Recession hits cats and dogs too

The recession is not only affected us as people, however, they're also affecting the pets we love.

The new average annual cost to take care of both cats and dogs is approx $1,200 to $1,500 annually for basic needs as food, training, grooming etc. If your pet becomes ill, the vet bills plus medication certainly add up to that as well.

To be honest, in retrospect, considering how much we spend on cable, entertainment, dinning out etc., the average cost, sans vet treatment is really peanuts, however, in this economic times if the money isn't there, it just isn't there.

Humane societies have been having to turn dogs and cats away 'cause owners cannot afford to take care of them anymore, there simply just isn't any more room. Sadly a lot of pet owners whom are giving their pets away is 'cause they have a medical condition and simply cannot afford the vet bills.

Although I sympathize and understand, I don't get it. You wouldn't give your sick child to the orphanage, therefore, why would you do this to your pet? To me Freedom, my black lab, is like my child with four feet. I couldn't imagine if he were sick to do this. When I bought him, I understood the life long financial commitment, something most are either unaware of or aren't prepared to accept 'cause they're taking away by the cuteness and not the logic.

On the other hand some people are forced to give their pets up simply 'cause they've lost their home and shelters will not take pets. Pets are viewed in most shelters as just that, as pets and not like part of children and or family. For the health and well being of the other residents, I can understand where shelter workers and owners are coming from with this. Policy. I'm allergic to cats and would be upset if there were cats running around while residing in a shelter.

Don't cut back on regular care. Prevention is always cheaper than the cure.