>If one is not in a financial position to shuck out ANY kind of money for a
>pet, they shouldn't begin to think about it...even if that animal is free!
>The proper upkeep of even the most inexpensive animal can run into a sizable
>chunk 'o change each month for the not so well off.
 
I'm a day late and a dollar (or two) short but I have to agree w/ "Mustang
Charlie" here.  Two of our "free" mutts cost us about $1500 in vet bills
within two weeks of having them.  Our next "free" mutt cost us a couple of
hundred in basic initial vet care.  Our "free" Samoyed cost us a fair bit
over the course of six years but HER health problems we knew about ahead of
time.  On top of that, my "free" ferret, Beckett cost me $300 for an adrenal
tumor and $180 or so for a tumor on his neck.  Then, of course, you add the
regular vet bills of the above and the food and toys.... ain't NO pet free.
I think shelters SHOULD charge for ferrets/dogs/cats, not just to ofset
their own expenses, but to help assure a family that is financially stable
enough and willing enough to support them.  That, and you can be sure ppl
aren't 'adopting' the pets only to sell them to research facilities.
 
My buck and a half (I'm a big spender)
 
Anna
[Posted in FML issue 1808]