steph08
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Post by steph08 on Oct 6, 2023 10:19:24 GMT -5
OK. I have $325 currently in my pension. I can borrow 80% against $119,000. Or that was the total, because I made the withdrawal of $10K (80% is $12.5K), so now my total of my one fund - the "active" fund - is ~$106K. And then I have the rest of it, the "retirement" portion which I cannot touch in any way shape form or fashion until I retire, that's another ~$206K. And I'm working for the next year or two, at least, making regular contributions, it will be much better before I do finally hang up my shingle. As for the other thing - I know, I recall watching ER one night, a couple of strung out addicts had decided to chop off one's left arm so they could collect the amputation payout from his insurance. It was disturbing to say the least... Totally apologize for going off on a tangent, but I'm perplexed that the can manage a 63K/year payout on a 325K account. Even if it doubles by age 65 that's a 10% annual draw. But, I admit I know zilch about pensions and maybe this is just "your" account and the employer has a matching one or something? I can't actually figure it out either, and my DH worked for our state government and now the Federal government (both have pension plans), and my pension calculations for him are nowhere near $5k/month. In the end, DH will probably work about 15 years for the Feds, which is similar to what lark is saying she will have worked at the pension-eligible job, and I'm hoping for $1k/month from the pension, though he does have the TSP as well.
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Rukh O'Rorke
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Post by Rukh O'Rorke on Oct 6, 2023 12:37:12 GMT -5
My balance is 101,355.87 across 7 separate loans, interest rates between 5.59% and 6.96% . I got a car loan last year and just looked at that to determine where to focus and the car loan is 5.34% so less than all my various loans..... Minimum payments made 10-5, new balance is 100,432.22. Next month might go below 6 figures? Looks like nearly 1k went to principal, but with the restart won't take that as what to expect going forward....will reeval that next month on what to expect for principal reduction on the monthly minimums.
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nidena
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Post by nidena on Oct 7, 2023 20:59:06 GMT -5
Well, now that my 0% balance is under $1000 and nearing the end of its promo period, they sent me notice of a new BT offer: .99% for 12 months (4% xfer fee).
I have until Nov 24th to take advantage of the offer. I can only xfer from another CC.
I'm half tempted to take out a Cash Advance against my current daily CC, use it to pay down the PL that I took out for the fence, and then BT that same amount.
In any case, I have until Nov 24th to ponder on it.
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lark1964
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Post by lark1964 on Oct 8, 2023 5:11:07 GMT -5
It's interesting, I've had a family issue the past few days, I haven't been paying attention, and here I've got everyone speculating on what I should and shouldn't do. And I've been reading everyone's ideas, and I've made a couple of changes to my plans for one simple reason: I don't want to borrow more money! I have decided I'm going to pay off some things with the now $25K I'm taking as straight cash out of my pension. Just flat taking it. All the little stupid over-the-top interest cards are going to disappear. And then I'll have three, Lowe's, Discover, and Target. I'll toss enough at them - I'm thinking maybe $1K apiece - to make a bit of a dent into the "you owe $500, but we're only going to apply $498 to the interest and make you grind your teeth" minimum payments due, and then I'll run with them at a slightly higher pace because I'll be able to. Without grinding my teeth, anymore. (my poor teeth! ) I absolutely must get some work done on my house: there are things that were left unfinished last January, they're going to be finished, now, but I am not starting any new projects until I've got cash saved, which will take time per project. And by not taking out a loan now, if push comes to shove and I actually do need cash for something, I'll have the borrowing power. Oh, someone asked - yes, my job matches. I do need to replace my car, however. Because life happens. And it's a tired old horse, it needs to be put out to pasture. It has almost 200K miles and will likely start costing me more than I can make with Lyft, and soon. Car payments are car payments, it'll probably be pretty much the same as it is now, maybe $100/mo more than it currently is. I already have someone to buy it, and I'll use that cash for the downpayment for the next one. Not new, just not old. Anyone looking for a good used car? cargurus.com, truly excellent site. Oh, and new glasses. Now - my tenant/lodger/freeloader... Nidena has been offering to help toss her out. I may be taking you up on it, Lady! But please let me deal with the court, first, October 18 is the next appearance. So just sit tight for now, k?
