Retirement, pets and retirement finances. (emotionally, depression, state, retired)

[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!

[brava4]

I'm glad you brought this up. Although I am not in retiement or near it yet, 5-6yrs., I have thought long and hard about it. I love animals and presently have 3 kitties. Two of them are elderly and have Thyroid disease also one of them has Liver disease. I am pilling day in and day out but both are doing well. My 3rd is a baby compared to the old girls.

I learned my lesson back in '03 and '04... I had 4 pets and lost 2 within 10 months of each other. Even though I loved all of them these 2 were my heart and I was devastated both emotionally and financially. They were older, 12 and 17yrs. Nothing really would have saved them but we tried, and one was misdiagnosed. I spent thousands for treatement and still they died. I know this happens but I was not expecting it.

Long story short... I learned my lesson... Never again will I go to such great lengths for an animal who is past a certain age. I have decided I will take very good care of them, make them comfortable and love them but no more going above and beyond. If one of them has cancer, no way would I do treatments after a certain age. I have a friend who did this with his cat and regretted what he put the cat through.

It is very hard to say good bye to any animal but if I gave it a good home and life and kept them safe then I feel I have done a good job. I am a single person with one salary so I have to take a more practical approach. It doesn't take away from my feelings for my pets.

[newenglandgirl]

If your dog is old for its breed and you are spending that much per year on him, you have to ask just who you are doing this for, you or him. I might have spent thousands (would have but could not have) on my dear elderly dog who had major medical problems... pricey tests and meds for an incurable disease. I opted to help her gently go out of this world and she rests in peace by a stream.

Elders need their pets to stave off depression and keep hope alive. But pet food (if it's high quality) alone is a major expense, let alone neutering/spaying and annual shots...God forbid an accident or illness that could cost thousands. Most vets, like doctors, want their payment up front. I don't know the answer. I'd like to hear others' comments.

[PAhippo]

one of the things I debated about when deciding on early retirementis having or not having a pet, especially since I usually adopt older ones. What can I say-I'm a sucker for a white muzzle.

But nope, I know I can't do it, so I won't. I'll just get to know every dog in the neighborhood!

[newenglandgirl]

Originally Posted by PAhippo

one of the things I debated about when deciding on early retirementis having or not having a pet, especially since I usually adopt older ones. What can I say-I'm a sucker for a white muzzle.

But nope, I know I can't do it, so I won't. I'll just get to know every dog in the neighborhood!

A lot of shelters need volunteers regularly to walk dogs. Check into the one near you!

[modhatter]

I have always had dogs my entire life, and I sometimes love them more than people. I have to admit however, in retirement, they will tie you down. Especially if one is a large dog. It really limits any substantial travel plans. Something to consider. However, for someone alone who can afford the costs, I think having a pet is a great thing.

[TuborgP]

Originally Posted by modhatter

I have always had dogs my entire life, and I sometimes love them more than people. I have to admit however, in retirement, they will tie you down. Especially if one is a large dog. It really limits any substantial travel plans. Something to consider. However, for someone alone who can afford the costs, I think having a pet is a great thing.

That is also part of the equation, having the time and ability to travel and having to board the pet etc etc. They are great and wonderful companions but ........ it is something to consider and factor in the ups and downs.

[Snafu]

Originally Posted by brava4

Long story short... I learned my lesson... Never again will I go to such great lengths for an animal who is past a certain age. I have decided I will take very good care of them, make them comfortable and love them but no more going above and beyond. ....It is very hard to say good bye to any animal but if I gave it a good home and life and kept them safe then I feel I have done a good job.

I have to agree with brava4 - I'm looking at retirement a few years down the road, and I plan to have pets, but I am going to try to let go a little earlier, if the situation demands it. I lost one sweetie (15-yr old cat) three years ago, and when I finally realized there was nothing more that could be done, it hit me that I had not made his last year a pleasant one. I just lost another of my grand old ladies this winter (19.5 years and she'd been globetrotting with me for most of it, but thyroid disease and then diabetes finally took their toll). Thankfully, the choice was not mine and she went peacefully in her sleep. The last of my trio is now 18 and aside from a little arthritis, she seems to be fine. I'm hoping that the little stray 6-8 yr-old whippersnapper I brought home from Egypt last summer will keep her young for a while yet.

Unfortunately, it's not like there is always a line you cross where all of a sudden you can make the decision. They are such a part of your heart and your life, that you keep hoping that one more pill or little shot will make it all better... pet or person, it is a very tough decision to take a life, no matter the quality or lack thereof. Finances have yet to figure into these decisions, and if I'm lucky, they never will.

[texdav]

This really applies to all pet owenrs which is why so many are neglected. Same goes for people who canot afford children they have without social welfare type programs. Which is why they came about.But even lookigat people who can't or don't make nay plan to suport themselves even in retoiremnt is even more of a problem.Loo at the numbers who retire on SS which is a supllement to retirement income nopt a retoirement plan in and of itself.

[FisherOne]

Originally Posted by modhatter

I have always had dogs my entire life, and I sometimes love them more than people. I have to admit however, in retirement, they will tie you down. Especially if one is a large dog. It really limits any substantial travel plans. Something to consider. However, for someone alone who can afford the costs, I think having a pet is a great thing.

modhatter, you are correct. I have a 7 year old golden retriever and a 12 year old Australian Shepard. Everytime I go away, it is a major burden to get them in the kennel and kennel costs keep rising every year. It really restricts when and where I go due to this cost. It is often the major cost of my getting away. I love these dogs and the older one is not doing that well, but I will not have another one after these are gone. Even in the winter time it is an issue because if I go out for the night, I don't like to leave them outside if it is really cold and it can be cold where I live. Dog food is also getting more expensive, just like all other food. Bottomline is I would give these issues serious thought.