Owners need pets and pets need owners

It's no surprise that it is very hot in Arizona, particularly in Phoenix. There are many homeless pet owners who try to take care of their pets over themselves. I remember meeting a man who lived on the street. He had an appointment to have his dog's paw soles treated from walking on the hot pavement.

I remember feeling so sad that he had no home except a shopping cart and backpack. Yet, his dog was well groomed and taken care of. Thankfully, a veterinarian in our area was there to help him. She does fine work and works with those who cannot afford their pet's medical care. I often wonder what happened to him and if he was able to sustain himself and his dog.

 At HAF, our goals are to help both people and animals. While it is noble to take care of pet needs, if the owner is not taken care of as well, the pet can suffer too. As owners need their pets so do pets need their owners.

So, let's not only take care of our pets let's try to take care of ourselves for their sakes!

There is no doubt that animals provide amazing companionship. Most pet owners would agree. What would happen however, if you did not have the funds to take care of your pet? Sometimes life just happens beyond our control. Some might say, "Well, if you can't afford the pet, why have it?" You see, that can be a common assumption, and I understand why but it's not quite that simple. In fact, it can be much more complex that that.

In this current economic time, people are losing their jobs, while others such as the disabled are reliant upon their pets for personal assistance. There are also the elderly who rely upon their pets for companionship. Last time I checked they government was not compensating the elderly too well these days.

Pets can be expensive but worth the investment. There are great pet owners who take excellent care of their pets but cannot afford pet medical costs. How would you feel if you had to resort to euthanasia of your beloved pet because you were not able to afford the surgeries or medical treatments? Think for a moment about those individuals who rely upon the companionship of their pets.  Think about the impact.


Article on expensive veterinary care