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DeniseMarie
<3
Member since 8/07 10682 total posts
Name:
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UPDATED********Advice needed, sorry so long but please read!
So here is the story:
We adopted Diesel in October of 09. When the rescue callled me and said they had him available, all they said was that he had some allergy issues and was on a special diet. So DH & I expected to pay the $ for the dog food. The adoption was unique because he wasnt in a foster. We picked him up from the previous owner with somoene from the rescue there. She mentioned that he is "just a scratchy dog, he scratches alot, has dry skin. She gave me a list of some things he was allergic to and that was that.
So when I brought Diesel home, i was sure to keep him away from things he was allergic to, cotton, meats, etc. But something was not right with him. This dog was uncomfortably scratching so bad. So I made an appt for the vet.
At the vet, I called the rescue b/c I knew the bill was going to be  . I was told over the phone by a worker "if the dog came into the rescue with the allergy issues, we pay for those vet bills throughout the life of the dog" phew... what a relief. So they have been paying ever since.
Fast forward to last week. I called the rescue to inform them of Deisels upcoming vet appt so they would expect the bill. I told them he was doing a lot better. The president of the rescue then contacted me to tell me that since a diagnosis has been made and he is improving , Dh & I will now be responsible for the bills.
His check up today plus meds that he needs = $764.00  And the medication , which totalled $400 will only last me about 2 months.
So the problem is, I feel like they gave me a sick dog. I feel like I wasn't totally aware of his issues. Does the rescue have any responsibility here? I am not sure how to proceed. I just can't afford a couple of hundred dollars a month. Also, there is nothing in writing stating that they are responsible for the vet bills pertaining to his allergies. So really, I cant even fight that. I dont know what to do.
Advice?
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Update - 4/23****
The rescue said that they only pay for the bills up until a diagnosis is made. Thats it. They deny telling me anything other than that. Its possible that I wasn't told "for the life of the dog" but I certaintly was not told that I would need to pay once the diagnosis was made. I would 100% remember that.
So unfortunately, Diesel is going back to the rescue. I know he will find a good home. We just can't afford the vet bills.
This is not the end result I wanted. I really tried to make this work. I really tried to set an example to my friends and family about rescuing a dog, and it turned out to be a nightmare. I feel like such a failure.
Message edited 4/23/2010 9:14:03 PM.
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Posted 4/17/10 11:43 AM  |
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Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
wp
5 years!!!!
Member since 6/05 1932 total posts
Name:
C
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Re: Advice needed, sorry so long but please read!
I am not really sure what responsibility the rescue has to you. I guess you could call and speak to them and explain your situation and see if they could offer you any financial help at all - maybe pay for part of the bill. what about pet insurance? I know we have it and they pay for part of the vet bills and medications.
But and this is just what if....what if when you got the dog from the rescue he was 100% perfect and then after you got him, he developed all of these allergies. You would then be completely responsible for all the bills and care yourself. Would you not be willing to care for the dog then?
I know with our dog he was fine for years and then just recently developed a liver disease. even though it was a lot of money for vet visits and tests ( money that we didn't really have freely to spend) we still did everything we could to get him better because we did not want to see him suffer.
will he have to be on the meds for the rest of his life? can you speak to the vet and see if there is anything they can recommend or do?
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| Posted 4/17/10 12:42 PM |
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headoverheels
s'il vous plaît
Member since 6/07 42079 total posts
Name:
LB
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Re: Advice needed, sorry so long but please read!
I don't think the rescue has any more responsibility, only because it's likely that they weren't fully aware of how serious his allergies were, or what caring for him would entail. I think it's great that they have paid this much so far!.
Sorry 
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| Posted 4/17/10 1:06 PM |
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lbride
Lovin' my mini man!
Member since 3/07 2475 total posts
Name:
Lisa
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Re: Advice needed, sorry so long but please read!
maybe you can just write them a heart-felt note explaining how you want to do right by this dog but just can't afford to keep him healthy. Maybe they'll help...
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| Posted 4/17/10 8:38 PM |
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Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
:)
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Re: Advice needed, sorry so long but please read!