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lark1964
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Post by lark1964 on Oct 9, 2023 10:34:00 GMT -5
I have just learned - and this is really, really, really irritating - that this court thing they're trying to help pay my freeloading tenant's rent with wants to know MY income, and because I make too much money, it won't be paid to me!
grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr............
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debthaven
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Post by debthaven on Oct 9, 2023 14:08:56 GMT -5
I'm so sorry lark1964 ! Can you at least finally get her out of the house?!
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lark1964
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Post by lark1964 on Oct 9, 2023 14:33:15 GMT -5
I'm so sorry lark1964 ! Can you at least finally get her out of the house?! THIS is the million dollar question... several things have come out of the Borough thing-a-ma-jigger they had me follow up: she paid me cash all the time. I kept track of it, but still, she paid cash. So there's no official record of anything, she can't claim she "paid rent" without money orders or cancelled checks. Effectively, she's been a "lodger" by the Pennsylvania tenant definition - no real residency, just someone staying in my house. And with that, I can actually push an unwanted guest out of my house. BUT - it's the attic, it's fully appointed, it covers my whole top of my house, and all the space up there is filled with her stuff, chairs, table, TV, clothes, book shelves she put up, plus all the knick-knacks and whatchacallums. I physically cannot climb the stairs, nor can I walk up and down with all her stuff, I actually really do have to get help if I'm going to move her out. And I need boxes to pack stuff and have to pay people to do it. The township told me that I can pay $168 to force an eviction, but even then, I have to still pay people to do the actual legwork. It's not going to be cheap or easy, but it has to happen sooner than later, if we get snow, for example, it's going to be that much worse. I need to get the people who keep saying, "I'll help!" on a Zoom call or something and organize this, and it's got to happen in the next week or so. I can't go on people's emotional support, I need actual support to do this. Not monetary - actual movement. *sigh* nidena, seriously, send me some dates, I need to start coordinating...
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debthaven
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Post by debthaven on Oct 9, 2023 14:36:06 GMT -5
I actually really do have to get help if I'm going to move her out.It sounds like it would be well worth paying for this ... otherwise she'll end up staying until she dies. Other question lark1964 which you probably won't like... do you NEED a house that big, with parts you say you literally can't access because you can't climb the stairs? I think once somebody can't access all of their home, perhaps it's time to sell/downsize/move, and find a space better suited to them/easier to live in ... Whatever you decide, you need to get her out. Here (in France) it is illegal to evict anyone in winter. I don't know if you have the same laws. We had a situation with a tenant (not a lodger) that went on for YEARS. It was TRAUMATIC. Plus, our "tenant" TRASHED our place. To the tune of 42K, between 15 and 20 years ago. We fixed it up (insurance paid half) and put it up for sale the day after it was "redone". So to me you need to bite the bullet, and get this person out sooner rather than later, WHATEVER you decide for yourself. Wishing you the best. ETA: With the solar panels, I assumed you lived in Texas or Arizona. Do you really NEED solar panels in PA?!
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Rukh O'Rorke
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Post by Rukh O'Rorke on Oct 9, 2023 21:17:39 GMT -5
also consider cash for keys. how much will it cost you to get her out? Can you offer that to her if she is out and cleared out on X date? it is not ideal, but she will become an increasing liability to you. once someone just stops paying, they aren't going to go back to being regular, on time, etc.
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lark1964
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Post by lark1964 on Oct 10, 2023 7:59:38 GMT -5
debthaven - I sold my bigger house and bought a smaller one. I opted to finish the attic, which hadn't been finished before I moved in, and put in a bathroom up there, a/c ducts, fixed lights, etc. I figured it would be a nice guest bedroom, I have family and friends who come to visit, it would be a nice place for them. Then I met Diana last summer, and I learned some things about her situation, and I thought, "I could help her." I am such a sucker. If she were paying rent, OK, it's not a bad situation. She's not. Hasn't for some time. I need her gone. Rukh O'Rorke, interesting idea. Of course, that means I have to come up with cash. If push comes to shove, maybe, but at this point, I'd need to take another chunk out of my pension. Or possibly win the lottery. *sigh*
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seriousthistime
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Post by seriousthistime on Oct 10, 2023 8:05:57 GMT -5
I actually really do have to get help if I'm going to move her out.It sounds like it would be well worth paying for this ... otherwise she'll end up staying until she dies. Other question lark1964 which you probably won't like... do you NEED a house that big, with parts you say you literally can't access because you can't climb the stairs? I think once somebody can't access all of their home, perhaps it's time to sell/downsize/move, and find a space better suited to them/easier to live in ...
