Well I don't think someone shouldn't have pets because they have fallen on hard times. I mean, that's rediculous. If no one who had ever fallen on hard times could own a pet, no one would own one!
The arguments about "she could afford more for this and that if she didn't have this and that" sounds just like my parents. I am forever getting hounded that I could do so much more with my money than spending it on other people's trash (which is what she calls my rescues). My kids are fed, clothed, cleaned, and have everything they need. My husband and I have what we need as well so what else do we need?
She's never been a big fan of pets though so I'm used to it. She'd freak out if she knew how many birds I have now
But, it is my opinion, that falling on hard times doesn't mean you shouldn't own a pet. Now if you don't have the money to afford the pet when you get it, that's a slightly different story. And I just mean for food and necessities. We all have unexpected vet emergencies that are hard to be completely prepared for.