OMG. I feel like you were duped. I hate to say it but you should have had that in wriiting b/c now they are cleary off the hook. While I know you want to do right by Diesel, you also probably cannot afford that much $$ a mth for his medications, etc. I do feel like they did not tell you the whole truth and now you are in a bad predicament.
I would flat out tell them what you are saying and that if they don't pay for his vet bills, you don't know if you can financially afford to give him what he needs.
You have such a good heart. All you meant was well. ANd I am sure Diesel appreciates it but they do not seem to appreciate it.
Even still, so what that he is doing better and has a diagnosis. Why does that mean they are off the hook when that is what they told you? There is nothing in writing anywhere? Did you get anything in writing from them at all about anything? What if you could not keep him, what is their guarantee regarding taking him back (not saying to do this, just wondering now if that was the truth or not)?
This is so hard. Where do you go from here? 
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| Posted 4/17/10 10:06 PM |
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Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
:)
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Re: Advice needed, sorry so long but please read!
Posted by wp
ut and this is just what if....what if when you got the dog from the rescue he was 100% perfect and then after you got him, he developed all of these allergies. You would then be completely responsible for all the bills and care yourself. Would you not be willing to care for the dog then?
I see your point, and it's a good one. But there is a difference. The dog was scratching from day one, and they likely BSed her. Now she has gotten to the bottom of what it was, and has been all along. So either they duped her or they truly never got him what he needed.
It's a bad situation to be in, I feel terrible for Denise and for Diesel of course.
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| Posted 4/17/10 10:09 PM |
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Diana712
RIP my beloved Brother Richard
Member since 5/07 6710 total posts
Name:
Diana
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Re: Advice needed, sorry so long but please read!
Posted by Goobster
OMG. I feel like you were duped. I hate to say it but you should have had that in wriiting b/c now they are cleary off the hook. While I know you want to do right by Diesel, you also probably cannot afford that much $$ a mth for his medications, etc. I do feel like they did not tell you the whole truth and now you are in a bad predicament.
I would flat out tell them what you are saying and that if they don't pay for his vet bills, you don't know if you can financially afford to give him what he needs.
You have such a good heart. All you meant was well. ANd I am sure Diesel appreciates it but they do not seem to appreciate it.
Even still, so what that he is doing better and has a diagnosis. Why does that mean they are off the hook when that is what they told you? There is nothing in writing anywhere? Did you get anything in writing from them at all about anything? What if you could not keep him, what is their guarantee regarding taking him back (not saying to do this, just wondering now if that was the truth or not)?
This is so hard. Where do you go from here?
I agree , How can they be off the hook now??? That makes no sense at all?? They agreed to pay the vet bills for life? he still needs to be treated? This is just WRONG!!!! I am so sorry .. Your a great person to have taken on this kind of a responsibility ... Way better person than me.. I feel angry reading this 
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| Posted 4/17/10 10:28 PM |
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Re: Advice needed, sorry so long but please read!
Will your dog need meds his whole life? If so, then I do think it is the responsibility of the rescue to pay for that or at least subsidize it. That is an existing condition that is chronic. Since you were not made aware of it, I think you have leverage to force them to pay.
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| Posted 4/18/10 10:28 AM |
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DeniseMarie
<3
Member since 8/07 10682 total posts
Name:
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Re: Advice needed, sorry so long but please read!
thanks everyone. I am giong to contact the rescue to discuss this.
He will probably need some sort of medication for the rest of his life, but we are hoping it would be a low dose. Right now, the plan is to keep him on all 3 meds for 6 months and then hopefully taper him off.
eta - about a month after we got him Diesel had bad diarrhea. The vet gave us medication and the rescue made us pay for that b/c that wasn't an allergy issue. She could tell I wasn't happy having to pay for it b/c I felt it was all underlying to his allergies so she made a comment like "well, maybe you should rethink owning a pay, they can cost money" So I know I am going to have that same reaction from her when I email her. I feel like there is a difference though. Its not like we had him since a puppy and he has all of a sudden developed problems. We got him like this. And it sounds terrible but if I would have known this, I would have adopted a healthier dog, just knowing my financial situation.