Whatever you decide, you need to get her out. Here (in France) it is illegal to evict anyone in winter. I don't know if you have the same laws. We had a situation with a tenant (not a lodger) that went on for YEARS. It was TRAUMATIC. Plus, our "tenant" TRASHED our place. To the tune of 42K, between 15 and 20 years ago. We fixed it up (insurance paid half) and put it up for sale the day after it was "redone". So to me you need to bite the bullet, and get this person out sooner rather than later, WHATEVER you decide for yourself. Wishing you the best. ETA: With the solar panels, I assumed you lived in Texas or Arizona. Do you really NEED solar panels in PA?! I think this is generally true. I was looking for a one-story home but considered two stories IF the master bedroom and laundry room were on the first floor. Then I stopped to consider whether whether it was wise to pay higher taxes, heat/AC and maintain a larger property with space I didn't need. I kept looking for the one-story place I wanted, and finally got it. lark1964, maybe I'm overthinking/reading, but you seem miffed that people are offering different views about your finances, etc. There can be tough love here. From the outside looking in, the situation may or may not look different than what you see. You of course have the inside perspective that may or may not have been shared here, and the outsiders' opinions are pretty much devoid of the emotional factor which can be huge. I hope you are not taking offense by the strong opinions expressed here. People are just trying to help. We are all a work in progress.
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nidena
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Post by nidena on Oct 10, 2023 10:09:40 GMT -5
Lark, you've done some amazing work on your new place and it is SOOOO much better than your previous place which had no bathroom on the main floor. Your whole main floor is totally YOU friendly and your guest area is very welcoming, even when it wasn't fully done a year ago. We'll get her out of there and you'll have your space back 100%. debthaven, why WOULDN'T someone put solar panels up? Electricity is becoming VERY expensive in the states and solar helps mitigate some of those costs, especially if you have electric heating/air throughout the house. seriousthistime, knowing Lark's situation, she's miffed at the freeloader and that is providing the lens through which she's reading things here.
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nidena
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Post by nidena on Oct 10, 2023 10:17:57 GMT -5
Well, now that my 0% balance is under $1000 and nearing the end of its promo period, they sent me notice of a new BT offer: .99% for 12 months (4% xfer fee). I have until Nov 24th to take advantage of the offer. I can only xfer from another CC. I'm half tempted to take out a Cash Advance against my current daily CC, use it to pay down the PL that I took out for the fence, and then BT that same amount. In any case, I have until Nov 24th to ponder on it. One thing I DO know is that I will need to pay off the current balance before I even consider doing another BT or they won't apply my payments towards the balance that resets in a couple months.
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debthaven
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Post by debthaven on Oct 10, 2023 10:19:23 GMT -5
why WOULDN'T someone put solar panels up?nidena I'm not questioning the wisdom of solar panels ... I'm just wondering if now is the right time, financially speaking.
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azucena
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Post by azucena on Oct 10, 2023 10:20:24 GMT -5
Lark, you've done some amazing work on your new place and it is SOOOO much better than your previous place which had no bathroom on the main floor. Your whole main floor is totally YOU friendly and your guest area is very welcoming, even when it wasn't fully done a year ago. We'll get her out of there and you'll have your space back 100%. debthaven , why WOULDN'T someone put solar panels up? Electricity is becoming VERY expensive in the states and solar helps mitigate some of those costs, especially if you have electric heating/air throughout the house.seriousthistime , knowing Lark's situation, she's miffed at the freeloader and that is providing the lens through which she's reading things here. You can't reach breakeven on solar panels for 7-10 years, so someone in debt has no business taking on more debt for payoff that far in the future.
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Post by minnesotapaintlady on Oct 10, 2023 10:23:49 GMT -5
debthaven , why WOULDN'T someone put solar panels up? Electricity is becoming VERY expensive in the states and solar helps mitigate some of those costs, especially if you have electric heating/air throughout the house. As someone that has looked into it, for me, the reason I am not is the 15+ years it would take me to recoup the initial cost. Our electric is really cheap here and solar is not great about half the year due to snow cover. Without some serious subsidy kickback from either the electric company or the government I can't really justify it from a financial standpoint. Now, if it's "I just want to do my part", that's different.
