When you pet is hurt what do you do?

United States
March 1, 2010 2:27pm CST
I have a 13 year old Jack Russell who recently dislocated her hip. She is a very sweet baby and I love her dearly. The thing is that to get her fixed costs so much. I am on a fixed income at the moment and coming up with the money is proving more difficult than I had thought. The road block I face is that the vet has said that if I can not pay for her treatment I have two choices 1.To give her up to someone who can, or 2. Put her down. Rosie (that's her name) is a rescue animal, she is deemed un-adoptable by professionals and would be put to sleep anyway. In a situation like this I am torn between my love for her and what is ultimately the best thing. If you were faced with this problem how would you handle it?
1 person likes this
16 responses
@hofferp (4734)
• United States
2 Mar 10
What's the life expectancy of a Jack Russel and how much pain is she in? If she's near her end and in a lot of pain, I would seriously consider putting her down. And I know it's not easy, I've had to put several down in my lifetime. But if we're talking she still has several years left and she's tolerating the pain, I'd do everything I can to raise the money (even putting her down will cost money). Do you have "things" you just don't use anymore? Could you sell them on Craigslist? In the past few months, I've sold cameras, a phonograph, records, a stereo, a receiver, speakers, RV supplies, and a bunch of other stuff on Craigslist, and I know I've made several hundred dollars. What about a neigborhood bake sale? Let your neighbors know you're going to have a bake sale to raise money to fix your dogs hip. You might be surprised what a brownie might sell for. Be creative AND keep looking for a vet who will take payments. P. S. announce the bake sale at the vets' offices.
1 person likes this
@hofferp (4734)
• United States
18 Mar 10
First, thanks for the "best response". Second, were you able to raise the money to fix your Jack Russell's hip? I sure hope you did. She still has too many years left. Good luck!
• United States
2 Mar 10
Thank you so much for your heart felt reply. I really like your suggestions and they will help me raise the rest of the money I need to get her fixed. Jack russells can live up to 21 years so she can live a few more good years. I had not thought about the bake sale idea again thank you. May god smile down on you and yours.
@allknowing (135331)
• India
2 Mar 10
You seem to have all the doors that can lead to her recovery, adoption closed. Leaving her in her condition is unthinkable and so the best alternative is to put her to sleep. I have done that to a couple of my pets. We have to forget our emotions and think of our pets life. You can get another one. Sorry for being so straightforward but that is life Willow!
1 person likes this
• United States
2 Mar 10
Thank you for responding to my post. I also thank you for being straight forward. I will keep tring everything I can to save her. I was recently got some good news about a some of money that will help. Again thank you.
1 person likes this
@rosegardens (3034)
• United States
2 Mar 10
I would do whatever I could do to get my pet fixed. Recently to take my cat to the vet, I had to forego paying my property taxes on time. I realize not everyone can do this especially if you are renting a place. I hope that something comes through for you to be able to get Rosie the care she needs pronto.
• United States
2 Mar 10
I read that reply, that is a lot of great ideas. I am sure that will work out for you. I wish you and Rosie the best.
• United States
2 Mar 10
Thank you for your reply. we are already forgoing bills to get her fixed and with the suggestion of another member we are sure to make up what we are short. God Bless.
• United States
2 Mar 10
Thank you and god bless.
• Philippines
2 Mar 10
If you really love her, then you should do whats best for her. I think that you should give her to another owner, but not just another owner. You have to look for an owner that would be able to make her better and that would take care of her with all the love like the love you've given her.
• United States
2 Mar 10
Thank you for answering my post. I know things will work out and in the end I know that I will do what is best for her. Again thank you.
@CarmenA (127)
• United States
4 Mar 10
wow Willow, that's a tough one. You don't think that there is anyone who would adopt her, even though she is a biter?? Maybe someone out there.. But if you really couldn't do that... I guess I would say a big prayer for her and let be done what has to be. She can be with God in doggy heaven..she will be okay. That's how I would handle it. I can imagine this is tough for you though. I have pets too and I love them all. I recently had a puppy who was about 16 weeks old..a pit bull terrier. He had parvo and could not get up.. my bf took him and dropped him off somewhere without telling me. I prayed so hard that he made it to someones house who could have him taken care of. He was a beautiful pup. But I'll say a prayer for your doggy. ok?
@CarmenA (127)
• United States
4 Mar 10
oh, I didn't see your latest response until now. That is really great news that you will be able to help your dog now. I will still say a prayer for her.
@RangaGirl (103)
• Australia
3 Mar 10
That's terrible, Willow. What a tough choice. I'd have thought a compassionate vet would have suggested you could pay him by instalments. Dogs become family and you want to do everything you can for them yet, at your dog's age, you wonder if it is worth putting them through the stress and recovery time needed after an operation. Sometimes euthanasia is the kindest thing or your doggy could have a few healthy years left after having her leg fixed. Only you can weigh it up because, believe me, taking your dog to the vet to be put down is about the worst feeling in the world. Good luck and pats for your dog.
