Barbara, I, and I'm sure others, understand your predicament. It's not easy trying to find extra money on a limited income. Who amongst us has truthfully thought, "hey, I better not get this pet because there might come a time when I'll be faced with huge vet bills that I can't afford". I would guess that a great many pet owners think with their hearts and not their heads when they see that cute little face pleading with them to take her/him home. You have said that you can manage the odd $100, and I'm pretty sure this has been mentioned before, but couldn't you come to some arrangement with your vet about making regular payments to cover costs? (I'm assuming that pet insurance is out of your reach also.) I am also aware of the embarrassment that is caused by having to admit that you are financially strapped, so let me congratulate you for having the courage to be honest and open about your situation. I am sure there would be many who, faced with your predicament, would have kept quiet about the whole thing. George [Posted in FML issue 4034]