Re: [PyrNet-L] Pyr in Jeapordy?

[Ian Spencer-Brown <ian.spencer-brown@virgin.net>]

At 07:23 12/06/98 EDT, you wrote:
>In a message dated 98-06-11 09:52:30 EDT, you write:
>
><< One of the first rules I was told about rescue is that you can not pay 
> anything for a dog. >>
>
>Who made this silly rule?  People should pay, for several reasons.  The
>biggest is they should be ready to make some committment or the dog will be
>again at rescue when they tire of it.  To give dogs away is to encourage whim
>buying, etc.  It also gives you some indication that people can afford to pay
>the vet bills, etc.   There will be those very rare situations where real
>financial situations will make it difficult but a very strong desire and
>intent to "stay the course" of a well thought out committment.  One of the
>tools in striving for this committment is the investment of hard cash.
>Doesn't have to be soo much, but should be a real investment.
>
>Joe
>What a commom sense letter,thank you Joe.
At Startrax we make a charge. Firstly for the reasons that Joe states and
then simply to cover the costs of the neuter,spay, vaccinations and
identichip. Altogether we roughly estimate that it cost us £160 per dog to
go through the system. We never euthanasia unless for reasons of extreme
illness or biting. We ask £50 for a dog and £60 for a bitch. Last year we
rehomed 500+ dogs and we are very happy that we are making a contribution
in the long term to the decrease in the numbers of unwanted dogs. For a
comparison our vet will charge up to £90 for a spay. These dogs are adopted
and we may claim them back if they are found to be in poor condition on
post home checks. We do not foster dogs in general unless they are unsuited
to kennel life, extreme age would be a good reason for a foster home. The
dog would live in a temporary foster home until a permanent loving home
could be found. Fosters could expect to be paid a proportion of all
reasonable vet costs until the dog passes away.
The last time we euthanised a dog was a pit bull five years ago.
Ian
Growing old is mandatory, growing wise is optional. Ian
<http://freespace.virgin.net/ian.spencer-brown/index.htm>