What to do...

[Angel_baby]

First of all I would like to say I am not looking to be flamed or treated badly just because of my situation. I am 17...you need to understand that everyone has had problems in life at one point in time or another and if they haven't then they're dang lucky.

I'm at my wits end, my parents are struggling to pay bills right now and I have 2 puppers that are mine to care for. I've attempted getting a job in so many places it's not even funny, I've even tryed to do odd jobs like baby-sitting, house-sitting and bunches of others but it seems like my town is against teens or something. I mean come on! So anyhow, I have dog food and stuff like that but there are other things I need to keep my pups healthy and happy....without those things then I'm afraid progressed training will start to deminish...Not to mention the fact that I myself would look like the most horrid dog owner in the history of dog owners. I probably already do. I might note that in case of emergancy I do have a vet covered...my vet has always been willing to work things out with people.

I don't know what to do though, I don't and won't get rid of my furbabies because they're the only things keeping me sane at the moment....does anyone have any ideas? Would anyone be willing to help me out? Right now I am just scared....I am heartbroken that I even have to post something like this and hope it won't be taken the wrong way. Please understand that we didn't expect to have this happen to us it just did. Can't control lifes ups and downs.

If anyone, can do anything or knows of somewhere that might be able to help...anything...please let me know....and even if prayers are all you can give then that is helping aswell...

[Ritz459]

I have a 0.01% taste of what you are going through. Our cat is needing medical attention right now and we just added three new critters to the mix of bills to pay, so money is extreamly tight.
What all do you need help with doggy-wise? Is it the vet bills and the food or smaller issues, like supplies? If it is supplies, maybe you could find some 2nd hand stuff? Like somebodies old dog collar or their old dog's chain, an extra leash that is just lying around.
Have you asked your vet if he knows of any jobs available? I just mentioned to my Vet about how I was interested in becoming a Vet and he landed me with a job in bathing and kennels.

Just remember that your dog's don't need the state of the art stuff to be happy. My two dogs don't play with toys and the don't have fancy treats or dishes or beds or anything like that, but they are some happy puppers. All you need to do to make a dog happy is pick a stick up off the ground or grab and old baseball and play fetch with him and then go on a walk and just love him. He doesn't need a special toy that says a phrase everytime he moves it.
As long as your dogs are given vet care, food, are groomed, and are given attention each day and are happy, I wouldn't worry to much about the accessories. They are nice to have sometimes, but your dogs don't really need it.

[mrsgrubby]

Originally Posted by Angel_baby

First of all I would like to say I am not looking to be flamed or treated badly just because of my situation. I am 17...you need to understand that everyone has had problems in life at one point in time or another and if they haven't then they're dang lucky.
sad:

Angel_baby,
Rude behavior is not tolerated on GP and no one will flame you or anything else because of your situation.

Life is full of ups and downs. As a teenageer my house burned down and we lost everything execept what we were wearing, including our pets.

I know it is hard to be in a tough situation, and I also know you have faith. I truly believe you will figure somethign out and you will end up stronger in the end.

As far as your dogs, feed them what you can afford to feed them. It sounds like you have the emergency vet covered. If you need the annual stuff done call you vet and try to work out a payment plan.

Also look for clinics in your area like rescues or humane society that might be able to offer low cost shots and stuff.

Also, call a few rescues and see if they have a bag of food they could give you. I know there is a rescue up here that always has plenty of food to share with others. You could even offer to volunteer on adoption day or walking the dogs in return for a bag of food.

I will also keep you and your parents in my prayers.

by the way, welcome back, haven't seen you in awhile!

[ewarp]

I was in your shoes. I was twelve when my parents bought me a puppy. They handed it over with the stipulation that she was MINE. That included all expenses and responsibilities.

At twelve, I taught myself to budget and to find jobs. I was getting up at 5:30 in the morning to go let the dogs I was dogsitting out before school. I walked dogs, bathed dogs, trained dogs, babysat, painted porches, pulled weeds, raked leaves, shoveled snow, cleaned bathrooms, picked up poop, recycled cans, ran errands on my bike, mowed lawns, fixed fences, etc.

