Ask the Readers: Do You Have Any Pets?

Editor's Note: Congratulations to Pam, Lisa W., and Lisa R. for winning this week's contest!

There's no denying that pets can bring a lot of joy to their people. There's also no denying that caring for an animal can be expensive and time-consuming — but to many people, it's worth it.

Do you have any pets? How much money do you spend on your animal(s) each month? In your opinion, what is the best thing about your pet? If you don't have pets, would you like one? What kind?

Tell us whether you have pets and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

Win 1 of 3 $20 Amazon Gift Cards

We're doing three giveaways — here's how you can win!

Mandatory Entry:

  • Post your answer in the comments below. One commenter will be randomly selected to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

For Extra Entries:

  • You can tweet about our giveaway for an extra entry. Also, our Facebook fans can get an extra entry too! Use our Rafflecopter widget for your chance to win one of the other two Amazon Gift Cards:

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If you're inspired to write a whole blog post OR you have a photo on Flickr to share, please link to it in the comments or tweet it.

Giveaway Rules:

  • Contest ends Monday, October 3rd at 11:59 p.m. Pacific. Winners will be announced after October 3rd on the original post. Winners will also be contacted via email.
     
  • You can enter all three drawings — once by leaving a comment, once by liking our Facebook update, and once by tweeting.
     
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  • You must be 18 and US resident to enter. Void where prohibited.

Good Luck!

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Guest's picture
Jenny D

We have a 13 year old Bichon Frise dog, name Tillie, that we've owned for 12 years. She has a very tenderhearted nature. We also have a tuxedo cat, Libby, who adopted us about 7 years ago. We don't know her age, but know she wasn't young. They are best friends. Both of them are great companions to us and would be dearly missed if they were no longer a part of our household.
We do purchase the better pet foods, but buy them in the larger bags to keep down costs.

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Amanda

I have two dogs, both rescued as puppies. My 50 pound guy is eleven years old this year. My 16 pound guy is ten. They are such brothers. It's a really sweet relationship. I spend about $30 a month on food and treats. I put aside $35 a month for their annual vet visit, although that's not always enough. If I want to buy a six month supply of their monthly heartworm meds, then i need to put back more. When they go to the vet for various ailments throughout the year (a recent dew claw problem for one and an allergy issue for the other) I have to pull from my emergency fund. But I don't mind. They make everything better. I take them as many places with me as I can. We're a unit. All the rewards of frugality in the world couldn't convince me that dogs aren't worth the price of their care.

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Elena

I have two cats and two dogs. I think I spend $100 a month on them

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Guest

Two dogs.

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Jacob

Yes, I have a pet! Actually two, a dog and a cat!

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Matt

I had a chocolate lab, but she passed away a month ago after nearly 15 years of awesomeness. I'd love another chocolate lab. My fiance has 2 cats. They cost us about $100-$150 a month - namely because 1 of them has a digestive disorder that requires special food (it's far easier to feed 2 cats the same way than to waste what little sanity I have left trying to feed 2 cats 2 separate diets). After some research, I found a non-prescriptive alternative that was nearly 50% of the cost. From there, I found the same identical product on chewy.com for 30% additional savings. Researching isn't just about finding savings. Sometimes an alternative makes all the difference.

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Guest

I don't have a pet right now because of the hours I work as a grad student. But, I really want a golden retriever!

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Lisa

We have a senior dog and two goldfish. We don't spend too much on them per month, (less than $20), but get much more back in return in terms of companionship.

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Karen Patterson

I have never had a pet.

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Tina in NJ

Yes, I have an insane tuxedo (black with white) cat. My daughter has a guinea pig.

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Mami2jcn

I don't have pets right now but would like to get a poodle in the future.

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Julie Wood

I have a cat named Molly , and a Dog named Biggles. They are so much fun.

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Donna Sako

Currently I have a cat which I got from the Humane Society. I spend $15 a month on food/litter and $150 a year on vet. I also spend $200 a year on Revolution for heart & fleas. I enjoy the companionship from my pet and past pets. I have had 3 dogs and 4 cats during my lifetime.

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Judy

Yes, I have two dogs, a Maltese and a mini dachshund. I probably spend an average of $20 monthly on food and treats.

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Lisa W

I have a wonderful Jack Russell/Beagle Mix. He is terrific!!!!

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V

No pets! But we are saving up some funds to get a couple dogs, a fish, and a lizard.

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Natasha

I don't have any pets. I'm not home enough to think a dog would be a good idea, so I settle for a few plants that only need watering.

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Monique Hubert

I don't currently have pets but I would like to have a dog and a cat when I am more settled down. I do volunteer at the local animal shelter though.8956

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Matt

No, but hopefully a dog in the near future!

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Cheryl Ledford

I have two dachshunds, both rescues. They were fairly inexpensive when they were young. They are now 10 and 12 years old.

I love these dogs dearly, but one now has cataracts and is nearly blind, the other has thyroid issues. Our monthly expenses when they were young ranged from $50-75 per month. Now it is closer to $200-225 per month.

Aging dogs are like aging people and often times have more health problems including dental care, needing special foods, etc. I love my dogs and certainly want to take care of their needs to give them the best and longest life possible. Persons wanting to acquire a pet must realize it's a long term investment with some large "fees" involved,but the reward is enormous and worth every penny.

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Wendy Roberson Welch

I have five beautiful furbabies that I love dearly. They are Gracie (black lab/Great Dane mix), Rosco & Zoey (Boston Terriers), Baxley (Schnoodle), and Jasper (Golden Retriever).

