What is with people not coming through on commissions?? How can they order stuff like this and then say they can't buy it?
For custom work such as this, you need to get the money up front....that is way too much work to do on spec.

Your work is fantastic, and I'm feeling a little righteous indignation for you.

To be fair, it was a pet emergency, so I totally understand. But it was a bit of an inconvenience since I need to pay an art show space by Friday and it seems like everyone who owes me money for completed commissions are suddenly disappearing :x

That stinks. I understand about pet emergencies, but I also believe if you are living that close to the wire you shouldn't be commissioning artwork. Food, rent, school come before art. If you can't pay easily for the things you need, you shouldn't be buying art, which is a joy, but not a necessity. And this is an artist saying this! I have had folks tell me they were gonna use their tuition money to pay for a proposed commission, and I said no, use that money for the important things, such as your education! My art will wait.
It is hard to turn down paying work, but I feel horrible taking money from folks who clearly are not thinking straight.

it puts a burden on you too, as the artist, when you are counting on that money and have to let it go because of some emergency that has nothing to do with you or your own emergencies.

That being said, I hope the pet is okay, and I do believe we must do whatever we can to keep our pets well.

I can understand saving up for art and having to suddenly use that money for a medical emergency, so I'm not upset at the client. I'm sure they didn't make the decision lightly (and they sounded very regretful when they contacted me to tell me). The positive side is it wasn't a customized commission, so I can sell it since there aren't things like custom markings.

But yeah, there are people who get cold feet when it comes time to pay. Sadly I think that's what happened with one of my clients, who said they would pay back in October and I still haven't heard back. :( If I don't hear from them in a few days, I might put their mask up on Etsy, because this deadline is a little too close to comfort.

At least your work is so beautiful that it sells on Etsy! It appeals to so many folks, not just Furries. I am very glad you have a venue to sell your work to a wider market. (and it seems to sell pretty quickly, judging by the feather sales!)