pet problems, dog sick, cat broke leg ETC.

Unbelievable but when I read Google's top ten links for any pet injury or illness, it's as if nobody thinks anyone has a bit of common sense.  the internet is suppose to help, not insult your intelligence,
  Example.A person has dog they found or adopted. and this dog has a lump, coughs, walks on three legs....whatever! and like most people, sure they love the dog, but they themselves are on economic hard times. So you do a search.................
  Every "Genius" out there suggests, "Bring it to a Vet IMMEDIATELY". Gee's why didn't I think of that? Of course we did, we even probably called around, till they found out going to the Vet cost more than going to the Doctor, (And we don't even go to the Doctor for ourselves!) So, how in hell are we going to go to a vet? I mean it's common sense, realistically, everyone would go to the vet first chance they got, if it were anything like even 25yrs ago, Now veterinary medicine is BIG BUSINESS, with fancy buildings, and staff of neatly dressed receptionists, and people that have nothing to do with animals, just collecting past due bills! Look in the parking lot..Lexus, Mercedes, Range Rovers?
  Of course you tell the Receptionist, "I don't really have much money, but can you please look at my pet?"
   Then the vet, (usually the receptionist), tells you about "Care Credit". Woah Hoo. all my problems are over. Look at the terms on that beauty! Over 24%, Modern day loan sharks...all because you found a little dog and your daughter wants to keep it!
What's wrong with that?
   There were a few Vets offering advice on-line, for any monetary donation you could afford. Some free. Wouldn't you know Texas Veterinary board shut them right down! Some even received fines. For what? doing what they loved, and giving away that precious commodity, "Advice".
Ya, it's true, look it up. So you will not find any info of value on-line. You might. LOL. And those of you that do afford Vet services, God Bless you. I am not faulting you at all. I am glad you can almost afford it. But look at what you actually received for that bill.    Advice, for the most part. and maybe a free nail trim.
   So, if you have a pet that's sick or injured, and you think you might get some advice from the internet, remember, those people that are allowed to give advice, are going to tell you what you already know, Go to a vet. If you're expecting someone that knows a little something about it. Be sure to know, There is someone else out there that will muzzle them.
  best advice I ever heard or could give, is walk right in and sit right down. Give what you can and sign nothing. If you even get to see the Doctor, (And you probably won't)but if you do, You can tell a lot just by his/her expression. And you Vet's that might per chance read this. I know you got bills, but a little charity goes a long way. You started this getting unpaid crap when you jacked your prices up sky high. I been dealing with Vets for 50 yrs (plus) and paid every bill on time, till they became ridiculous, make an appointment???  Office fees ??? $50.  Plus what the vet charges for diagnosis. We all knew it was over when conglomerates and franchises took over. Fast food vet services.
 what's next? Drive thru?

Sept Grants for disabled

First day of September!
That is great! another year to award some deserving disabled athletes
a chance at receiving equipment and/or training!
Only sadness is now with my age creeping in, I would not be able
to use a nice hand-cycle I tried so many years to get a grant for.

I do have one.
but it's old....and too dangerous for anyone to ride really.
It has the type of brakes and shifters you have to let go of
a hand pedals to use. Not safe.

I crashed a few times during panic stops...taking one
hand off one pedal, and trying to stop without going into
on-coming traffic or down a ditch (Which is what usually happened)

Of course being a high level double amputee, made balancing with one hand
IMPOSSIBLE!!!

Just a pleasure ride had me holding on for dear life.

If I could make one suggestion, make the application process
somewhat easier....I don't know how easy it can be made,
but that was my downfall every year.
I think the first year I tried it was eight pages long.
My life, living alone has enough daily challenges.
It was never a lack of wanting to get it done, it just seldom did,
and when it did...
it was always too late!

Good luck this year. I am sure some lucky disabled athletes will
have the family and support needed to get a "Perfect" application in on time
If, they haven't already!!!

THAT is a professional disabled person.