Hi Brinks. Well, I hear you and I understand your concern, but I want to tell you something that happened a few years ago. My daughter opened a GoFundMe Page after her common-law abandoned her and their two dogs. She had a terrible car accident and she had to end her university studies with a simple BA. She has never been able to go back to school. Of course we rallied around her, but, money only stretches so far and her two dogs needed care and vets and food and we were strapped paying all her other expenses. So, when she asked me to share her GoFundMe with the Forum, I agreed.
I was truly thankful for all the help we received. And not a penny that was contributed went for anything silly. Just the basics. GoFundMe charges some amount to the account, obviously, so, it has it's downside, but, it remains a useful tool to reach out and solicit help from a large group of people.
It isn't easy to ask for money. I didn't like coming cap in hand to ask for a favour from my Forum friends. But, and I want to emphasize this, I have been able to help three people who needed help since then, and I'll go on doing it whenever I can.
I believe in our Forum Family. I believe these people are good and that if they come here to ask for help, then, if I can, I will help them. Recently one of our longest members had a dire health situation with his dog, and he came and asked his Forum Family for help. I chose to donate directly, not through the GFMP. I also provided some information about groups that may help subsidize medical care.
People come here for many reasons, but mostly, we share help....all kinds of helpful advice and insight. And, yes, at times, a little of the green stuff to make a dog's (and owner's) life better.
What would cause me some concern? Well, if suddenly a large number of "newbies" showed up asking for donations. That would set off the alarm bells. But, not our regular members, they are great people and have the great good sense to love Mastiffs.