People have some screwed priorities. Really kinda sad, she'd rather have her dog go hungry than go without a cigarette? Messed up. But I'm glad that the aid she's getting doesn't cover that, it used to kill me when I was first living in Manhattan, having pretty much no money, I'd go to the grocery store with coupons and shop frugally, and it never failed, the person in front of me would have ice cream, chips, soda, beer even, and pay for their order with food stamps (not exactly legal, but I'm not sure anyone cared.) It was nice to know where my tax money was going...
You are being responsible,
you cancelled your cable because of your situation, so no fingers pointing at you... Phone? That's important...
Don't go getting yourself banned... You'd be very much missed...