I took care of a kitten that had infections, until he was old enough and well enough to be adopted out. We just couldn't handle him after that...but I miss that kitty!

Our dog is a rescue from the shelter - he was found locked up in a dog kennel, family had moved - their house was foreclosed but they just left him there. He had a tumor on his neck, and they think the family just couldn't afford the medical bills. By the time we got him he was healthy. But he does still have abandonment issues. We can't leave him alone or he freaks out. He actually chewed thru our french patio doors, then just sat on the front porch waiting for us.

But he's a sweet dog, we love him. If he got sick we'd do what we could, but if we couldn't help him we'd put him down.

I agree that it's animal abuse not to take care of pets - but if you can't afford it, try the humane society or at least put them out of their misery. Not just let them suffer. But I know some things can be really expensive.