Conundrum

[pennie_dreadful]

I am debating with myself about doing something that is very stupid. My nextdoor neighbors have a dog and a cat. They are scumbags who shouldn't even be responsible for a compost heap, much less living animals. The smart thing is to call animal control, show them the pictures of the animals, and let them handle it. But you guuuuuuys, I am smitten. Smitten. But it's hard enough paying for the pets I already have. Is it right of me to take them in, knowing how little income I have? They're going to have to be checked out by a vet, and that makes a vet bill for four animals. Plus a spay/neuter bill. Plus food. But will they be better off in the system??? I am pretty sure the local shelter is no kill, but they are more than likely at full capacity. I know I've heard of friends of my brother in law who had to give up their dogs, and were turned down by shelters because they just had no room.

Goddammit, animals are not toys! If you adopt a pet you are making a lifelong commitment.

Comments

[evilnel.livejournal.com]

You can often get low-cat spay/neuter and vet care if you ask around. If you are smitten and think you are in a place emotionally to care for them (you have the time and energy), I say don't let the financial thing scare you too much. HSUS will often do free spay/neuter and if you are careful and keep them away from other animals you CAN get away without most vaccines (I would still get rabies, however). Maybe talk to the area shelters and see if they would have room for these guys? Ask around for friends and relatives who might be able to take one of them so it's not such a huge financial burden? Just some thoughts.

[pastrywench.livejournal.com]

That's a tough call to make. We're kind of experiencing the same problem with our neighbor upstairs and her cat. He's so friendly and if I had my own place (or my sister's cat wasn't such a jealous, anti-social bitch), I'd take him. Last Friday when I came home, he was just roaming the hallway and when I opened the door, he darted out and ran off. It pissed me off because I had told her, I don't know how many times, that she needs to keep her cat inside because one of these days he's going to run off and not comeback or someone will take him off her hands...permanently. He did comeback Sunday, but mom found him again this evening in the hallway, just sitting by the door. Terrible how these people get these pets and yet, want nothing to do with them.

[thene]

Guh, I don't know what I'd do. I think one should be cautious with caring responsibilities; it's too easy to take on more than one can cope with, timewise or moneywise. Is there anyone else you know who is looking for a new pet?

[madhowan.livejournal.com]

Personally, I'd be a bit cautious about adopting them. You don't want to take on too much -- four pets is a lot, isn't it? Will your cats appreciate a dog in the house?

I know you don't want them hurt or going to a dodgy home or anything, but perhaps someone else could take them?

It is tricky, though! I hate when animals aren't cared for.