Unfortunately it is the way of many animal lovers, especially people who have been on forums for a long time and so have learned a lot about animal welfare, to forget that not everyone has the same access to the same resources. It is very common on forums to jump in and bash a person for coming to a fourm - particularly when they say, `I can't afford to take her to the vet'. That's something that makes a lot of people's blood burn, because being able to afford vet care is part of responsible pet ownership. The point being made is, if you don't think you can afford vet care, then perhaps you should reconsider having a pet. It is not saying `you can't have a pet unless you're rich'. However, it is very easy to feel completely ganged up on, and I am sorry that you felt you had to defend yourself and justify your life so much to explain your situation here. It is enough that you love your dog and want to help it. And I am also sorry that the vets in your area don't feel that they can offer payment plans. There have been plenty of times I didn't think we could afford to take our dogs to the vet, however I know that that is all part of owning pets, and we were lucky that our vet accepts payment plans.
To clear it up, nobody ever suggested that you shoot your dog. The comment was made to try to hit home the point that it would be better off to end your dog's suffering than to let it continue to suffer - it was a figurative expression and not one intended literally.
However, the point remains that you sound as though you are unhappy in your life (especially with your grandmother) you love your dog very much and want it to be well looked after, and your grandmother obviously will not allow you to let your dog in the house. At your age unfortunately you have to continue to do as she says, it is not your fault and I'm sure your dog would be in if you could have it in.
That being said, dogs have an incredibly high pain threshold, and rarely show any pain. The fact that your dog was so visibly and audibly suffering means, unfortunately, that the problem is probably more serious than you realise. Spending the money now, to have it checked, is going to cheaper than trying to have a serious problem fixed at a later date, once its got worse. I am not trying to preach to you here, I know you are broke - literally broke - and I know how hard it is.
Could you offer to volunteer a couple of mornings a week at your local vet, if they will look into your dog's condition and see if there is anything serious? I would hope that they are reasonable enough to allow you to do this. In the meantime, do as much research on the internet as you can and learn about dogs in general. Please don't leave a site that can help you so much because of your intial bad experience. People do tend to get angry quickly when they read an initial post, but will all be here to help you if you stick around. I certainly will be, and I know I speak for more people than just myself here. I would hate to see you go and not find out how things are going with your dog.
In the meantime, watch for signs of discomfort and pain, check your dogs urine and faeces, and just approach any vet you can who may be willing to help - I think an offer of volunteering may get you some of the answers that you need.
And most of all, give your dog a big cuddle, and good luck.
To clear it up, nobody ever suggested that you shoot your dog. The comment was made to try to hit home the point that it would be better off to end your dog's suffering than to let it continue to suffer - it was a figurative expression and not one intended literally.
However, the point remains that you sound as though you are unhappy in your life (especially with your grandmother) you love your dog very much and want it to be well looked after, and your grandmother obviously will not allow you to let your dog in the house. At your age unfortunately you have to continue to do as she says, it is not your fault and I'm sure your dog would be in if you could have it in.
That being said, dogs have an incredibly high pain threshold, and rarely show any pain. The fact that your dog was so visibly and audibly suffering means, unfortunately, that the problem is probably more serious than you realise. Spending the money now, to have it checked, is going to cheaper than trying to have a serious problem fixed at a later date, once its got worse. I am not trying to preach to you here, I know you are broke - literally broke - and I know how hard it is.
Could you offer to volunteer a couple of mornings a week at your local vet, if they will look into your dog's condition and see if there is anything serious? I would hope that they are reasonable enough to allow you to do this. In the meantime, do as much research on the internet as you can and learn about dogs in general. Please don't leave a site that can help you so much because of your intial bad experience. People do tend to get angry quickly when they read an initial post, but will all be here to help you if you stick around. I certainly will be, and I know I speak for more people than just myself here. I would hate to see you go and not find out how things are going with your dog.
In the meantime, watch for signs of discomfort and pain, check your dogs urine and faeces, and just approach any vet you can who may be willing to help - I think an offer of volunteering may get you some of the answers that you need.
And most of all, give your dog a big cuddle, and good luck.
