Welcome to Call to Decision 

Subject: Pet owners fear tough economic choices
Date: Wed, 4 Jun 2008 08:59:35 -0500

Full, sad story at link. It is glarlingly apparent that the American people have no savings for a rainy day. Also, if you don't have pet insurance, I highly recommend it. The premiums are dirt cheap and they pay for themselves. I know, because I've had pet insurance for my two goobers for ten years. I use www.petinsurance.com
http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/06/04/economy.pets.ap/index.html
FRANKLIN, Massachusetts (AP) -- Diana Bardsley wiped tears from her eyes as she recalled taking food off her plate to feed her beloved spaniel Hunter and two Siamese cats.

 

Doreen Kazijian said she delayed buying her own medication so she could afford to treat her cats' ailments.

Her greatest fear: that she could be forced to surrender the animals as she struggled to stretch her food stamps and Social Security income to meet the escalating cost of living.

Some hope was restored after she visited a local food pantry, which has started offering free pet food to help owners keep their animals out of shelters.
"I know a lot of people will probably say, 'Well, if you don't have enough money to be able to feed your animals, that you shouldn't have pets,"' said Bardsley, 53, of Franklin, as Hunter played in the living room with three of her grandchildren.
But, "Just because financially you may go downhill a little or a lot, doesn't necessarily mean you have give the part of your family that you love," she said.
For some pet owners, though, there is little choice.