How much is that dog at the window … so goes an old song. It’s easy to fall in love with the dog at the pet store or at the centers. But buying it – or even adopt one – is not the same as buying on a whim a nice pair of shoes or a cool shirt. The shoes and t-shirt you can just put in the closet or get rid of after the first fancy or cold is gone. The question is how much of a dog lover are we?
It is easy to overlook cost a lot, when you consider the benefits. Or when you are simply captivated by the dog, or the idea of ​​having one. How cool is it to carry around a live toy dog, Tinkerbell Paris Hilton’s fame. Or have an energetic wind hound or a lovely labrador to walk or run with. Or a hunter dog to hunt with. Or bring home a dog playmate and a pleasant distraction for the kids. Psychologists tell us that pets and dogs teach young kids such positive traits as kindness, compassion, love and loyalty.
Various studies on the health benefits of having pets also show that pet owners make healthier by helping to lower blood pressure, reduce stress, prevent heart disease and help fight depression. The positive effects of pet ownership even lower health care costs of people who, as a result, fewer doctor visits for non-serious medical conditions.
The initial cost of acquiring a pet dog might or might not be easy on the pocket, depending on how much the household budget. At the San Francisco SPCA (Society for the prevention of cruelty to animals), for example, the cost of dog adoption ranges from $ 80 -. $ 300 depending on the age of the dog, plus $ 20 for the dog license fee recently adopted a policy variable adoption fees, with the price based on whether a particular dog or breed is in high demand as a means to raise funds for the other animals in need of shelter.
The American Pet Products Association (APPA) places the average cost of buying a dog at $ 364, based on a 2011-2012 National Pet Owners Survey, where pet owners have been asked about the amount spent on pets in the last 12 months. The higher costs due to the rising cost of pure breed dogs.
This is just the beginning. In the same study estimated that basic expenses for dog owners is $ 1542 a year that consisted of surgical vet visits, $ 407; routine vet, $ 248; food, $ 254, kennel boarding, $ 274, vitamins, $ 95 ; travel expenses, $ 78; grooming / grooming aids, $ 73, treats, $ 70, and toys, $ 43rd If surgical visits and boarding kennel were not recognized in, given that the dog is healthy for most of his life, and the owner has a family to leave the dog when traveling, a sure bet for spending more than $ 800 a year .

In rare cases, you can escape the initial cost of buying or adopting the dog you want. If you find a stray and decide to keep it if no one would argue that – after reporting to the local Animal Control agency or accommodations you choose. Examples are the stories of two adopted dogs I’ve met on the trail. A rescue cleverly named Ruscoe of the human that took him is a brown brindle with uncertain mix-breed that was found sick and abandoned near a brook. Another is Winnie, a Chihuahua that was found barking and roaming around confused on a busy street. When they found they could easily have done it as a poster dog of the owner’s irresponsibility and cruelty. There is no escaping the ensuing costs of these new parents: dog tag of $ 12 – $ 21, and the vet costs for vaccination and treatment costs released
This is not to discourage dog ownership .. This is opening our eyes to the reality of dog ownership. Expensive maybe, but the rewards priceless. In Joplin, Missouri, where over 600 animals survived but were left without owners after the deadly tornado hit the 22nd May the ASPCA and the Joplin Humane Society teamed up to hold an extraordinary Joplin Adoption Event on 25 July and 26. Among these animals are waiting for adoptive parents are Shih Tzus, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and Dachshunds. Precious beautiful dogs and other animals that have undergone SAFER evaluation of ASPCA Animal Behavior Center. For many of us, the cost may even be the least of the factors at play. Engagement is. If you decide you are up to the task and are committed to taking good care of a dog in the long run, so a second dog may just have found a new man friend and a new home for keeps.
And we need more dedicated people and dog lovers.
Alda Menhennet is a self-confessed dog-fearful person who has evolved into an overt dog enthusiast, thanks to a dog. Follow her personal saga, adventures and misadventures with Otis the dog – and learn with her – in her Dog Day series in www.dogphiles.com

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