First Home Forever Home

Great Book

BeckyDodge — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:42:28 GMT

Am currently reading Where the Blind Horse Sings by Kathy Stevens. It really makes you think again about the farm animals that humans think of as dumb and having no emotions in order to let themselves be comfortable about eating them. The stories about the residents of Catskill Animal Sanctuary truly show how self-deluded people let themselves become.

What I'm Reading: A Patchwork of Food Assistance for Pets

EllenGilmore — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:20:06 GMT

Thanks to one of our Best Friends Network members, I came across this article in the New York Times.

The article gives fairly comprehensive coverage to the many efforts across the country to assist families in need with pet food so that they can feed and keep the pets they love. Unfortunately, the reporter made no mention of our Four Legged Food Drive during which we collected more than 77,000 pounds of pet food to help stock the shelves of food pantries in 15 cities this summer.

Even though our particular project wasn't mentioned, the fact remains that people need help feeding their pets in this tough economy. Fortunately, more and more individuals and groups are stepping up to help.

Food drives have always been a part of the philanthropic efforts of the holidays. So what could you do to help this season?

Help organize a pet food drive in your community. Download our Four Legged Food Drive Action Kit to learn how. If there are food drives already occurring in your area, maybe you could talk to the organizers to help add pet food to the collection efforts and partner with them to help.
Do you know of a food pantry that supplies pet food in your community? We maintain a list of known food pantries nationwide, but we're always looking for updates. Please email foreverhome@bestfriends.org if you have an organization to add to our food bank list.
If you're interested in helping start a local pet food pantry, we have an active forum discussion on the subject to help you learn and share best practices. View our forum here.
Do you have other ideas or information to share? Please email me at foreverhome@bestfriends.org

Re: What would you give up instead of your pet?

EllenGilmore — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:35:34 GMT

First Home Forever Home maintains a list of known pet food pantries across the country here:

http://network.bestfriends.org/campaigns/foreverhome/media/p/148139.aspx

If anyone knows of others, please email me the name or the organization and the web address. My direct email is elleng@bestfriends.org.

Re: What would you give up instead of your pet?

geopatch — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:23:39 GMT

I'm truly impressed with your devotion to your pets! If only everyone could be so strong. You are also a perfect example of why pet food pantries are needed in most communities nationwide. Do check in your area if you haven't already done so or keep it in mind for the future. They are popping up all over.

Re: What would you give up instead of your pet?

TerriMerritts — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:09:30 GMT

Times ARE tough. My husband lost his job in January and with it our health insurance. We have several health problems including diabetes, tumors, etc that are going untreated. We live with our 16 year old on a small unemployment check. We were always on a tight budget but we have 3 rescued large dogs and 4 rescued cats/kittens and just yesterday someone threw a 7-8 week old kitten out in 30 degree weather in my father-in-law's neighborhood. We have taken it in since we can't find a rescue to take it so we have 8 precious furry children.

We would never get rid of any of our pets anymore than we would get rid of our daughter. If we wind up homeless under a bridge, they will go with us. Our pets have all had their shots and wellness exams for the year except for the new addition who will start that next week. They all eat only premium Nutro Max foods and the dogs use monthly Heartgard heartworm meds and also flea preventative K9Advantix. It's costly yes, but that is how you care for your children. We have nothing we could give up for all of this. We will just eat a little less so to provide for them.

Re: What would you give up instead of your pet?

bakerboysmom — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:56:00 GMT

My boys are my life!! We are in the process of downsizing -- due to my husbands desire to cut back on his work (he is a physician)-- and have already enrolled the dogs in a "Lifetime Care Program" that we restructured our wills and life insurance to meet all the requirements of.

" I would be wiling to give up our cell phones, broadband access, dinner's out, vacations, and new shoes ( and I am known as a "junior Imelda" when it comes to shoes) to keep my guys.

Cost savings: PRICELESS!!

Re: What would you give up instead of your pet?

Jackie_Roach — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:58:54 GMT

my fur kids are my family - I don't know that there's anything that I would chose in place of them.

I can remember being in my early 20's... you know, first job out of college. I rescued a cat and lived in an apartment with 4 other roommates in a complex where pets were not allowed. It was in central Florida, so pest control was a routine visit. Needless to say, we were turned in to management and offered a choice - give up the cat or move out.

I chose to find a new place for the sake of the cat. Every roommate moved with me. There was no real discussion really with whether or not we would move.

I've never thought of my commitment to my pets any different. I have a commitment to them to care for them, never sell or surrender them, for their life.

The only thing that would ever cause me to give them up is if I could no longer physically care for them... but I've set aside more than enough to cover them financially in the manner in which they are accustomed (premium food, vet care, regular day care, etc.), and arranged where they would go. I call it the college funds I never had to worry about!

List of known pet food banks nationwide

EllenGilmore — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:33:41 GMT

Re: What would you give up instead of your pet?

geopatch — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:58:33 GMT

I agree with everyone that I'd give up whatever it takes. I've been in this boat before when I was out of college only two months and got a puppy! I set up a savings account that I put money in every week, even if it was only $5 or $10 a week so that I would be prepared for vet bills and any emergency. I would do the same now if needed. That means no eating out, no foo-foo coffee shops, AC on 80 (I'm in Florida!!!) no movies, new clothes, pay cable channels or fancy phones! I'd even give up Christmas to keep my baby!

