I find myself laid off

• 11-03-2009 8:07 AM

  marynh Joined on 09-10-2007 Gateway to NH White Mtns. Posts 1,493 Points 50

  I find myself laid off Reply Contact  it's not too bad at the moment but the commercial masonry company where my husband has been working for the past year is also coming to an end really soon. so for those of you with multiple pets, who find yourselves not working...what do you do? I am in total fear I won't be able to afford to feed the furkids. I currently owe my vet some money for a medical issues my oldest cat recently had. I am terrified someone else will get sick but feel fortunate my vet and I have such a long history. THis job market is tough and any jobs I'm getting called about will pay me less than I can get collecting unemployment!!!! Could be a reason why so many people currently are still on unemployment - no point in take a job that pays less especially if one has a mortgage.  Not whining (well I am it's scary at 51) but I'm curious how those of you who find yourselves without a job handle this - and the stress. I can sell my house and walk away but I am literally terrified I can't afford the furred family members.

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• 11-03-2009 9:44 AM

  In reply to marynh

  calliecritturs Joined on 09-10-2007 Central Florida Posts 10,921 Points 3,345

  Re: I find myself laid off Reply Contact Animals will adapt -- particularly relatively short-term.  They don't need high-priced kibble to deal while you have to cut back.  They *can* eat cheap.  No, it's not the ideal, but it's better than the alternative.  We tend to all scoff, but the fact is some dogs have attained a ripe old age on "Ol Roy" and worse.  Check out feed stores. But if there's one thing I've learned in my life it's not to dwell on what I fear -- that has a tendency to make it happen.

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• 11-03-2009 11:20 AM

  In reply to calliecritturs

  huskymom Joined on 09-10-2007 Thunder Bay ON Posts 7,550 Points 630

  Re: I find myself laid off Reply Contact  I agree with Callie.  Fear of the Unknown is not helpful.  The animals will adapt.  You may have to clean up bigger piles of poop for a bit while things work themselves out, but it won't kill them or you.  As for the vet, since you have a history already, just talk to them.  Give them what you can, but let them know its all you can afford at the moment and that you will be back when you can afford more.  If you  have a history, I assume its because the vet is a decent one.  Hopefully they are understanding.   Good Luck to you. Candace

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• 11-03-2009 3:36 PM

  In reply to marynh

  spiritdogs Joined on 09-10-2007 Posts 11,729 Points 1,020

  Re: I find myself laid off Reply Contact  Mary, you have experience with dogs - could you board dogs in your home or do home day care?  If you have skills that a vet would need (bookkeeping, kennel help, receptionist, etc.) maybe you could trade some hours for vet care.  My ACO friends say that people should ask for help at local shelters - some of them get donated food in surplus.  Don't forget all the friends you have here.  I'm sure people would pitch in to help where they can.  I'd be the first one sending a bag of food if you need it - and hope others would do it for me. Regional Director for Massachusetts, International Positive Dog Training Association Director, SeniorCare Pawsitive Connections Program AKC CGC Evaluator #3669 Therapy Dogs, Inc. Tester/Observer Sioux, CGC, TDInc. Maska, CGC, TDInc. Sequoyah, CGC Fergie, Retired Lap Dog, Age 20 1/2 Dancer, CGC, TDInc. (1989-2006) #1 Heart Dog In memory of Mike, please become an organ donor today. "If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them and what you do not know, you will fear. What one fears, one destroys." - Chief Dan George "The fidelity of a dog is a precious gift demanding no less binding moral responsibilities than the friendship of a human being. The bond with a true dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth can ever be." ~ Konrad Lorenz

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• 11-03-2009 3:57 PM

  In reply to spiritdogs

  JackieG Joined on 04-15-2008 Central Texas Posts 5,955 Points 710	Re: I find myself laid off Reply Contact spiritdogs: I'm sure people would pitch in to help where they can.  I'd be the first one sending a bag of food if you need it - and hope others would do it for me.   Same here!
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• 11-03-2009 4:13 PM

  In reply to JackieG

  cakana Joined on 09-10-2007 Cathy in Northern CA Posts 9,468 Points 435

  Re: I find myself laid off Reply Contact JackieG: spiritdogs: I'm sure people would pitch in to help where they can.  I'd be the first one sending a bag of food if you need it - and hope others would do it for me.   Same here!  Me too! I know it's scary and I understand your worries about the pets. We went thru our worst time of medical issues with Sassy when DH was laid off. It blows my mind to think back to the amount of money we spent in a 3-4 month timespan. All I could do was put it on my credit card and trust that things would get better, and they did. They will for you too ~ Cathy ~

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• 11-10-2009 2:12 PM

  In reply to cakana

  shadowsgin Joined on 03-06-2007 N.W. Arkansas Posts 2,107 Points 425

  Re: I find myself laid off Reply Contact I am sorry to hear of your situation but I have been there done that many years ago with 2 kids 3 dogs and both Hubby and I got laid off at the same time and he had major surgery too.   As scared as I was, we tightened our belt, prayed alot, relied on support of friends and family and we still live to tell about it.   Good luck, we are here for support, you will be surprised at how your pets will have a lot to do with keeping your spirits up.  They will love you no matter what you feed them....they will listen to all your worries and fears.....they will be the least demanding in your world.

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• 11-10-2009 3:33 PM

  In reply to shadowsgin

  DougB Joined on 06-01-2009 Posts 60 Points 25

  Re: I find myself laid off Reply Contact  Been there several times.  Check with the unemployment people to see if taking a lower paying job eliminates all unemployment.  Sometimes, in Minnesota, they will pay some benefit.  It can extend the period you can draw.  We also can get education payments if we become dislocated (a wonderful term).  There is life after employment.  Try to not get too discouraged. Smile, for we walked together for a little while. Bear-Lab, rescue, RIP Rags-ESS, a good dog, RIP

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• 11-10-2009 6:18 PM

  In reply to DougB

  lorib Joined on 09-10-2007 Posts 2,982 Points 0	Re: I find myself laid off Reply Contact Remember, if you get food stamps, you can buy...chicken backs...rice...veggies...bones.  See where I am going with this? <<wink wink, nudge nudge>>
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