I read this (http://wildewmn.wordpress.com/2009/09/) blog post from Nicole Wilde(http://wildewmn.wordpress.com) , and as much as this is an awesome development for Florida, I’m concerned it will be abused. Just like the welfare system is already abused so much.
Then, I hear about these ‘pet food stamps’ they recently added into the Food Stamp program. I think the theory is great, and the ‘heart’ is there, but is this a good thing? Government funded programs seem to … fail. For more than one reason! Where is the money coming from? The general public, of course.
Again, the theory is awesome. Shelters and rescues are full, and there are still unwanted, homeless pets coming in every day. The theory is that people can’t afford their animals anymore, so food stamps will help. For some, yes. But that’s not the main reason. Training, behavioral concerns, lack of responsibility, lack of education, and people who just don’t want their animals anymore are just a few of the reasons why people give them up. Money is a very small portion of why so many pets are given up or dumped.
In my honest opinion, if you can’t take of yourself (meaning you, yourself are on welfare, or are having trouble paying bills, etc), is it really a good idea to have animals? However, I understand if you weren’t always in that situation, and hard times hit. It’s happens, and this program will help you with that. However, if you are already struggling and you have already been on the welfare program, adopting an animal is not in the best interest for you, or your new furry friend.
The Pet Food Stamps program, due to the generosity of contributors and patrons, are able to eliminate that heart-wrenching decision by making sure these pet owners are given free monthly home delivery of all necessary food supplies to maintain the health and vitality of their pets.
With the continued growth of the Pet Food Stamps program, it is expected in the 4th quarter 2013 to expand into offering free or heavily discounted veterinary care for all qualified program beneficiaries as part of the Pet Food Stamps program.
Source: https://petfoodstamps.org/
Free…. Deliver of pet food monthly… and heavily discounted veterinary care. Again… I think pets are privilege, not a right. Some people don’t deserve to have animals. However, low income families already have a struggle. Maybe, instead of adopting a cat or dog, choose a fish, or a rat. Something that’s a little less expensive per month to take care of. I’m not saying that low income families can’t have pets, I’m just saying live within your means.
What do you think?
End of My Leash 
I haven’t heard of this, but this is very interesting to me. I wholeheartedly agree that you should not get a pet you can’t afford (unforeseen circumstances or illnesses with the pet are a different story). This topic actually makes me a little emotional. You wouldn’t believe how many people call in at my work sobbing because they know their pet is suffering, but they can’t afford the office visit alone because they are on disability or only receive a social security check and can barely make their rent or house payment. It’s heartbreaking. It’s also heartbreaking when they finally do come in with their pet, and the pet has all sorts of problems and pain, but they can only afford the ear medication to treat the ear infection. When you watch that pet walk out the doors knowing how painful it is, it eats away at you. I understand people think dogs are the perfect companions (especially if it is a single person), but at the same time, if they love dogs that much, they should have some respect, acknowledge they can’t afford it, and not get one. I will stop rambling now (told you it made me emotional!). Great post though, thanks for putting it out there!
And thank you for reading! It’s nice to know some people feel the way I do