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I was reading over some of this blogger's article about how costly it is to have a dog. He talks about more food and vet care, other minor expenses most don't think of.
I consider myself to be frugal and I adopted 2 large dogs, a cat and fosters kittens. I grew up with dogs and I never thought of owning them was optional or a privilege. My pets helped me deal with my anxiety and go through tough times, like when I found out my mother was diagnosed with cancer. Family and friends are great but dogs hold a special place in my heart.
As long as they are well cared for and thrive under your care, I personally think everyone should at least try to care for one to experience the priceless bond between man and dog.
As long as they are well cared for and thrive under your care, I personally think everyone should at least try to care for one to experience the priceless bond between man and dog.
What do you think?[/quote]
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No, no, and no for any reason anyone can think of. Some people hate animals, are terrified of them, Have severe allergies to them, are just flat out too stupid (greatly lacking in common sense).
The lacking common sense is how I ended up with the many rescues I have taken in thru the years and KEPT THEM to their end times, regardless of their individual quirks.
There are "owners of critters" who are so stupid when it comes to that animal's care, they shouldn't even be allowed to own a stuffed animal off the WalMart shelf.
This thread should die before it gets started, IMHO.
It is all about choices. I live very frugally (by choice)- cheap cell phone I spend maybe $100/year on, no cable TV, no eating out, tiny house, keep utilities low, no debt, etc. My one non-essential expense is $150 +/- monthly for my dogs. That roughly equals what someone else would spend on a cable TV package and/or a cell phone plan. Whatever I spend on my dogs is well worth every penny considering how much they contribute to my quality of life. Life with dogs = priceless.
That said- NO, not everyone should have a dog. How do you think all those dogs end up in shelters? That is as silly as saying everybody should have a child. NO.
There are many people who should not have a dog. It's a huge undertaking... and I say this as someone who has children and who hosts other people's children for a year at a time (exchange students). I grew up with dogs but we just got our first family dog last year (after being married for 16 years, when the kids were 13 and 11). He is a big responsibility, with training, expenses, and spending adequate time walking/interacting with him. Of course, we have him because he brings us much joy... but I am not one of those people who feels that they must have a dog. He might be our last dog; we'll see!
As long as they are well cared for and thrive under your care, I personally think everyone should at least try to care for one to experience the priceless bond between man and dog.
What do you think?
Sure it's optional.
I grew up with dogs, but spent the majority of my adult life with cats. With the way my lifestyle was, it was by far the better choice for me. I now have two dogs who came to me through twists of fate. Though they are well cared for, I'd be lying if I said that they didn't feel like a burden at times. I certainly wouldn't say that everyone should try it.
I can think of so many reasons not to have a dog, but I still miss having one. We have a trip coming up in February, but I think after that I will start the full frontal assault on DH about a dog. I miss having something to fuss over.
According to my local & state laws I own my dogs...dogs are Property. BUT that's not true They Own me! Boy are they Bossy When their food and water bowls are empty its me they Order to fill it. When they need to go out its Me they bring their leashes to. When they want to play its Me they bring ALL their toys to. So don't tell me I own them! I am Not their boss they are mine! & I wouldn't change a thing [that was part of a poem a friend of my boss wrote for me back in 1980s.... sorry I cant remember the rest...yes it was published in several dog mags ]
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[that was part of a poem a friend of my boss wrote for me back in 1980s.... sorry I cant remember the rest...yes it was published in several dog mags 