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nidena
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Post by nidena on Oct 10, 2023 11:28:26 GMT -5
The question posed indicated that someone in PA has no reason to put up solar panels. I was disputing THAT. There was no "Why...right now?" in the statement to which I responded.
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debthaven
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Post by debthaven on Oct 10, 2023 11:35:42 GMT -5
I didn’t think it was necessary to point out the extent of the debt again. To me it was obvious. Solar panels are not an emergency when you’re trying to pay off that much debt.
In any case, Lark, I hope the lodger situation ends soon.
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lark1964
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Post by lark1964 on Oct 12, 2023 11:32:04 GMT -5
Care Credit 250.00 -250.00 0.00% 0.00 Wayfair 827.63 -827.63 38.99% 0.00 Citibank 3,346.73 -3,346.73 26.74% 0.00 Toyota 4,958.26 -375.00 4.65% 4,626.58 NCL - BofA 1,753.64 -1,753.64 29.99% 0.00 Mattress 320.00 -320.00 0.00% 0.00 Home Depot 1,398.18 -1,398.18 26.99% 0.00 Lowe’s 16,500.04 -1,095.00 26.99% 16,000.04 Discover 17,943.17 -935.00 25.74% 17,395.97 Target 10,479.75 -860.00 27.15% 9,863.83 << now I need to POUND it! Trumark 17,481.34 -453.38 7.99% 17,206.46 75,258.74 -11,614.56 65,092.88
OK, is this correct? (what's the [2] for? Second race?) lark1964 [2]: 10/12/2023 $65,092.88 (4/13/2023 $80,738.38 C290)
Rukh O'Rorke , the short answer is: $8,000. Which I've decided I am willing pay. There's a first floor in a house which she has discussed the place with the owner, I'll pay six months of rent (yes, I agreed to that, anything to get her out), plus security deposit. After six months if she hasn't figured out how to pay the rent, she's on her own. And I get my house back by the end of October.
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lark1964
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Post by lark1964 on Oct 12, 2023 11:42:22 GMT -5
By the way.
Solar panels would cost $15,000. That's with a 25 year full replacement warranty.
$300/mo (average) for my electricity is $3,600/annually. Divide $15,000 by $3,600.
Tell me, exactly WHY wouldn't I want solar panels? And yes, these are real numbers, this is why I put solar panels on my house in Philly a few years back. It cost me $9.58/mo to retain my connection to the electric company for them to "store" my excess electricity, small price to pay for no more electric bills for 25 years. It also raised the value of my property by about $25K.
If your electric bill is less, good for you. I need a/c and heat, thankyouverymuch.
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seriousthistime
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Post by seriousthistime on Oct 12, 2023 13:43:31 GMT -5
Since this is not your first rodeo with solar panels, lark1964, you know what to consider. I live in a climate very similar to yours (hot summers, brutal winters), and my gas AND electric combined are nowhere near $300/month average. It may be that you will cover your entire electric usage every month between generated/used and stored electricity, but then again maybe you won't during snowy winters and rainy weather. And over time, solar collectors lose efficiency and need some maintenance. The payback is one thing, but also consider the condition of your roof. I have friends that had solar panels on the roof and they had to replace the roof due to general wear and tear, nothing to do with the panels. They didn't have the panels reinstalled because it would invalidate the new roof's warranty. Or maybe you want them to be freestanding, not on the roof? Anyway, have you considered more winterizing of your house to keep a handle on those utility bills? Do you have an all-electric home? This is not a criticism of your decision, but general curiosity about the factors you have considered. Other people here may be considering going solar, so this could be helpful as they think things through.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Oct 12, 2023 16:36:52 GMT -5
I do hope you get your house back by the end of the month
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nidena
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Post by nidena on Oct 12, 2023 17:17:09 GMT -5
In a fun twist (no sarcasm), the Budget Billing amount for my gas went down to $30/mo...from $41. My electric bill runs me $58/mo so there is definitely no reason for ME to get solar any time soon. lol. Maybe if I decide to install a heated pool, I'll install a solar-topped pergola above it.
