< /scorpion> - Florence Tipton/Tina Majorino #2: She REALLY hates jocks. - Page 17

**WeBuiltThePyramids** · 02-04-2023, 05:13 PM

It's like that quote that says "do not set yourself on fire to keep others warm." It was originally talking about a toxic relationship, but it can certainly apply more broadly.

**FoxPhile** · 02-05-2023, 12:48 PM

I've been watching a lot of vet shows recently and one in particular talks a lot about the plight of homeless people or other underprivileged people who have pets and sometimes spend what little they have to feed and care for their pets to their own detriment.

In some ways, that goes against what we've been discussing, but I imagine for many of those people, taking care of their pet IS caring for themselves. Having a pet can be so helpful to one's health - physical and mental. Plus, grieving the loss of a pet can be so devastating. It makes me wish that more entities that provide help for people in need would recognize the importance of pets and assist with their needs as well. Most shelters don't allow pets. Few food banks have pet food, and free veterinary clinics - with the exception of the occasional rabies vaccine clinics - are unheard of.

**WeBuiltThePyramids** · 02-05-2023, 06:09 PM

I definitely can relate to that - I am exhausted, all the time, from working constantly, and I do it to pay for Eliza's stuff. And I still carry so much constant stress and fear that she'll need something I won't be able to afford.

**FoxPhile** · 02-06-2023, 12:18 PM

I'm so concerned that Shilo may outlive me that I've set up a trust fund for her with my niece and her husband as the trustees. They've agreed to care for her so she won't go to a shelter and the trust fund provides enough money to care for her food and healthcare - including pet insurance - for several years. I'm just happy that I'm able to do that. I'm convinced that she has done a lot to keep me healthier than what I might otherwise be.