Dear Wendy I am sorry you are having to go through this pain, and so soon after losing your darling Cricket. Try to remind yourself Stretch knows that he is loved by you, that you have nothing but his welfare and best interests at heart, and that you will do whatever is within your means and power to help him and minimize his suffering. That's what I've always forced myself to remember when I've been in a similar situation (which sadly most of us on the list have been). >>How do you guys afford expensive treatments when you just don't have the money?<<< We can only do what we can do, and it's a sad fact of life that the cost of the treatment is often what determines the next step. Over the last couple of years I've racked up my credit cards, used one of those credit card checks you get in the mail, and then last summer Flavia's treatment, and the subsequent euthanization and individual cremation costs for Flavia and Snowball, forced me to take a chunk of money from my paltry "retirement" fund. I can still hear the unspoken thoughts of the broker when I explained it was for vet fees...this woman is a total nut/loser. I told only one friend, and he was clearly shocked -- told me not to do "anything stupid". I know I can't do it again, anyway, tho, because I won't be in a position to help any cat if I wind up destitute in my old age (which is not that far away!). Only you guys understand. And we surely understand the anguish you feel, Wendy, in not having a limitless budget for treatment. I would think most us are in much the same boat; and beating ourselves up because of it. That's what's so wonderful about this group--we realize we're not alone; everyone faces the same problems and heartache at one time or another. And everyone does whatever they can to help one another cope and do the best for their furbabies. Sending zillions of positive, healing vibes, Wendy, for sweet Stretch's recovery. love and hugs to you both Kerry
-----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of wendy Sent: Tuesday, January 03, 2006 9:31 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: Need your help with Stretch Hi Michelle, Thank you for the info. I am going to give another day or two to see how things go before taking Stretch back to the doc. Frankly, we are tapped out on money. We are not wealthy by any stretch of the imagination, and after spending hundreds of dollars trying to save Cricket, and with Christmas just passed, we are a bit broke. I had to put the $85 visit to the vet yesterday on a credit card that didn't have $85 dollars on it. I will do all I can for Stretch, but if it's cancer, I am not going to draw it out. We just can't afford the treatments. I feel so frustrated right now. I don't want Stretch to go through this. I don't want my nephew to go through losing his cat; he's been through so much as it is. And my attitude isn't it's normal hopeful self after losing Cricket. I feel it's too soon after Cricket; I don't think I can go through this again. I am praying for a miracle right now. If Stretch can just pull through this, and give us a little time, we will be better able to afford treatments in six months. I hope that some of you understand being in this place. How do you guys afford expensive treatments when you just don't have the money? Thanks, Wendy __________________________________________ Yahoo! DSL - Something to write home about. Just $16.99/mo. or less. dsl.yahoo.com <hr> IRS CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE. Any advice expressed above as to tax matters was neither written nor intended by the sender or Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw LLP to be used and cannot be used by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed under U.S. tax law. If any person uses or refers to any such tax advice in promoting, marketing or recommending a partnership or other entity, investment plan or arrangement to any taxpayer, then (i) the advice was written to support the promotion or marketing (by a person other than Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw LLP) of that transaction or matter, and (ii) such taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayers particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor <hr> This email and any files transmitted with it are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail.