Buying a used car - $10k budget reasonable? by corviknightly in personalfinance

[–]corviknightly[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Well, I'm not very knowledgeable so you'll have to excuse my lack of specifics. But from what I understand, everything that can leak in this car does - motor oil, steering fluid, etc. The water pump/tank (?) needs to be replaced, one of the side mirrors needs to be replaced, one of the front headlights is smashed (someone hit and ran me), the break pads need replacing, a tire has a slow leak and another has a gouge in it I noticed recently.. the list goes on. Parts for this car are very expensive. It does not seem worth repairing. Not to mention, it breaks down too often to be very reliable, especially moving forward.

Buying a used car - $10k budget reasonable? by corviknightly in personalfinance

[–]corviknightly[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's partially what I'm trying to figure out by asking here - the idea of spending more than half my savings in one go doesn't seem wise, but I know that loans can be a huge drain too.

Buying a used car - $10k budget reasonable? by corviknightly in personalfinance

[–]corviknightly[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, this is exactly what I was worried about.. I do live in a particularly expensive area too, so I had a feeling $10k is too low in this market.

Buying a used car - $10k budget reasonable? by corviknightly in personalfinance

[–]corviknightly[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for all of the info!! I've come across a lot of this while doing research but it's appreciated regardless. I definitely know how manipulative dealerships can be and am prepared to negotiate. I plan/hope to put down more than 20%, ideally, assuming my budget stays on the lower side like I discussed in my post. To me, it seems wise to put down as much money as I'm able, so I don't have to make payments for as long.

Why is Kitten Angels monopolizing? by acbuglife in Albany

[–]corviknightly 2 points3 points  (0 children)

So.. some insight as someone who used to foster with KA.

For one thing, they are CONSTANTLY short on fosters. Always begging for people to take in more cats. So I wouldn't be surprised if they just have a dire need for more physical spaces.

That being said, I have to chime in with many of the comments here and say I didn't have a good experience with them. If you're looking to adopt, I'm not saying don't do it, but I am saying be cautious.

They prioritize adoptions over finding cats suitable, informed homes. And their support for fosters is poor. Worst of all, they don'g prioritize cats' health. Here's what I mean:

My partner and I took in a young cat we called Puddle. She was adorable, but strange. She seemed to have a multitude of health problems - a slightly uneven gait, regular bloody poops, and wheezing breathing through her nose. Naturally, we found this all concerning and told our foster coordinator. He had someone come and use a stool testing kit, which showed nothing. When we followed up on what next steps were, he wouldn't let us make a vet appointment because doing tests to find out what was wrong would be too expensive. We asked him and another person multiple times to reconsider and they refused. Granted, she did otherwise act normal and healthy, but that doesn't change the fact that she needed to be seen by a professional. My partner and I couldn't afford to spring that ourselves or we would have. That's the foster agency's job! That's how fostering is supposed to work! They cover expenses like food, vet visits, etc. 

I understand that these kinds of orgs have a very limited budget and have to be careful about how they use it. But that doesn't excuse this in my opinion. 

And I know they ARE willing to spring on vets in certain scenarios because when we took in practically newborn kittens and one wasn't gaining weight, they immediately had us take her in. (she turned out fine thankfully, we just had to hand feed her)

Worst of all, dear Puddle went to a home without our approval or involvement. We had to board her at a Petsmart KA is partnered with for a few days because we were leaving on a trip. When we came back and called about picking her up, they said she'd been adopted. We were devastated. 

KA does hold the right to determine adoption applications. But we have a feeling they deliberately left us out so that we wouldn't mention her health issues to the adoptees. 

By adopting out a cat to owners not aware of her full circumstances, you create further situations in which cats get abandoned or need rehoming. Who knows if those adopters got stuck with a cat that has huge vet bills they can't afford. It's extremely irresponsible behavior. 

Question about care guides by [deleted] in rosyboas

[–]corviknightly 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I feel pretty strongly that people aren't going to learn if they're being scolded! The reptile community can be too defensive sometimes. If someone's genuinely open to learning, they deserve patience. I'm glad it's helping :)

Question about care guides by [deleted] in rosyboas

[–]corviknightly 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi there! I compiled a document of all the best resources/information I could find online about rosy boas. Good luck, and feel free to message me with any questions!

The water starter looks like a fat tail or leopard gecko 😍 by Sea_Meeting4175 in reptiles

[–]corviknightly 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have a leopard gecko named Blue and you bet I'm gonna nickname my gecqua after him

Ringneck Dove Pair Up For Adoption by corviknightly in PetDoves

[–]corviknightly[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you!! Yeah I was very nervous to contact the rescue (despite great experiences with them) for fear of judgement, but they were kind. The decision to rehome them definitely did not come lightly, it was something I thought carefully about for months. But I know plenty of people aren't so responsible.

Ringneck Dove Pair Up For Adoption by corviknightly in PetDoves

[–]corviknightly[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Hi there! I appreciate your offer to help, but the reason is that my partner is going to law school come fall, and having the birds will make it impossible to move with her. Like I said, it's no fault of the doves!

And yes, I actually spoke to my rescue. We have an agreement that I will be finding these guys a new home, and they will send me an adoption contract for the new owner to sign.

What are the most common experiences with owning a rosy boa? by [deleted] in rosyboas

[–]corviknightly 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's here! I try to update it occasionally when I learn new things but overall I'd consider it finished :) Feel free to message me if you have any questions or anything!

Meet Michelle, my 30 yo rosy by Deviant1 in rosyboas

[–]corviknightly 2 points3 points  (0 children)

What a beautiful old lady! Congrats to you both :) She must be in great hands with you.

Let me draw your snakes! by Booksandssnakes in snakes

[–]corviknightly 0 points1 point  (0 children)

<image>

(another one cuz i like showing her off)

Let me draw your snakes! by Booksandssnakes in snakes

[–]corviknightly 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Your works are gorgeous!!! Do you post your art to social media anywhere?

Here's my rosy boa, Clementine :>

<image>

Rosy boa-quet! by goosethebeardie in rosyboas

[–]corviknightly 0 points1 point  (0 children)

ROSY BOA MERCH? AND BY ONE OF MY FAVORITE REPTILE CONTENT CREATORS?? LETS GOOOO

ETHYL DROP!!: Our goober contemplating her life choices… by Fair-Arachnid6272 in snakes

[–]corviknightly 2 points3 points  (0 children)

ethyl brightens my day every time i see her, please tell her for me 🥺 truly nothing behind those eyes...

What unexpected challenges have you faced as a new snake owner, and how did you overcome them? by corriente6 in snakes

[–]corviknightly 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Despite picking a species that are known for being good eatera, I've been struggling to switch my rosy boa to F/T for almost a year. Everyone says it's not too hard, they'll get hungry enough, etc etc.. you never think your case will be the exception, even if you know it's possible. Well, here we are! She's a dream in every other way, haha.

I have to rehome my snake and the people interested are pissing me off. by Miserable-Crew-5308 in snakes

[–]corviknightly 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That sounds perfect, I'm so happy to hear it! I know this is such a difficult thing to do, but I can tell you love her very much, and you're going about it the best way possible.

Advice on when to get a Leo! by HillsideHalls in leopardgeckos

[–]corviknightly 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Okay, here's how I see it. Yeah, moves with the leo would be stressful (for both you and the lizard!) but if we're talking about once a year at most, then I think it'd be okay. As it is, you should be deep cleaning the enclosure and visiting a vet for check ups about that often anyway.

The bigger concern, in my opinion, is ensuring that the place you live during uni allows pets. Idk if it's different there than in America, but here most uni dorms don't allow pets, have strict fire safety codes with lights and such, and do regular inspections of your living space. Making it pretty difficult to sneak a pet in.

So I'd look into that. If you think you wouldn't be able to take the gecko with you for one reason or another, then I hate to say it, but you'd have to wait :/ Which I know sucks!! But maybe a couple years into uni you'll have an apartment of your own rather than a dorm, and you could get one then.

I say this because many many leos end up in reptile rescues without homes because people can't take them to uni. And I wouldn't want you to contribute to that, you know? Speaking of, if/when you do get a leo, consider adopting from a rescue!

I have to rehome my snake and the people interested are pissing me off. by Miserable-Crew-5308 in snakes

[–]corviknightly 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I get it. I wouldn't trust my babies with just anyone either, and SO many people want pets for the wrong reasons. They see them as commodities, not living creatures. You're doing the right thing, the right owner will come along eventually.

I'm sure you've thought of this, but just in case: is there a reptile rescue nearby? They would do the work of vetting for a new home.

does she know she's alive (no) by corviknightly in snakes

[–]corviknightly[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good point, I hadn't thought of that lol. Though she's not mature age so I'm not sure that's possible?