 Barked: Sat Apr 17, '10 9:15am PST |
 | |  | | Lower incomes don't necessarily mean that people are inadequate in caring for their own. Many of my friends make a LOT more money than I do but are really struggling financially because they weren't so wise about how they save and use their money. I have a friend who makes over $100,000 a year and can barely pay his bills, I make a little over a quarter of that and have been able to build up a good savings. I also have another friend who makes close to 6 figures, but can't find the money to fix her dog's knee problems. Living within your means and providing the best you can means more than a number.
I don't make a lot of money in my profession and can't afford a lot of the extras for me OR the furbabies, so my dogs don't have the luxury of me owning my own house, or a large backyard, or expensive classes, or doggie daycare...but ask anyone who knows them and I stay within my means and have two incredibly happy, well-trained, healthy dogs, who also have a savings account that I've been building for almost 7 years. I put a little bit in with each paycheck, and it's really added up so I don't have to worry about emergencies. Sure, there are people out there who would say I shouldn't have them because I can't afford "x" or "y", but anyone who knows me and knows my dogs will tell you that they're well-adjusted and it's clear they have everything they need.
In fact, Gretta lived with some VERY rich people before I took her in, but was a miserable little puppy despite having the training classes, the yard, the people home all day, etc. What she needed more than stuff was an owner who could physically deal with her high-energy needs. While at that time I was really not making a lot of money, I could provide something that cash could not--daily runs, hikes, roller blading excursions, etc.
Love and basic financial savvy goes a lot further than a big yearly income. Sadly, there will always be people out there looking for someone to condemn and judge. Honestly, I think some people need to feel like a "better" person than others to validate their own position in the world. I feel very lucky that I'm secure enough psychologically in my own life situation that I don't need to do that to others. I think all you can do when you're on the receiving end of judging is hold your head up, smile, and know that there are things much more important than income in determining who makes a good dog owner, and a generally positive outlook on life is one of those!Edited by author Sat Apr 17, '10 9:16am PST
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Maybe I should just pretend I've always fed the best kibble in the world to my dogs!
Naw, that would be just as wrong as bashing those who feed "lower" quality kibble!