I did everything under the sun to be able to afford my pooch... shots, spaying, food, etc. Granted, most of the time, I walked her on a length of rope and she played with my old stuffed animals for the first few years of her life, but she was happy.

You absolutely can do it, I have faith in you. What are you having a hard time affording? Have you thought about waitressing?

I don't know a whole lot about you or your situation, but you need to set yourself up for success. One weekend, put on nice clothes, cover up any tattoos, take out any piercings, and just go through your town filling out applications. Stop at every single place of business even if there isn't a help wanted sign.

Once you fill out an ap, ask if there's a manager you can speak to about a job. You're much more likely to get a job if you take the initiative to follow up on your applications and speak to the head honcho about it than if you just fill it out and hand it to the minion at the register.

If you're really strapped for cash, you can't turn your nose up at a job, no matter how dull or unappealing it is. Beggars cannot be choosers... well, they can, but then they're not allowed to be whiners!

Good luck, and don't get discouraged!

[PawNclaws]

First of all I would like to say I am not looking to be flamed or treated badly just because of my situation.

I don't think anyone is going to look down on you, no one can control life and things like this do happen.. Don't worry, like every ones said, all your pups need is food, water, love, groming, vet care and excercise... No fancy treats or toys, no rinstone collars or leashes.. Every one , at some point, goes thru finacial problems, I know we had some a few times... Now with vet bills you already stated they can work with you(which is always great).. . And a prayer will be said ; praying always seems to keep your mind and heart in good spirit no matter how hard life seems.

[Raised By Wolves]

We all have our ups and downs. I still do!

The best thing you can give your dogs is you right now. I believe they are also our teachers, who come into our lives to help us grow and learn when we do right by them.

I used to take my neighbor's dog and run into the arms of Mother Nature every chance I got when the human world started to get me down. If it wasn't for my horse and this wonderful dog, my teen years would have been a lot harder to bear.

I am lighting candles and sending good energy your way. Hang in there Malissa! I'm glad you are back.

[bigdoglover]

Great advice from everyone!

Being a teenager is hard, and trying to live in a less than ideal situation doesn't make it easier. But you will make it! You will find strength in yourself, and in the end, be a better person for it.

Your pups don't need all of the fancy things in life.....I've played fetch with pinecones, or a stick......you can check out yard sales (I buy old sheets and blankets for CHEAP for the dogs)....how about a paper route? Recycling cans and bottles can get you some extra change as well....my mother made me go around and pick up cans to recycle if I wanted spending money. How about getting some friends together for a car wash? Or a dog wash?

You'll get through this!!

[reggies mom]

Angel Baby,
We have all been in the situation you are in, so no one will judge you.

Have you checked into babysitting or working at the local YMCA in summer programs? Alot of towns have recreation departments that hire teens to coach or supervise the younger kids in the summer.

I noticed you are from Bryan, Ohio--My husband had the chance to get transfered there to work, but as of now the company has chosen a different place for him. It would have been nice to move where I would know someone Who knows maybe the company will change their minds again.

Good luck and I will keeep you in my prayers

[Angel_baby]

I didn't figure I would get flamed here but I've posted about this at a few other sites and it turned into a war because people said if I don't have the money to buy things for my fur-babies then I shouldn't have them at all. I was so upset to hear that. So I was thinking about it and this site came to mind, I knew I hadn't been here in ages but I plan to be posting a lot more now. It's just that with things going the way they were I was kind of thinking about other things.

I'm glad to see everyone here is being so friendly about this. I never thought about pop bottles and cans but I'll sure give it a try and besides, gives me another reason to take the pups out for a walk. There's always bunches laying on the side of the street. As for putting in applications I've done gone through town last week and I've been putting in some phone calls every few days to see if there's any news.