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nidena
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Post by nidena on Oct 17, 2023 10:09:52 GMT -5
Paid off the last of the 0% BT on my MC and did another one for the .99%. We'll see where everything is once the dust settles from that. I think it took nearly a week the last time I did a BT so I imagine this one won't go through until next week, Wed or Thur.
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lark1964
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Post by lark1964 on Oct 19, 2023 16:15:37 GMT -5
OK. Here's the annoying status: my tenant, who I've been trying to eject and who has cancer and it's been really tough getting her out the door because everyone is trying to help her stay in my house instead of finding her a new place to live - is now in the hospital since yesterday when she was admitted for brain surgery. IF she survives the surgery, she'll need hospice care.
Meanwhile, the court, rather than putting in place any service to help her find a new place to live or ordering that her family should clear her stuff out of my house, gave her another 30 days extension, so I am now sitting here with a dog, three cats, all living upstairs all by themselves, their "mother" is not likely to ever return, and I got a nasty text from her about how dare I contact anyone about her status?
IF in fact I had not contacted her social worker, the social worker would not have submitted anything in writing to the court requesting her extension. If she had not done that, my tenant would have been ripe for eviction. But I'm too nice, I told the social worker. And then her children - I contacted them to let them know they need to come collect her pets. Well, how dare I? OK. I guess I should just let them all four sit upstairs and starve and die because I cannot climb the stairs to the attic.
And - this tells me she has not told her children the truth about anything, either. They don't realize I am trying to evict their mother, that I have been trying to get her out since the summer, and now their mother is telling them I'm a terrible person and not to communicate with me when I tell them I need to speak with them about their animals.
So - I'm calling pet shelters tomorrow for the cats and the dog. Or possibly Saturday, it's not easy taking four animals at a time.
Am I a terrible person? Honestly, at this point, I hear from everyone they'd have kicked her out long before now, and her stuff should be on the curb, and put the cats and the dog out and let them fend for themselves - harsh stuff, but I'm finding myself feeling like maybe I am really a wimp for not doing any of that before now.
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snapdragon
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Post by snapdragon on Oct 19, 2023 16:34:32 GMT -5
Sending you hugs lark1964. What a piece of work that person is. I would keep calling, texting or e-mailing her children about the animals and give them a deadline to pick them up. You are unable to get up the stairs and who knows what your attic looks like with them loose. I am so sorry you are having to deal with this.
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Post by minnesotapaintlady on Oct 19, 2023 16:40:00 GMT -5
And - this tells me she has not told her children the truth about anything, either. They don't realize I am trying to evict their mother, that I have been trying to get her out since the summer, and now their mother is telling them I'm a terrible person and not to communicate with me when I tell them I need to speak with them about their animals.
WTH?!? Does she have nobody coming in taking care of the animals? Is she just expecting you to take care of them? If she has that little disregard for their well-being I would have no trouble taking them to a shelter. I don't know what you should do to cover your own ass if she comes back and says you got rid of some of her stuff while she was in the hospital, but damn....we're not talking about furniture here.
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nidena
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Post by nidena on Oct 19, 2023 21:25:06 GMT -5
It appears that the transfer went through much faster than last time. I already have the new balance on the MC but the amount is still showing on my other CC. It would be awesome if it cleared before the statement closed.
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seriousthistime
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Post by seriousthistime on Oct 20, 2023 7:54:04 GMT -5
You are caught between a rock and a hard spot, lark1964. Will the shelter accept the animals if you are not the owner? It's not like they are strays; you know the owner, and she hasn't really abandoned them (like moved with no contact info). It may be dicey to "fudge" your relationship to the animals when you take them to the shelter. I'd be very careful to ensure you are doing everything legally, by the book. I can only imagine the outcry if they claim you stole her emotional support animals (if they are qualified as that). I'm sorry you are going through this. You took her in out of the goodness of your own heart. You have been very patient. Because you are patient, it has come to this. No good deed goes unpunished. Do you have a friend who might be able to go upstairs, feed and water the animals, and take the dog for walks? I hope you know someone who could do this to help you out. A mutual friend, maybe?
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nidena
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Post by nidena on Oct 20, 2023 9:10:43 GMT -5
If the woman is in the hospital and hasn't made arrangements for her pets to be taken care of, that's abandonment. It is unreasonable to hold lark hostage with the expectation that SHE will care for four animals that aren't hers for more than a day or so.
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