OPINION Poll - What are your thoughts?

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

This is an interesting topic.

Does everyone deserve a dog of their very own, or only those that can afford one (in money/time/devotion)?

This is an interesting and difficult question. In fact, the Irreverent Vet recently discussed this very topic. It came up because of the octuplet mom with 14 kids who was receiving public assistance. It made a lot of people step back and ask, "Does everyone deserve kids or only those that can afford them?"

Logically, the question extends to pets. Does everyone deserve a pet or only those that can afford to care for them them?

What do you think? I'm very interested to find out what you all think about this issue.

Pets have needs that need to be taken care of - grooming, nutritional needs (good food), preventative health care, and emergency or ongoing health care if there are medical problems. Those all cost money. Should we really own a pet if we are unable to fulfill those needs?

The Irreverent Vet addresses this issue head-on and his opinion is one that I believe most vets share.

After we discuss it I will post their POLL outcome: Does Everyone "Deserve" a Pet? What do you think?

Leave your answer here and your comments below.

[Jeannine]

There is almost no law for fur babies neither for their parents... so sad.

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

[OT: Answer to Debbie above: in China procreation is governed. They are only allowed to have 1 child. Most only want boys that is why many girl babies are adopted into other countries.]

[Adina P]

I guess I'm just lucky that our shelter rarely euthanizes. So I don't feel bad calling animal contol to pick up the bazillion strays I find/catch. They should really add me to payroll :)
On the other hand if I take a stray into the shelter myself it would cost me--since it is not in my city. Dogs in my city are taken to a vet where they were (rumor has it) put down in 3 days if no owner came for them. I think our local rescue prevents that now but they are frequently full too. What WAS my point???

[Jeannine]

... That it is no protection for animals and the kind people who care for them and try to do what they think it,s the best for a stray dog... like you..

[Debbie, Brianna and Duncan]

It is sad there is so many strays out there and in shelters :(

[Adrianne Matzkin]

A newborn was left last night with cord still attached on the street last night - I think in Brooklyn. There is the infant drop-off law here too - guess Mom doesn't read.

[Jeannine]

... Have the obligation to support you animal "at the shelter" until the shelter find another good home... and not be allow to have any pets anymore.

[Debbie, Brianna and Duncan]

YES!! that would be a great plan. It is way to easy to get rid of your pet. Ownership maybe...cuz second chances after education or rehab may be in my beliefs.....but they would have to prove it first with more volunteer time, get em to work for it, lol

[Jeannine]

Agree!

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

I think a lot of people think this way, Tricia. I know I am sick and tired of working my a** off in a low income school district where they don't have the money to buy their kid a notebook but drive a Lexus. I drive a Ford. So don't get me started on that one...maybe that belongs in Educators Group.

So we come back to DESERVE being a difficult thing to define.

[Tricia, Shiloh, Fenway & Tessie]

::puffs chest out:: ooooh, yay, a medal!

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

How about a trophy?