BB is a purebred, but is a sort of a rescue as well. She was purchased by one of my friends who'd never owned a pet before and had no idea of the amount of care, training, etc. involved in the ownership of a furry friend. After she'd had BB six months, she decided it was time for BB to go. I took BB in because I felt a lot of compassion for her and felt she just needed the appropriate discipline and training. It was a very difficult job for about six months until BB came to the knowledge that I am the alpha female in THIS house. She's a wonderful, wonderful little pet and I feel privileged to be her owner.

 

Personally, I don't want to have a dog at this time but if someone wants a pet, that person should accept the consequences for that desire. It is a commitment and an obligation. I cannot understand people who wants dog one day and abandon it at their convenience. Count the cost and if you are willing, by all means but it is cruel to abandon an innocent animal just because the owner didn't consider the full implication of what that entails.

I have no problem with some people who spend great sum in caring for their animals. Why should that bother anyone is another matter but if that person is financially capable and chooses to do so, why should that bother anyone? More power to them.

By seeing how people care for their animals, one could imagine how they are like with people too. If a person is cruel to animals, it is very likely that person is not the nicest person around.

If you own a pet, take care of your pet as a family member. It is your choice and your obligation.

 

Lucky you! Lucky BB! You always get more than you invest in a dog (cats I'm not so sure, but I'm biased).

Atlas, I'm reminded of that line: 'the light that burns twice as bright lasts 1/2 as long'. In our case 13 years or so is too short. Knowing the time is short gives a greater appreciation of every precious moment

 

I'm biased as well, but have learned to have some affection for my daughter's cats. She moved back home last year and brought two tuxedo cats with her . We were reluctant and unhappy about taking in the two cats, but she keeps them confined to one area of the house. I HATE litter boxes and the unpleasant aromas that come along with them!! Blechhhhh. However, the daughter takes care of the feeding and cleaning, etc., so I try to just bear it. For some unknown reason, those stupid cats took an instant liking to ME which is not a good thing because simply being near them causes me to itch and develop hives and sniffles. One of them swallowed a long piece of thread and almost died, but after surgery and a lengthy convalescence, he's fine (against all odds). They are quite elegant and beautiful and my daughter adores them, so I guess they're okay. She derives a great deal of pleasure from them and its quite entertaining to watch them at play.

 

It wouldn't surprise me if we've easily spent over $50,000 on animals since we got married.

I just ran some quick numbers on Donna's horse, her average monthly cost is $1,050.
(Board - $400, Food/Supplements - $90, Vet - $170, Purchase - $390 purchase cost divided by # months owned). I don't recall when she bought her first horse but it's been a long time. At one time we had two dogs and three cats in addition to the horse. There have been several times where we had big expenditures for the dogs/cats. I can recall we spent on $1k on a cat only to have it die a just a few weeks later.

Today we are down to one really, really spoiled and wonderful dog and that expensive horse (and I didn't even include the $5k she's spent on saddles in the past 6 years)!

 

Ouch! Well, a horse is still cheaper than a boat (1 horsepower?).

 

I've been pricing out small outboard motors to replace my 25 year old 7.5 hp. The best price I've found for a 8 hp Honda (4-stroke) is $2,055. I can't imagine how much those 300 and 400 hp jobs go for!

 

I think artificial balls for a neutered pet is a bit much. But when we did have pets we took good care of them, with regular vet visits and good food.

 

I think that pets are a good thing. Though I only practiced as a Veterinarian for about 5 years in the 1970s, I would offer a few comments/advice. Seek alternative Veterinarians because prices for services can vary a lot. Older, well-established Vets with large, busy practices often charge the most, while not providing the most up-to-date services at all. Younger start-up vets are often cheaper, have more skills, incorporate more technology like sonograms, etc, and are less likely to perform unnecessary services nor to overcharge in an attempt to compete and build their practices. If you live in or near an urban area, prices tend to be higher, and a Vet in a nearby small town might be quite a bit cheaper for the same serves. Large/small animal vets are fine for meds and immunizations, and routine services, etc and often chose small animal work for its high profitability vs. large animal work. If you're dealing with potential serious acute problems seek the most up-to-date expertise. Many older Vets have younger side kicks, who are just more up to speed. Vets are real good at scoping out the pet owners and their attachment to their pets, and what-the-traffic-will-bare does apply. Costly preventive items like flea/tick prevention, worming, heart worm preventive are often oversold and available cheaper elsewhere. Not all pets are at the same risk. If I have a bone to pick with my practicing colleages, it is unnecessary X-rays, unneeded blood tests, and high-profit, presciption diets. Few animals really, really, really need precription diets. I think heart diets for older animals are particularly skeptical. They are often available cheaper elsewhere, and owners can easily concoct most of these meals. Stick to diets that avoid unnecessary, routine dental work. If they tell you dental treatment prevents cavities, go elsewhere. Dogs/ cats get tartar/stains mainly from wet foods, result in no harm per se', and can scaled/bushed by willing owners. Don't wash your pets too often - as in when needed only.
Pets can be costly to own. You might want to avoid certain breeds with almost predictable chronic health problems. Most house pets can lead long lives with proper home care and nutrition with little veterinary intervention. Enjoy your pets; everybody I know well does.

 

Compare this topic to the one on health care (for people). Many of the same issues. How much is too much, and who decides?