I thought that I would do a post on the importance of taking pet ownership seriously.
I get incredibly frustrated at peoples assumptions that ‘free to a good home’ is indeed a bargain,now don’t get me wrong,there are an amazing amount of people who get their pets this way and give them the best of everything life has to offer..but there are some who have no idea that animals..like people have needs and wants far beyond just a comfy bed and a toy or meal.
When you take on an animal you take them on for better or for worse…also like people they get sick,they have accidents and they age..this is where commitment comes in.
We have had the honour of animals in our lives for a long long time..this time has seen some beautiful moments and some incredibly sad and upsetting times also.
We have loved and lost more than our fair share of amazing pets..illness has taken some,old age others ,dog attacks some and a shotgun another.
We have always placed our pets in the same position as any other family member..with a need for good food,health care,mental stimulation,comfort and safety.
Pickles was a rescue and as such ‘free’ but that was where the free part ended.
We place on our Vet an even higher priority than our G.P…we had a brilliant Vet where we lived before and I did more research on Vets before we sold our house than anything else in the area.
We are lucky we found Dr Rayya a Vet who also cares for animals as we do..with respect and integrity.
I wish people would consider than long term post puppy/kitten/lamb etc care of their pets..
I decided to get our Vet bills and out of curiosity and in line with the ‘Free to a good home’ theme,add up the ones that we have kept (by no means all of them) dating back roughly eleven years..
Before I put the total up I need to clarify a few things..
1.This is not inclusive of special dietary food required by Dinnermintz
2.This is not inclusive of any food..dog.cat.sheep
3.This is not inclusive of boarding costs for the animals when we go away (four cats two dogs and three sheep)
4.This does not include toys,bedding,litter trays,litter,collars,leads,flea/worm treatments
5.This does not include Forrests medications
6.Fencing,cat enclosures,cat cages
7.This does not include brushes,combs,shampoos,car harnesses
I also don’t believe it is unreasonable..we have always had Vets that are very moderate in their fees.
The total I got was.
$17.137.29 Australian Dollars over 11 years.
Realistically this is only an average of $1.557.93 a year..so as you can see still far from ‘Free’
When taking this into consideration you need to understand that it isn’t always ‘averaged’ out..sometimes the bills are in one lump..illness or accident..being the reason.
These incidents can happen when you least can afford them..like I said just like with people.
So I urge people to think when seeing a ‘Free to a good home’ ad..do you have the ability to maintain the animal in a proper and loving way..are you able to care for an ill animal..both financially and emotionally..do you have a plan for when things go wrong,do you have back up and support,what are you prepared to go without to ensure your pet is properly cared for in times of need.
Doc ,Forrest and Marbles are the eldest of our pets and as such health issues will arise due to aging..the younger ones can still get ill or have accidents..
I would not swap the love loyalty fun and joy our pets have given us for any of the money we have spent.
We are not wealthy by any means,and we at times have to make big financial sacrifices to care for our pets,but we knew this when we got them,we owe them they are our family and we would not have it any other way.
Pop over and check out our amazing Vet Dr Rayya ..at http://www.rayyathevet.com
She has some awesome information and also great stories !
Also on our other bloggie http://ourpawpad.wordpress.com
We have some stories on there soon about events that have happened with our animals and attacks,fosters and animal welfare related articles .
Have a great day folks.
FOZZIE.M 