You've actually touched on a sensitive subject with this topic. One which everyone on this site can relate to, which clearly needs to be addressed in more detail. Such discussion about personal finance and pleas for help have caused us to lose members in the past. And we were just discussing what to do about this when we received this anonymous email from a Tripawds member:

... I'm certain every Tripawds member can empathize and relate to her struggle, but I don't feel this is appropriate. There are members, and I'm one of them who have discretely helped others out – and I feel the gesture should remain private... 

One of the reasons I even considered joining [Tripawds] was because of the absence of this type of solicitation. If anyone wants to start comparing tripawd debt, I'm confident I lead the pack by by tens of thousands of dollars. None of us chose the path that brought us to Tripawds, and we all scramble to finance it.

With that said, as much as we empathize with your situation and appreciate your support and participation here at Tripawds, we respectfully ask that you refrain from solicitation for financial support in these forums or on Ellie's blog. For now, please feel free to keep this sort of discussion to Facebook. A formal promotional policy is in the works for Tripawds.com, and whether we need to implement a similar policy for the Tripawds Fan Page is to be determined.

Thank you for your understanding.