• United States
3 Mar 10
Rosie is doing much better now. We are saving the money for the opration she needs. We found a vet that may not take payments but is cutting the cost of her surgery by at least half. We are managing her pain as much as we can and doing everything the vet advised. After the surgery she will be an amputy but she will be alive. The vet says that her breed respons well and she could have many more heathy years after it is all over.
• Australia
3 Mar 10
That is fantastic news, Willow. I am really happy for you and Rosie.
@Loen210 (1540)
• United States
3 Mar 10
Sorry to hear about your poor Jack Russell with the dislocated hip. Poor thing. But I would take whatever it took for me to pay for my beloved pet. I'd cut back on everything to afford it, and if needed even ask family members or friends for contributions, or have fundraiser. She needs to have it done quickly, I assume to make the pain go away. But putting her to sleep is not the right thing. I would only consider that if she was with a terminal illness and suffering too much. Or do you have a family friend who may take her in? Even if so, I'd recommend taht you donate whatever you can, to the person who takes her in if you must give her up. At that age, it is difficult to find people to adopt, as she is already an adult. Best of Luck!
@redrover (597)
• United States
1 Mar 10
If you absolutely can't find a way to afford the bills then I would find her a new owner. I know it will be hard but the dog deserves to be well. I am sure you love the dog very much so please do right by it. It will hurt to give her up but if you can't take care of her it's the right thing to do.
• United States
2 Mar 10
I thank you for reply. I am aware that it will be hard. I am only worried that she bites and I can not put her up for adoption because of that fact I have already looked in to that option. I am still looking for the money to fix her and I am confident I will find some way to help her. Thank you again.
@fifileigh (3615)
• United States
5 Mar 10
save up for the surgery and help ur pet. it is like a family member. borrow money for close friends and family or get a second temporary odd job on the side to save up for it.
@savypat (20216)
• United States
1 Mar 10
I would try for a new home for her, if someone is willing to pay for her why not let them do it. Your only other choice is to finance the expense and pay over time. I don't know if you could do this. But if there is a way to save her life do it. Good Luck
• United States
2 Mar 10
Thank you for your time in answering, But as I said she is not able to be adopted out because bites anybody but me. I wish it were different but its not. Again thanks.
@tuyakiki (3016)
• India
1 Mar 10
I have a dog and I really like it. I prefer taking my pet to a veterinary doctor whenever there is a problem like that. Its hard to watch him in pains. I also take it, if it is ill or sick or not behaving in a usual manner. You should treat her first then you will make any other decisions.In this case you may give your pet to someone else who can immediately treat her and save her from any further complications.
• United States
2 Mar 10
I am still trying. I was able to get her in to the vet but it is the surgery she needs that I can not pay for and due to that fact that she bites I can't put her up for adoption or I would to save her life. I thank you for your reply, best regards.
@jb78000 (15139)
9 Mar 10
i'd say keep trying to raise the money - there are all kinds of ways you can do this. somebody else suggested selling things, you could also try doing piecework, getting sponsorsip as you do for charity (for example a sponsored run), even getting a loan. another option is finding a charity that helps animals for people in your situation - worth researching. otherwise keep trying to get payments at the vet. a bank might help - it is clear you need the money for something important and i am sure there is a way for you to pay back a loan. all else failing you could consider adoption still - there are people out there who might consider taking on even a biter. wishing you a lot of luck.
@snoopyfan (1312)
• United States
1 Mar 10
Is there any clinics that can work with you where you can make payments and keep your dog? I know this is a tough decision. If you can't find anyone that will take care of her or find a place that will work with you as hard as you may have to put her down. I had to put my puppy down when he had parvo. He was six months and the operation wouldn't guarantee the puppy would live. As hard as it was I had to put him down I couldn't afford it and my Spunky may have not lived through the operation. How much pain is Rosie in? You have to do what is best for Rosie. I have had dogs all my life and when they are getting in their golden years it is very hard to let them go. I have a 10 year old Pit Bull Mix and I want her to stop getting old. I look at it this way however long we have these precious animals just treasure every minute with them. That is the hardest part of having a dog but I couldn't imagine my life without dogs in them.
• United States
2 Mar 10
They do have dicount clincs and I have not found any that will take a payment plan. I am still trying to find a way. I am just not able to give her up for adoption becuse she is a biter and bites anybody but me. Thanks for you answer and god bless
• Malaysia
4 Mar 10
my cat is at my home village. there's no clinic for pets. so i usual use sea oil medicine. it helps
@ersmommy1 (12588)
• United States
2 Mar 10
The first step is to ask your animal hospital or private vet whether they offer a payment plan. Your local humane organization or animal advocacy group also may have information about other groups or organizations in your area that assist pet owners with veterinary bills. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) (800) 248-2862 See if you can get assistance here. Finances are tight all around. I hope things work out.
• India
2 Mar 10
i treat him as my own child i try to reach him doctor as well as possible