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I am very pleased that there are people who care enough for animals to spend the time and money that you all do. I wonder, how many of you have children that you are still paying out for? The reason I ask is that it seems most of the people that I meet who value their animals as if they were human, do not have children at home or have never had children. Not saying all, but a lot.
I also agree that people need to be made aware of the fact that pets are more than just "cute".
Different strokes for different folks, though, and there are those that would rather spend their resources helping children and old folks and there are those who would rather a pet. Thank goodness for the differences. Makes for a more well rounded universe. Sadly, there is neglect and abuse in both the animal and human kingdom.
I would like to think that if I suddenly could not provide for my children, that I would be unselfish enough to find them the proper loving homes and people to do that. Again, as was said in an earlier post, you need to plan for future possibilities of that. Many animal owners do not as they think that they would just get rid of them.
Thank you for all the blessed souls out there who are caregivers for animals and humans. I do not think that one should be thought of as lower or higher for choosing.
To the OP: I am frugal with my children and my animal. But after reading this thread, I do not feel as if I am a good enough owner for my pet, so I hope to find someone else who will be. Thank you for enlightening me to that.
Our boys are grown and gone..it would have been a lot harder to give the time and attention to the dogs when the kids were young..but its just the two of us now, and the dogs are like our kids now..don't get me wrong, our sons never lacked for anything they needed, not wanted. And as adults they and their gals still are treated very well at birthdays and holidays..we just don't have the day to day expense with our sons any longer.
Kimba, oh you should not feel that way! Do the best you can..the best food YOU can buy..we don't buy the most expensive but not the cheapest either and we struggle financially to get them to the vet, somehow we do manage..think of the love you and your pet have for each other..that's worth more than gold
I second DogMom Kimba!
Even if you have to buy them Kibbles and Bits because that's what you can buy right now, then that's what you do. The unconditional love they give is just awesome and should be above all. If you can't buy them a toy, I don't think they would say no to a free belly rub.
I don't have children, don't plan to either and I have a dog. Gosh, I love my dog, he needs me and I need him and he is a bit less expensive than having a child. There are some folks who feel very satisfied with having children but I feel very satisfied with having my dog, a miniature schnauzer to be exact. He has sweaters, toys, eats Costco kibble and I make sure to keep him healthy just like any mom would do.
I don't have or want children either, although I would consider adopting (an older kid) one day.
Last year, I was offered a job (a two-year contract) in Southeast Asia. Before I said yes, I researched whether I could take my dogs along. Once I figured out it was possible, I said yes. They flew with me to Thailand and once my contract is over, will go back home with me. They're my family --I'm not leaving them behind, just as I wouldn't leave behind my kids.
I second DogMom Kimba!
Even if you have to buy them Kibbles and Bits because that's what you can buy right now, then that's what you do. The unconditional love they give is just awesome and should be above all. If you can't buy them a toy, I don't think they would say no to a free belly rub.
It isn't just that. It is a lot of things, but mostly because he just doesn't get the attention that he deserves. As I read other's posts and see how much love and attention they give their pets, I know mine is lacking. My youngest DD is a teen now and she is never around and he was always really hers. She seems to have outgrown him and he is a bother to her now. I still make her care for him, but those little things, belly rubs, walks, time hanging out in her room, are done, gone.
I have never really been lovey-dovey with animals. That's why those who are have my utmost respect. I now care for two g'babies and half the time we have to keep him away from them for fear for him and them. So, once again he is booted off somewhere.
Then there is me traveling a couple times a year to be with my DH so he is left with my other kids, who have babies and busy lives, and again, he gets no real attention. He gets his basic needs met but I think there is more that they need than just that.
Basically, I feel very bad for him as I feel there are those who would coddle and love on him as you all do.
Before I get flamed, let me just say that when my ex petitioned the courts for my son to go live with him, I was completely devastated. I didn't want that to happen, but my son was 13 and his dad was a good father. I did not fight it as I did not want to put my son in the position to have to make a choice. And who was I to say that given that he was a good dad that just because I am a woman, my son HAD to be with me? I took the unselfish route and let him go. Granted I saw him all the time, but just a side note that I would do what is best for my children regardless of my personal feelings.
But, push come to shove and the plane is going down and I can only save either my dog or my kid...it is a no brainer....
I totally understand, Kimba..How old is your dog..? Do you know someone who might take him? If you do, and you would feel better for your pup then that is a fine thing to do..we all have different circumstances..i know you are conflicted about it..hang in there it will work out
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Escort Rider
This is the first I've ever heard of buying toys for one's dogs.
