Taking care of chins with no job :(

[ReneeM]

I lost my job in September, and recently had to turn my ratties over to a rescue because I could not pay their vet bills. Until I lost my job they regularly went to the vet when ill. Is it selfish to keep my chins? I never would have gotten them if I had known I was going to lose my job. I get unemployment right now, but that ends in January. My own monthly bills are quite high. I have enough to buy the essentials for my chins, and if they got sick I would be able to borrow money from my mom, she adores my chins. I love my boys to death. It was terribly hard to rehome my ratties, but it was what was best for them. I don't think I could bare to rehome another pet

 

[Gabby88]

If you know you can borrow money if they get sick, and you can pay for the essentials, then I think you have everything covered. I think you would only need to rehome then if you could no longer pay for their food, hay, and other necessary supplies, and if you could no longer find a way to pay for the vet. Sounds like you're providing them good care for now, so I would say to keep them.

 

[lauralynne]

If it comes down to it, you may be able to find a friend or another forum member somewhat close to you that would be willing to foster them until you are able to get back on your feet again, too.

 

[Shooper]

I think that you know what's best for them, and you will be the first to know if the time comes that you cant afford them! I understand...some of my ratties are going to a rescue this weekend and I have shed many tears. I purchased a female that was pregnant (surprize), anyway, couldnt find suitable homes for the babies and now giving them up. I know it's best for them, but it still hurts! Sorry to hear of your heartbreaking delima...good luck!

 

[ReneeM]

Thank you for the suggestions everyone. I have only had my boys since august. I wasn't expecting to lose my job a month later. I'm happy I was able to afford a chinchilla townhome and silver surfer wheel for them ( not yet in use, the little one is to young), so they had the best things for them. My vet has also been understanding of my situation and has been charging me less for vet visits then he normally charges. Right now my Boys are very healthy. I'm just hoping things work out soon. My boys are my babies

 

[Twilight Chinchillas]

I do feel for you Renee, Last year I was dx with cancer, had to downsize my chinchillas by half, wasn't easy, but I needed at the time to look realistically at finances. I'm able to afford what I have now, and can provide in case of emergencies, but I gotta be fair to them, and my families needs, over my "wants".
All we can do is take it one day at a time, and hope for the best! I will keep my fingers crossed that you find a job soon!

 

[Lynn & The Chins]

You could also look into Care Credit insurance for an emergency, should one arise. Be thankful that your vet is so understanding.

 

[addictedtochins]

I would ask your State Employment office if your benefits will run out for sure in January. They will know right now if you have extended benefits. Put some bank away for the chins basic needs. When needed I have gotten free hay off the feed store covered hay barn. I cover metal coffee cans in fleece for their tubes, make my own fleece hammocks (no sew btw) and make shelves and houses myself for just a few dollars. No matter the circumstances I always enjoy making my chins happy and excited with something new. No they don't look as nice as the purchased items but no complaints from the fuzz butts yet. You will do fine, keep your babies. They will be great comfort to you. Good Luck job hunting!

 

[Tillygizmo]

Listen, Ive been there. You make it work if you scrape by. Yes, you may have to get cheaper hay once in awhile or not afford the toys youd like to get them...but a scrap of pine wood would suffice. (I also swipe extra chop sticks from the food store which they love) . Look at the budget logically and think about how u can cut down. Chins dont neccessarily need regular check ups IMO. You just have to be very very aware of their health and know the signs and symptoms of when they need a check up. Care credit has saved me so much. I can pay back an affordable amount monthly and still be able to provide for costly medical care. I reccomend it in this situation. Ive been so broke and in debt with everything else in my life because I put my chins first when I was unemployed and I wouldnt have it any other way..I would rather have a late payment than not have their emergency money stashed away for them.

In NJ the limit for unemployment is two years. Why so soon for where you are? I think you may be confusing it with when they re-evaluate your case to see if you qualify for further aid. Check into it more...Im a social worker so I know its not very different state to state but not positive.

 

[partygirlha]

Renee - as long as you can provide the basics they will be better off with you an if you give them up. Other owners may not even meet basic needs. Do ask around at local farms to see if you can get some free hay. t's true that unless sick or injured they really don't need to see a vet... until you find on-the-books work, don't forget that you may be able to pay for chin bills with work-in-kind i.e. helpping out at the vet's office, or at a feed or pet food store.

I hope you find work soon. In the mean time do look into benifits - I beleive that most people do qualify for more than 6 months at this point. and there's way more than jusy unemployment out there.

TillyGizmo - what sot of SW do you do? I'm currently in the last (of 3) year working towards my MSW. I was in the one year residency program but had to leave my job to fit in field work... my placemtn was really, really, really bad so with the school's OK I left last week... we're working on a new placemtn for me - but nothing yet.

 

[rainey]

I feel your pain. I have a job that I work relief hours at, but I can't work more than that because I have a chronic illness and so it's very hard to support myself (and my pets!) I live off loan/stipend money from my school, but when I graduate it's going to get really rough. BUT I've found that it's worth it.... I mean hey, we wouldn't abandon our kids if we lost our jobs, so why would we abandon our pets? I hope things get better for you!

bkm1``EV\ ---> (and that was Chicken's input)

 

[Annieo]

I think everyone has some great ideas BUT you are the one that needs to make the ultimate decision.

It can be done...and done with assistance. I do hope you can keep your fur babies and do so without too much stress.

Good luck!!!