[Kimberly]

I've been volunteering at the Alaska Dog and Puppy Rescue for about a month now. I always come back with a story after each visit. Well, today's story tops all others so far. Adoptions are each Saturday at both PETCO in Anchorage and rescue outside of town. Someone was getting interested in one of the dogs at PETCO and asked how much the adoption fee was. She was told $140.00, which may seem high to some, but all these dogs are fixed and have had their shots etc. Anyway, this person didn't have enough money and asked if they would hold the dog while she went and pawned something to make up the rest of the money. They said they couldn't and called us just in case she should try again at the rescue. She could have been the nicest lady, but how did she expect to be able to care for a dog if she was going to have to sell something to be able to get one??

 

[AmyB]

Arrgghh! That makes me mad! I think some people think getting a dog just requires the initial expense & they have no intention of spending any money on it. Not long after I had Sadie put to sleep, a neighbor told me she "knew how I felt," because her daughter just had her dog put to sleep. When I asked why, she responded "heartworms." I literally had to walk away before I said something very unkind. I wanted to yell, "No, you don't know how I feel. Heartworm is preventable with a simple monthly pill, and if a dog should happen to get it, it is treatable." My emotions were still pretty raw at the time, & for her to compare her situation to mine was very upsetting. I spent almost $700.00 dollars in the space of 2 weeks getting Sadie diagnosed by a specialist only to find out her cancer was not treatable. I would have spent a whole lot more if it meant saving her. Some people just don't get it. It is sad & stupid both!

 

[Valerie and George]

Just being a devil's advocate here, but it is possible that woman is just having a bad week financially. My husband had to lay off work all week to take care of his parents -- both broke bones within a couple of days of each other and they're elderly -- so we're mighty short this week. If she was really in love with a particular dog and afraid it wouldn't still be there down the road when her temporary setback was behind her, she might've wanted to try to get it now no matter what she had to do. I know I'd have done whatever I had to in order to get my hands on King George The Ruler of All He Surveys.

 

[sadeyes2]

As much as I can understand the rescue's reason for not giving her the dog, it saddened me to hear of someone who was willing to sell what little she obviously had to get one, and in real terms, was costing her many times more than someone who could afford to spend hundreds of pounds to purchase a dog.

I don't know about the U.S.A. but here people on low incomes can have their dogs seen by a vet for free at any SSPCA (scottish society for the prevention of cruely to animals) clinic and there is one if not two in most cities. This is one of my favourite charities as it enables low income families to buy a dog knowing that the veterinary care is included.


As I stated, I totally understand the rescue's action in this case, but I do think it is sad, that someone cannot experience the love and companionship of a dog through no fault of their own, but due to their financial status.