Retirement, pets and retirement finances.

[Cattknap]

We love animals but have chosen not to have them because of the expense, the mess, the allergies and the problem of who would care for them while we travel. We would much rather spend the time, money and resources we have on our grandchildren and children.

[PDD]

Originally Posted by Cattknap

We love animals but have chosen not to have them because of the expense, the mess, the allergies and the problem of who would care for them while we travel. We would much rather spend the time, money and resources we have on our grandchildren and children.

2nd that completely.

[texdav]

No one shoud that can afford to keep them properly really even if working.

[MotleyCrew]

Originally Posted by TuborgP

One of the realities for many retired people is a sick pet and the inability to afford medical treatment. We have a very expensive dog and we are able to provide for his medical needs. He is costing us 4-6K a year and we are doing it. Our vet asked us if we wanted to adopt another dog who was very sweet with great senior owners who were unable to afford his care. We declined but we know there are many who are having to give up their loved pets because of finances. It isn't something that gets discussed a lot in retirement planning but I have a hunch it is a topic that needs to be on the table. Thoughts? The same applies to folks who lose their jobs etc but for we retired folks it can be a gut wrenching decision process. Our dog is old for his breed and oh well if we pulled the plug on him when we can afford it, what does that say about us and our future? It is tough!

We recently lost a beautiful Mastiff and just to put her to sleep was very expensive. She went down so fast we did not have time to take her to the emergency vet and that would have been thousands. We have her brother and he is 5 1/2 now and costing a chunk of change every month to keep him going. I would not aquire another large breed dog at this stage of our lives. The giants cost far too much in medication when they do become sick and to try and get them into a car is impossible without help. Sad times right now with people dumping their dogs or leaving them in the yard to die with all the foreclosures, but when those of us without huge incomes retire, we should consider the breed if adopting again. I have been tempted with the number of Mastiffs ending up in the pound or on the streets.

[TuborgP]

Originally Posted by MotleyCrew

We recently lost a beautiful Mastiff and just to put her to sleep was very expensive. She went down so fast we did not have time to take her to the emergency vet and that would have been thousands. We have her brother and he is 5 1/2 now and costing a chunk of change every month to keep him going. I would not aquire another large breed dog at this stage of our lives. The giants cost far too much in medication when they do become sick and to try and get them into a car is impossible without help. Sad times right now with people dumping their dogs or leaving them in the yard to die with all the foreclosures, but when those of us without huge incomes retire, we should consider the breed if adopting again. I have been tempted with the number of Mastiffs ending up in the pound or on the streets.

Well said and I am aware of folks with similar problems.

[CAM2]

My pets & their upkeep were a consideration when I decided to leave work, so there was no problem in that area as I always set aside money for pet supplies, vet bills, & possible future emergencies.

I have two dogs & three cats at the moment. I have been lucky in that my pets seem to have good health & live long lives until the final possible expense before passing which has not been that much really. I do spend a lot on their food & supplements though.

We have a relative watch them when we travel & can't take them. I also travel on vacations to another house that I own, so I take all of my pets with me when I go there. They love the drive, are very quiet, & are wonderful companions. I can't imagine my life without animals in it.

[MotleyCrew]

Originally Posted by CAM2

My pets & their upkeep were a consideration when I decided to leave work, so there was no problem in that area as I always set aside money for pet supplies, vet bills, & possible future emergencies.

I have two dogs & three cats at the moment. I have been lucky in that my pets seem to have good health & live long lives until the final possible expense before passing which has not been that much really. I do spend a lot on their food & supplements though.

We have a relative watch them when we travel & can't take them. I also travel on vacations to another house that I own, so I take all of my pets with me when I go there. They love the drive, are very quiet, & are wonderful companions. I can't imagine my life without animals in it.

What fun you all must have. Quality is what they do contribute. Something small that fits in the back seat is a possibility in the future, but only if we do not have to restrict any health care for the dog.