Now on to the shots thing. I have raised dogs all my life, they are something my family has never been without and when we have been we've always had some other kind of animal. So I decided to ask my vet if he could show me how to give shots because you can buy them at the feed store and it's cheaper. He agreed and showed me how to do it so there are no problems there.

I know my dogs don't need the best most expensive things in the world and I don't plan to get those things for them either. We have a few toys but they don't seem to like them, they don't play with them much. I'm trying to find someone who might have toys and such they don't use anymore and possibly find someone who can send me some treats for them if possible. I'm still in the midst of training Lola beings she is still young.

Like to get a real long training lead to work on her recall with but they're expensive here. I guess everything will work out for the best though most likely. Thanks everyone for the reassurance. I've just been feeling so misserable about it...glad to have people out there who can show me I'm not a bad person. Thanks again!

-Malissa

[Dogsareme]

I think most of us have been there. I sure have. 2 dogs, and no job for 6 months. It was hard! You will manage to get through. Things always seem to get worse before they get better.

What kind of jobs have you tried to look for?? What about fast food places?? Like McDonalds or Tim Hortons(dont' know if you have those) but they are always looking to hire young people. Or Wal-Mart. You just have to be persistant. Keep going back and checking. Even if they said they are not hiring. I know how disapointing it can be when you try so hard, but something will work out in the end. Just dont' concentrate on the bad stuff, and keep thinking of all the things you do have and all the things you are blessed to have.

What kinds of things do you need for you dogs that you are worried about not being able to afford?
The main things dogs need is food and walks. If you don't have chew toys, go down to the salvation army and pick up some old teddy bears for 10 cents. That's what I do for mine. Dishes, pick up some big bowls at the salvation army as well.As for a long lead just buy some rope, it doesn't need to be fancy and you just tie it to the dogs collar. As long as it works to teach the recall right You should be able to find that at the salvation army too. Dogs don't care what they have or how they look as long as they work for there intended purpose. But if those are the kind of extras you want, just go cheap.

Keep your head held high

[bigdoglover]

Funny you mention the long lead......In one Schutzhund club I visited, there was a guy there,....he had money to spend, but for his long recall lead he went to the hardware store and bought a 100ft length of rope in a package....cost him $2!!

[princessjodi]

Try gathering up some cans / bottles / cardboard / etc and take to the recycling center. You won't get rich, but its something AND you're helping the environment too! Or, try having a yard sale...

[mulroony]

Yo uwould be amazed the stuff you can sell on e-bay. I know people that quite a bit of money going to garae sales, buying junk and selling it on e-bay. You might want to start out with stuff you have that no longer need.

[schnzrluv]

Originally Posted by Angel_baby

I'm at my wits end, my parents are struggling to pay bills right now and I have 2 puppers that are mine to care for. I've attempted getting a job in so many places it's not even funny, I've even tryed to do odd jobs like baby-sitting, house-sitting and bunches of others but it seems like my town is against teens or something.

I'm sorry to hear about your situation, It's an aweful one but you'll make it! Being a buisness owner I thought I would add some advice on helping you get a job. Please don't take this the wrong way, I'm not meaning to offend you. Do you still have your eyebrow pierced? In my office appearance is a must! Perhaps when dropping off apps you could take it out? Also you should wear conservative clothes, no holes in your jeans, t-shirts ect. Even if your only applying to clean kennels, the first impression you make is the only and you need to appear mature, even if you feel like your dressed like your grandma!
Have you tried in any neighboring towns? (if you have any!) Have you tried seasonal jobs such as a local farm, or golf course? These types of places tend to need extra workers during the summer. Where there is a will, there is a way! I can tell you love your dogs so I know you will make it!!

Lindsey

[Jamila]

I know what you're feeling Angel_baby. I just recently had to downgrade all of my fur kids foods. Summer is a tight pocket time for a college student.....lol.
Listen to everyone here cause they are very smart people and know what the heck they are talkin about. Great advice so far.

I know things will perk up in your life soon. Ups and Downs are part of life. Our thoughts are with you.