf Coast Pets - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

450slcguy · #1 07-16-2010, 11:14 PM

I was just watching a news story on the amount of pets from the gulf coast that are being surrendered to the pound. I find it difficult to believe someone would give up their dog because they couldn't afford to feed it.

I understand times are tough, but really how expensive is it to feed a dog/cat? If I were ever in that position, I would beg, borrow, or steal the food before my dog would get booted to the pound. Hell, I'd go hungry first.

I love my dog and nothing, I mean nothing would stop me from feeding her. This is one of the saddest stories I've heard from the spill.

The Clk Man · #2 07-17-2010, 08:50 AM

Agreed, my sharpei eats about $10 a month in dog food. Anyone can afford that. If someone has no money, they could get their dog some food out of a dumpster at a local restaurant.

POS · #3 07-17-2010, 09:15 AM

The oil spill made someone get rid of their pet? Seriously? I'd have to say they're bad owners to begin with - I wonder how they treat their children?

retmil46 · #4 07-17-2010, 12:49 PM

Gee, maybe they were more concerned with feeding themselves and their kids than feeding a dog.

Look at the bigger picture. We still have close to 10% unemployment by govt accounting, in reality probably much higher. Unemployment benefits just recently ran out for thousands. We're talking an area of the country that traditionally has a significant percentage of working poor that depend on tourism, fishing, shrimping, etc, for their income - industries that have been directly affected by the oil spill.

Having grown up as a child of the working poor, I remember all too well, when times were tough, having to watch my parents agonize over how to spend their last few dollars. A few times it was only through the generosity of relatives that there was food on the table. And their main concern was always that I wouldn't be without food or a roof over my head, even if they had to do without. Gawd bless them. It was one heck of a life lesson. Gave me an incentive to make something of myself, and taught me to plan for the future, always watch my income and debts. And years later I helped my parents out financially so they could have a comfortable retirement - I felt it was a debt I owed them for all their years of toil providing for me.

I would surmise that many of these pets were valued family members as well, that many of these people felt just as strongly toward them as has been expressed here, and it was with much angst and a heavy heart they felt they had no choice but to turn them over to the pound. At least they were responsible enough to give them to the pound, where there is at least the possibility of adoption, instead of turning them loose to become feral and fend for themselves.

JiveTurkey · #5 07-17-2010, 12:54 PM

My Mercedes would both be long gone before the horses, cats, dogs, and cows go hungry. I'll do anything to keep my animals fed.

450slcguy · #6 07-17-2010, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retmil46

Gee, maybe they were more concerned with feeding themselves and their kids than feeding a dog.

That may very well be true, but there are plenty of federal, state, local, and private programs to feed the poor. I myself if in desperation would go dumpster diving before ever subjecting my pet to possible execution.

HuskyMan · #7 07-17-2010, 03:03 PM

Half of the population doesn't deserve to have a pet. the stories I've heard over the years of people dumping their dogs and cats out in the country are legend. people should have their dogs and cats neutered, it is the responsible thing to do. there are thousands upon thousands of dogs and cats looking for a home because people don't want to be responsible and neuter their dogs or cats. then, they wonder why the animal shelters are full up. people are dirt bags.

raymr · #8 07-17-2010, 04:49 PM

How lucky for you all that you can afford the care and feeding of your pets. As all you smart pet owners know, its not just food, but vet bills as well, and a large dog can eat several pounds of food a day, every day. If you are struggling to put food on the table, the last thing you need to worry about is the welfare of an animal. People need to remember that dogs and cats are barely much different from pigs and chickens, you know, the animals that you have chopped up, put on a plate or bun, and eat every day.

The Clk Man · #9 07-17-2010, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JiveTurkey

My Mercedes would both be long gone before the horses, cats, dogs, and cows go hungry. I'll do anything to keep my animals fed.

You are a good man Sir.

Skid Row Joe · #10 07-17-2010, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by POS

The oil spill made someone get rid of their pet? Seriously? I'd have to say they're bad owners to begin with - I wonder how they treat their children?

Agreed. Pets are expendable in some people's minds/actions..

Mistreatment of pets is reprehensible and sinful.

Wish more people felt this way about the unborn.

The Clk Man · #11 07-17-2010, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skid Row Joe

Agreed. Pets are expendable in some people's minds/actions..

Mistreatment of pets is reprehensible and sinful.

Wish more people felt this way about the unborn.

Your my new best friend, It seems that we are on the same page.