"poor" people owning dogs

I put poor in quotes because I don't mean very poor like in poverty, but a person with a tight budget, like lower middle class. Anyways, on to my question. What do you all think about a family owning a dog when they know that if an emergency came up they would not be able to spend more than about $1000 to "save" the dog. I firmly believe in not getting a pet until you can easily budget for high quality food, toys/chews/entertainment, proper equipment, shots and other health related needs, even $30/month health program at the vet. But I do not expect in any way to be able to pay more than $1000 for a totally out of the blue emergency for the next 15 to 20 years of our lives. So what do ya'll think a responsible owner should do?

I agree, that's why we waited so long, then she got pancreatitus and we spent $1500 in vet bills. Then the bunnies got Gi stasis, and their goes another $1500! It went to our credit cards though. I grew up in the country with everybody owning cats and dogs that lived outside and letting nature take it's course if they got sick, or they'd shoot it to put it out of it's misery. I didn't want that to happen to us.

In another thread I went on and on about the right to bear children and own dogs...when we HAVE to have a license to drive or work, (in certain professional capasities...). We don't live in a perfect world, do we? I would like to agree with you, but somehow it doesn't seem right. I would agree with you in the way that if a medical issue should arise, they more than likely may not be able to pay for it, however I have heard many a story about a family "making do" and putting their money toward the family dog rather than clothing needs for their kids or other materialistic situations. Life is not always so organized like you plan yours. I know that I certainly can afford my 4 dogs...and 2 cats. I think that there are many kinds of loving people who have dogs and not much money...and it doesn't make that they should be judged so harshly or not be able to have dogs. (Maybe a smaller breed? Cheaper in the long run?). Having said all that I've said, there many people with less means that have no business owning dogs, not to mention those with lot of means who really have no excuses...but don't those horrible characteristics have everything to do with their morals? Not so much with what they can or cannot afford...?????????????