Seriously???? My dog has a bin full of toys!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by jtur88
I guess I started this thread with the idea that a pet is an expensive luxury, that could be relinquished in the interest of the frugal objective of reducing one's cost of living.
We see people on here who have given up their car to reduce costs. Has anyone ever given up a pet as a cost-saving measure? Or does everyone regard their pet as a life necessity, like food and shelter?
OMG--I cannot even imagine giving up my dog due to economical reasons. Like another poster stated--I would do without cable, a cell phone, before I would relinquish my pet. He would have food before I did and that is the truth.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kelsie
I would never dream in giving up my pet, I would opt to give up the cell phone or cable before that. We go to a Holistic Vet and we barter here, she gets her Rabies shot every 3 yrs. and regular checkups yearly and I make h/m Italian food for the office, on birthdays & Holidays. Our Vet does not believe in any shots other than Rabies after your dog is 3, he has waived the other shots, believing that giving them will shorten her life. Teeth cleaned once a year. She has been on Solid Gold Holistic Blendz food since birth (she is now 6), and as others have said, she eats less. No corn, wheat or rye in the food--promotes allergies. Vitamins 2x a day for Arthritis (which she developed after dislocating her kneecap), 6 mos. of Acupuncture after that happened, still less expensive than the $3,000 operation. Grooming every 6-8 wks. $40 + $20 tip, and yes, lots of toys at Christmas & her birthday, when she sees us walking in the house with a bag & tissue paper she assumes it is a new present for her, and she is usually right. She had an out of the house trainer when she was 6 mos. old for 6 weeks.
The unconditional love that she gives us is priceless. The house would be sold before she was given away.
OH, that was you Kels who said doing without cable, etc before giving up a pet. I am the same type of dog owner as Kelsie here.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dogmom
I agree, our dogs give us unconditional love and we would not think of ever EVER giving them up. I will live in my car before I will give up my pets.
They get good food, a treat now and then, and the three dogs have more toys than my sons ever had, lol..they get a vitamin every day also. We are not wealthy, but give up a pet of ours, never!
Yes, Dogmom is also "one of us" who loves their pets so much.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kimba01
He just turned six. He is a Lhasa Apso, so they can live until their teens.
Thanks for understanding, dm. You are right, I have been struggling with the decision for some time now.
Kimba, I think what you are considering is very unselfish on your part. Realizing what your dog needs (attention) and also realizing he is not getting it ..I find it noble of you to find him a home that he would get all that. Is he well socialized with other dogs? If so, I'm sure you could find him a good home.
OK...saying all this--YES a pet is expensive and one must know prior to obtaining one that it is a commitment both time-wise and monetarily. My dog is my life! His needs are provided for before mine are. He has a bin full of toys, a bin full of clothes (yes, I dress him--he even has a Halloween costume), he has the Martha Stewart collection of dog bowls for water and food! He used to have a burberry harness until he chewed that up!! He met Santa for the first time last year!! He goes on bike rides with me where he sits in a special pouch (pet a roo) and he LOVES it. His vet is one of the best in the area and with that comes costly visits because of his reputation. Watson is fed a quality dog food. I know my dog is well taken care of by me and Dr.Pope.
You don't throw away a living, breathing, thinking, feeling animal like you would a car just to reduce costs. This is a life you took responsibility for.
And what kind of wacko says that you can only devote that kind of time and money towards your pets if you are childless? That is nonsense. The are part of the family, not there INSTEAD of one.
Thanks, Tex! He is not socialized with other dogs at all. He thinks he is a Rott, he is a Lhasa! But, he wants to fight them all, doesn't matter...Lab, Pitt...whatever!
Watson is SOOOO cute! Max would be SO jealous of all that Watson has! I have a hard enough time keeping up the my teen and her wants! LOL!
I just think (and maybe I am wrong, maybe I am just not cut out for animal ownership, period) that if I didn't have a bevy of children and g'kids, I would be different. Especially if I had never had them. But, I am just all about the kids. I know there are many who are not and would much rather deal with an animal! Sometimes, I definitely get that!!!
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My youngest DD is a teen now and she is never around and he was always really hers. She seems to have outgrown him and he is a bother to her now. I still make her care for him, but those little things, belly rubs, walks, time hanging out in her room, are done, gone. 
, still less expensive than the $3,000 operation. Grooming every 6-8 wks. $40 + $20 tip, and yes, lots of toys at Christmas & her birthday, when she sees us walking in the house with a bag & tissue paper she assumes it is a new present for her, and she is usually right.
