I am at a loss and I am throwing this out here to hopefully get some opinions from unbiased individuals.

A couple of weeks ago I surrendered my birds to a rescue group. I did this for personal reasons and it was in the best interest of my pets. Long story short, I could of sold my birds and their cages and probably of made around 5,000.00. I instead donated everything to them knowing it was for a good cause. Well, I have since then become very good friends with the 2 guys that own the rescue. We hang out, eat dinner together, go mudding together, pretty much we spend all of our time together. I have bonded with this family to the point that I would do anything for them. Last night while we were eating dinner together they told me that they were having major hardships with their finances and that they would need to sell some of their birds to get out of the trouble they are in. It was heartbreaking, and I could see the pain in their eyes. I am not a rich person, I do however pay my bills and put my kids through college, so I guess I am what they call middle class. Okay, here it goes...they asked me to lend them $1,000.00. they said this would get them out of their trouble and then all the birds would stay with them and not have to be sold. I haven't given them my answer yet but I know I have to do it. My question is, are they taking advantage of me or do they just trust me enough to ask me for such a favor? I don't want to hurt anyone and this is going to be hard for me to do....I have jewlry that I can sell and I am going to go and see how much I can get for it today. I just don't want to be hurt again, yes, people have a tendency to take advantage of me.
So, in your honest opinion does this sound like these guys are just using me to get money or do they sound like people that just need a help? Remember, these guys have dedicated their lives to these birds. They obviously have a love in them for these birds that goes very deep...I am so torn up

I don't think they are taking advantage of you but it doesn't sound like you have the money to lend.

If you do find the money and decide to loan it to them, you MUST fill out a loan contract and have it notarized. There are plenty of free examples online like this one:
Contract

Thanks for your opinion. You are right, I don't have the money...I could get the money though, it would mean selling some of my stuff. To be honest, I am just glad you don't think they are taking advantage of me.

If you do decide to lend them the money make sure you draw up a contract for re-payment. Have them sign it with a payment plan.

Sunny no matter how well you think you know them... by your own words you've only known them a couple of weeks and that is not enough time to know someone well enough to ask for a loan. I'm shocked they would ask you after knowing you only a few weeks.

In today's economy I think it'd be best if you hang on to your money.... you never know when you are going to need it yourself. Tell them to sell a few birds.... as long as they go to good homes there is nothing wrong with that if it gets them out of their financial pickle.

I would feel different if these were life long friends you know and love and trust... but someone you've known a couple of weeks asking you for $1000.00 loan? Sounds sketchy to me and instantly sends up the "red flag" warning.

Keep your money girl and tell em to sell a few birds

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why would u make ur self worse off (especially in these hard times) to help someone else.

not even if any family asked to lend 1k and i didnt have it would i give it them. they should just go to the bank or someone that does loans if its only 1000.

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I have read this twice now, and I never even thought of doing that.
I will do that, it will give me peace of mind....
I just wish I was a millionaire and I could help everyone that needs it...
I hate seeing people suffer and feel bad.

This reminds me of our current financial crisis. If we continue to borrow money we will work our way out of debt. Giving them the money will be a very ( read 30 days ) short lived solution. If you do this you will be an enabler, similar to giving money to an addict, just one more fix and then I'll get straight. How do you go mudding if they can't pay their bills. ?? VV

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It made me feel weird when they asked. I didn't know what to say or do. I am a little worried that my birds may suffer if I don't make something happen for them. I hear you though, and, I it did send a red flag up to me as well...I really need to talk to them more today...I wish they never would of put me in this situation.

I wondered about the bank....then I thought maybe they don't have credit...I don't know they really didn't elaborate as to why they couldn't get the money they just told me they needed it.....by today.

I never looked at it that way, you are right...It is enabling.
The mudding is done in my jeep, so it is on me not them.