Anyway - I am going to draft an email and I may post it to get your opinions before I send it.
Thanks again. I don't know what I would do without all your help on this site.
Message edited 4/18/2010 1:02:11 PM.
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| Posted 4/18/10 12:57 PM |
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Diana712
RIP my beloved Brother Richard
Member since 5/07 6710 total posts
Name:
Diana
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Re: Advice needed, sorry so long but please read!
Posted by DeniseMarie
thanks everyone. I am giong to contact the rescue to discuss this.
He will probably need some sort of medication for the rest of his life, but we are hoping it would be a low dose. Right now, the plan is to keep him on all 3 meds for 6 months and then hopefully taper him off.
eta - about a month after we got him Diesel had bad diarrhea. The vet gave us medication and the rescue made us pay for that b/c that wasn't an allergy issue. She could tell I wasn't happy having to pay for it b/c I felt it was all underlying to his allergies so she made a comment like "well, maybe you should rethink owning a pay, they can cost money" So I know I am going to have that same reaction from her when I email her. I feel like there is a difference though. Its not like we had him since a puppy and he has all of a sudden developed problems. We got him like this. And it sounds terrible but if I would have known this, I would have adopted a healthier dog, just knowing my financial situation.
Anyway - I am going to draft an email and I may post it to get your opinions before I send it.
Thanks again. I don't know what I would do without all your help on this site.
I T A with you .. They made it sound so good when you first adopted him .. Now they are puling this????? I agree with what you said about a healthier dog.. They are a turn off if you ask me.. This is not what you bargained for.. It was not something that just came up..
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| Posted 4/18/10 1:37 PM |
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pandaworm
LIF Adult
Member since 8/08 1125 total posts
Name:
bethany
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Re: Advice needed, sorry so long but please read!
no help on the rescue issue, but look into petmeds.com or another online pet med website. my cat's heart pills from the vet were $30 for a 28 day supply and on the website i pay the same for 100 pills. it might relive some of your costs.
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| Posted 4/18/10 10:33 PM |
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Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
:)
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Re: Advice needed, sorry so long but please read!
Posted by Diana712
Posted by DeniseMarie
thanks everyone. I am giong to contact the rescue to discuss this.
He will probably need some sort of medication for the rest of his life, but we are hoping it would be a low dose. Right now, the plan is to keep him on all 3 meds for 6 months and then hopefully taper him off.
eta - about a month after we got him Diesel had bad diarrhea. The vet gave us medication and the rescue made us pay for that b/c that wasn't an allergy issue. She could tell I wasn't happy having to pay for it b/c I felt it was all underlying to his allergies so she made a comment like "well, maybe you should rethink owning a pay, they can cost money" So I know I am going to have that same reaction from her when I email her. I feel like there is a difference though. Its not like we had him since a puppy and he has all of a sudden developed problems. We got him like this. And it sounds terrible but if I would have known this, I would have adopted a healthier dog, just knowing my financial situation.
Anyway - I am going to draft an email and I may post it to get your opinions before I send it.
Thanks again. I don't know what I would do without all your help on this site.
I T A with you .. They made it sound so good when you first adopted him .. Now they are puling this????? I agree with what you said about a healthier dog.. They are a turn off if you ask me.. This is not what you bargained for.. It was not something that just came up..
ITA. You adopted him knowing he had medical issues WITH the belief that they were footing the bill. Otherwise you may not have been able to adopt him from day one, knowing otherwise and that is why I feel you DID get the wool pulled over your eyes. JMO
I feel terrible that you were ONLY trying to do good and you are in a bad spot now b/c of it.
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| Posted 4/18/10 11:59 PM |
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DeniseMarie
<3
Member since 8/07 10682 total posts
Name:
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Re: UPDATED********Advice needed, sorry so long but please read!
bumping for update
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| Posted 4/23/10 10:19 PM |
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Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
:)
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Re: UPDATED********Advice needed, sorry so long but please read!