Re: What would you give up instead of your pet?

cajunbiker — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:04:07 GMT

I would give up whatever it took, to make sure they are ok and well-cared-for. I have, actually, had times when things were tight, and the vet bills were looming, like when my Angel had 2 surgeries to remove a tumor. She's been cancer-free for two years now.

But, this is a good question. I would give up (gulp) my latte's at Starbucks. That would save me about $20.00 a week, on a "busy" week (espresso works wonders for late-night rescue work). And I could give up eating out as much and (gulp again) cook at home more. That would save me about another $20.00 a week. (eating out for me equals Taco Bell, or my favorite little Chinese place).

And I like the idea about giving up Netflix. That would save me $10.00/month. (I have Blockbuster.net.)

I am presently giving up my precious Harley. It's not a money thing (it's paid for). It's a time thing. I have decided to sell it, as I don't ride as much as I used to. My rescue work makes my spirit very happy, but it does require time. I have committed to not getting another bike until we achieve the day of no more homeless pets. :)

Thank you for this food for thought.

Re: What would you give up instead of your pet?

dennislubrano — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:15:00 GMT

Aloha All:

Give up whatever was necessary to make it work.

It would be a step by step work in progress sort of process.

Today's economic situation is no fault of theirs. We have 3 dogs and want to obtain more in the future, to be caregivers for.

Lots and lots of ways to save money and also to make more when needed. We often pet sit and dog walk etc for Professional Pet Services in the area when they need addition help.

I offer Animal REIKI for payment.

Who needs a gym when you have dogs to walk with?

Plenty of FREE entertainment just playing with your pets and they love it!

Costco sells Kirkland coffee processed by Starbucks, so we have Starbucks everyday, just at home. I even bring it with me to Starbucks when I meet fellow REALTORS for brainstorming.

Downsizing and relocating are great ideas as well.

Always best to go where you get the most bang for the buck.

Relocating to Kanab may just be the answer!

Yes we only have cell phones now. Drive a MINI with 3 big dogs in the back and they love it. Looks like a clown car when we all unload at the dog park.

Everyone's ideas and suggestions here are great and the list is ongoing, which is even better.

Mahalo Ellen, it was a great question to get folks to thinking about economic changes.

This is what I like so much about brainstorming and idea sharing on the Network!

Remember, Less is always More!

Take care.

Dennis Lubrano

Hawaii Go Local Team Leader

Re: What would you give up instead of your pet?

MartiL — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:51:08 GMT

I am impressed with how many of us are ready to give up TV. I wonder some times why I really have it, and I guess you feel the same way.

Re: What would you give up instead of your pet?

MartiL — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:47:28 GMT

I agree with the answers. I have the full package with my satellite and could reduce it by half with standard package, or cancel altogether in favor of internet. I could get rid of my land lines for home/office. I could put air conditioning higher and heating lower (can cuddle winter with fur kids), and reduce cel phone package options. I can certainly get less expensive groceries as I tend to buy generic, but gee I might have to finally go vegetarian to cut back on more expensive generic meats. I'd also look at cheaper options than bottled waters and iced teas. That is all just off top of my head, and I could probably come up with other ideas.

The question of course is how much is enough of a cut, for people who can barely afford their homes at this time.

Re: What would you give up instead of your pet?

allypurp — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:51:05 GMT

Just about everything......certainly cable TV, fancy cell phone service (cut it back to the basics), spend less money at the grocery store; give up the gym membership; restrict printing to reduce usage of paper and ink; never buy bottled water.

Allyson

Re: What would you give up instead of your pet?

Constancy — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:38:04 GMT

The first thing that comes to mind is cancelling cable TV, which would save me about $50.00 per month. If I had to, I could also decrease my internet service, which would save about $30.00 per month. Since I have 16 rescued kitties and I took early retirement 2 years ago, my budget is pretty tight. I already have cheap rent, and I've gone vegan, which has lowered my food bills considerably. Actually, I've been seriously considering getting rid of cable TV anyway.

Re: What would you give up instead of your pet?

pattycatty — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:23:05 GMT

I would move. Yup, definitely. My initial goal would be to move to an area that would reduce my rent by 30 to 40%, saving about $500 a month in the process. Who needs to look at the ocean when I can look at this..............

Her eyes are bluer than the ocean anyway.:-)

Re: What would you give up instead of your pet?

AndiT117 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:19:25 GMT

I'd put my house on the market and downsize. They depend on me to put a roof over their heads. It would just be a slightly cozier roof!

Re: What would you give up instead of your pet?

jlh269 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:11:37 GMT

I would give up our NYC parking space. Our one car garage costs us $175/month ( I should be giving that up anyway!) and find street parking. Or I'd go somewhere cheaper to get my haircut and save ~$50 every 5 weeks.

Re: What would you give up instead of your pet?

Cathie — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:00:49 GMT

I'm thinking satellite TV would have to go and we'd listen to NPR more often on the radio.

Savings: $60/month

Re: What would you give up instead of your pet?

KarenL — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:55:15 GMT

I'd give up everything before giving up my pets but ones that I can immediately quantify:

Netflix @ $18.15 a month

Directv @ $37.13 a month

Home phone (just use cell) @ 36.84 a month