D, I know you don't want it to be this way. I really do. I don't blame you. Please don't feel like a failure. They had a good thing when they found you and they should not have misled you b/c only Diesel suffers the consequences. Please don't be so hard on yourself. You really did soo sooo much for Diesel and for them (the rescue) in regards to caring for him so wonderfully. And it's a shame, shame on them that they misled you. While I feel awful for Diesel, I also would feel awful if you went broke caring for him when you adopted him under the assumption his bills were to be taken care of by them, or you would not have been able to agree to adopt him. It's unfortunate you could not get this in writing, lesson learned for all of us I guess. Please don't be so hard on yourself. You are NOT a failure. The rescue's process is the failure, failure to make things clear to prospective adoptive owners.
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| Posted 4/24/10 12:41 AM |
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Diana712
RIP my beloved Brother Richard
Member since 5/07 6710 total posts
Name:
Diana
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Re: UPDATED********Advice needed, sorry so long but please read!
Now this whole story is making me sick.. I have some strong opinions here and questions..
1. The next people who want to rescue this dog now will know what the diagnosis is and agree to pay for his life time treatment? I doubt he will ever get rescued again 
2. will they stop treating him now? and let him get sick all over again? Whats the difference if they pay for his treatments when u have him or they have him?
3. if they stop treating him will they do the same thing to the next people who take him? Only to be once again returned to this same group?
Denise I really would love there phone number or the name of the rescue..
I would like to speak to them my self.. Its very unlike me to want to get involved in something like this but I feel very strongly about this!! .. If they agree to pay for the dogs treatment will you keep him?
Message edited 4/24/2010 9:05:59 AM.
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| Posted 4/24/10 7:35 AM |
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lbride
Lovin' my mini man!
Member since 3/07 2475 total posts
Name:
Lisa
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Re: UPDATED********Advice needed, sorry so long but please read!
DO you have pet insurance? Both my aunt's work for rescue org. One has 7 dogs, the others 2. Most of the older dogs they rescued or fostered were given up due to skin allergies, needed special foods, medications, etc... I'm sure there are vets out there willing to help if you call around.
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| Posted 4/24/10 8:03 AM |
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DeniseMarie
<3
Member since 8/07 10682 total posts
Name:
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Re: UPDATED********Advice needed, sorry so long but please read!
Posted by Diana712
Now this whole story is making me sick.. I have some strong opinions here and questions..
1. The next people who want to rescue this dog now will know what the diagnosis is and agree to pay for his life time treatment? I doubt he will ever get rescued again
2. will they stop treating him now? and let him get sick all over again? Whats the difference if they pay for his treatments when u have him or they have him?
3. if they stop treating him will they do the same thing to the next people who take him? Only to be once again returned to this same group?
Denise I really would love there phone number or the name of the rescue..
I would like to speak to them my self.. Its very unlike me to want to get involved in something like this but I feel very strongly about this!! .. If they agree to pay for the dogs treatment will you keep him?
I prefer not to give out the name of the rescue as I like to give everyone the benefit of the doubt and don't want to bad mouth them. They have been around for a long long time. Maybe this was all a big misunderstanding.
As far as Diesel being adopted, I am 100% sure he will be fine. Goldens are known to have allergy issues. There are people out there who adore these dogs and are able to afford their medical bills. I was told by one of the volunteers that the dogs in the rescue go fast!
They will not stop treating him. I have enough medication to last a few weeks so he will continue to get his meds. Then they will continue to treat him until he is in a new home. Basically, once he finds a permanent home, the new owners will be responsible for the medicals bills. (I am assuming. None of this was told to me)
so, I know diesel will find a good home. Someone who can afford him! There are plenty of people out there. I gave him a wonderful life for the past 6 months.
Thank you everyone for your concerns.
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| Posted 4/24/10 10:39 AM |
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Diana712
RIP my beloved Brother Richard
Member since 5/07 6710 total posts
Name:
Diana
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Re: UPDATED********Advice needed, sorry so long but please read!
Posted by DeniseMarie
I prefer not to give out the name of the rescue as I like to give everyone the benefit of the doubt and don't want to bad mouth them. They have been around for a long long time. Maybe this was all a big misunderstanding.
As far as Diesel being adopted, I am 100% sure he will be fine. Goldens are known to have allergy issues. There are people out there who adore these dogs and are able to afford their medical bills. I was told by one of the volunteers that the dogs in the rescue go fast!
They will not stop treating him. I have enough medication to last a few weeks so he will continue to get his meds. Then they will continue to treat him until he is in a new home. Basically, once he finds a permanent home, the new owners will be responsible for the medicals bills. (I am assuming. None of this was told to me)
so, I know diesel will find a good home. Someone who can afford him! There are plenty of people out there. I gave him a wonderful life for the past 6 months.
Thank you everyone for your concerns.
Ok I understand
Is it possible to keep the dog as a foster now until they find him a new home? You do have the meds and then they should have to pay when you run out right? Just like they would if he was there.. Just he will be in your loving home just like he has gotten used to the last 6mos.. poor dog 
Message edited 4/24/2010 10:54:35 AM.
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| Posted 4/24/10 10:54 AM |
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DeniseMarie
<3
Member since 8/07 10682 total posts
Name:
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Re: UPDATED********Advice needed, sorry so long but please read!
Posted by Diana712
Posted by DeniseMarie
I prefer not to give out the name of the rescue as I like to give everyone the benefit of the doubt and don't want to bad mouth them. They have been around for a long long time. Maybe this was all a big misunderstanding.
As far as Diesel being adopted, I am 100% sure he will be fine. Goldens are known to have allergy issues. There are people out there who adore these dogs and are able to afford their medical bills. I was told by one of the volunteers that the dogs in the rescue go fast!
They will not stop treating him. I have enough medication to last a few weeks so he will continue to get his meds. Then they will continue to treat him until he is in a new home. Basically, once he finds a permanent home, the new owners will be responsible for the medicals bills. (I am assuming. None of this was told to me)
so, I know diesel will find a good home. Someone who can afford him! There are plenty of people out there. I gave him a wonderful life for the past 6 months.
Thank you everyone for your concerns.
Ok I understand
Is it possible to keep the dog as a foster now until they find him a new home? You do have the meds and then they should have to pay when you run out right? Just like they would if he was there.. Just he will be in your loving home just like he has gotten used to the last 6mos.. poor dog
yes, absolutely! I am going to keep him until they find him a home and any medication I need refills on I am assuming they will pay for.
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| Posted 4/24/10 11:48 AM |
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Diana712
RIP my beloved Brother Richard
Member since 5/07 6710 total posts
Name:
Diana
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Re: UPDATED********Advice needed, sorry so long but please read!
Posted by DeniseMarie
Posted by Diana712
Posted by DeniseMarie
I prefer not to give out the name of the rescue as I like to give everyone the benefit of the doubt and don't want to bad mouth them. They have been around for a long long time. Maybe this was all a big misunderstanding.
As far as Diesel being adopted, I am 100% sure he will be fine. Goldens are known to have allergy issues. There are people out there who adore these dogs and are able to afford their medical bills. I was told by one of the volunteers that the dogs in the rescue go fast!
They will not stop treating him. I have enough medication to last a few weeks so he will continue to get his meds. Then they will continue to treat him until he is in a new home. Basically, once he finds a permanent home, the new owners will be responsible for the medicals bills. (I am assuming. None of this was told to me)
so, I know diesel will find a good home. Someone who can afford him! There are plenty of people out there. I gave him a wonderful life for the past 6 months.
Thank you everyone for your concerns.
Ok I understand
Is it possible to keep the dog as a foster now until they find him a new home? You do have the meds and then they should have to pay when you run out right? Just like they would if he was there.. Just he will be in your loving home just like he has gotten used to the last 6mos.. poor dog
yes, absolutely! I am going to keep him until they find him a home and any medication I need refills on I am assuming they will pay for.
Ok NOW I feel so much better about this.. I can stop getting crazy
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| Posted 4/24/10 5:35 PM |
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