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Gina

I don't have a pet and I don't want one. They're expensive and messy. They also require a lot of time for care.

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Kelly

I have two dogs (one just recently adopted). We spend at a minimum $38 a month primarily on their $19 bark boxes. On average, probably about $50 a month once you count in vet bills, dog food, toys, etc.

Not only are they spoiled, but now that we have two, it is double everything, including Christmas gifts.

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Revanche @ A Gai Shan Life

I "only" have one dog right now and his monthly costs (food, medications, supplements) average around $100 a month, as long as we don't have to run to the vet. If we do, it's more like $200-300 a month.

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Revanche @ A Gai Shan Life

I "only" have one dog right now and his monthly costs (food, medications, supplements) average around $100 a month, as long as we don't have to run to the vet. If we do, it's more like $200-300 a month.

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Karen Littman

I don't have one, but my family did when I was growing up.

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Lisa

I have a cat named Jenks and I would say I spend about $45 a month on him. The best thing about Jenks is he makes me laugh and keeps me company. I love that he is there to greet me when I get home and meows at me if I don't give him a belly scratch first thing. I have always had a pet and always will! My goal is to retire on a ranch and get a lot more cats, dogs, goats, etc.

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Lisa

I have two dogs, Cooper and Izzy. While I spend about $40 a month n them, I consider it a bargain. Dogs help me stay healthier thereby saving on medical bills. Dogs keep me out in the community by walking them each day, thereby saving me money n entertainment and socializing. Cooper and Izzy also save on my power bills. They keep me warmer n the winter by sleeping on my bed.

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Tamara

Yes, I have 2 dogs. Their monthly costs are generally low, the exception being the Wellness Plan we signed them up for through their vet; for two dogs, it's about $73/month. This has proven to be a huge cost-savings, as one of our dogs had a lot of ongoing health issues when we adopted her from a rescue a few years ago. Other than that, we spend around $30/month on food (natural, grain-free, yada yada).

The best thing about pets is the happiness they bring. I have depression/anxiety and spending time with my dogs helps me cope immeasurably. They're so goofy and innocent; a true joy to interact with. Walking them daily keeps us all healthy too.

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Mary W

I have had many rescue pets in my life since the day I was born. I currently have 4 rescued dogs and 3 rescued cats who live in my house. I choose to adopt rather than shop. Saving animals is something I choose to do even though it is expensive to keep them all in the best health. I prefer doing what makes me healthy and happy over things other people do to entertain themselves. I spend my money in ways that bring me joy over a long period. I view this as an investment in my overall well being.

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Pam Pedersen

I have 4 dogs. We spend about 40.00 on dog food a month for them. I can't think of one thing that is the best about them. Everything is great! They are constant companions, great little heaters and bring joy to my life every day. If I am sad, they know it and they will love me and make me laugh. 3 of our dogs are rescues and it feels so amazing to give them a home where they are spoiled. They are small dogs and we make their food with hamburger and cottage cheese. We buy vitamins for them once every 6 months (it lasts that long). We live in a cooler climate so from October to May they do not need flea meds. We give them baths monthly. You can see all of them on my instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kittykill69/

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Annie

Hi there! We have two dogs and one cat. We spend at minimum 100$ on our indoor pets and up to 500$ if we have a vet visit. Also any vacation or even one night away costs more since we have to pay someone to take care of them. Is it worth it? Some days I think so, other days not so much. I think it's great for my daughter to have pets, good life lessons and better for her immune system and fewer allergies. Those benefits are hard to measure in dollars.

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Kym W

We do have a cat but shhh don't tell him he's a cat he is just our boy. His sister likes to dress him up and the his older brothers love to feed him all sorts of treats. Gold fish crackers and any flavor yogurt are his favorites. Just try to eat some with out him bulling you. We love our baby. Bear Earl Winski yes he has a middle name.

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Michelle B

We have two medium dogs and it really isn't that expensive. We buy their food in big huge bags ($22) and it lasts them about a month and a half. We occasionally will pick up a box of treats or a rawhide which is no more than $10 extra a month (if that). Their medical costs once a year (shots, teeth cleaning) can get expensive though ($90-200). We've debated getting health insurance for them because it would devistate us if they got hurt and we couldn't afford to fix it. But dog insurance is pretty pricey.

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Kyle

My wife and I have a Border Collie and an Aussie and we spend probably about $30 a month on them. The real pain is travelling with them. The added fees at all the hotel rooms can add up fast!

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Elle

Yes, I do. I have a dog and a cat.

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Amanda

I have two large breed dogs (a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Great Pyrenees). They eat a LOT - I spend about $80/month on food alone plus other routine things like toys, grooming and medications. The total average cost per month is probably between $125 - $150, depending on the month! However, they are 100% worth it. The best thing about them is the joy they bring me! There is nothing like coming home to two happy pups with wagging tails after a long day. They truly make my heart happy and my life complete.

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Susan P.

I have 2 cats that are brothers, named Kit and Caboodle. They are grey tabbies but have different markings.

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Sara

Yup! I have an older chihuahua named Maggie who is 5lbs!

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amanda sakovitz

I don't have any pets.

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Emily S.

Sadly, no animals for us. We always talk about getting a dog, but they are expensive and we just do not have the time as young, busy, professionals.

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natasha

We do not have pets at the moment but are looking fairly soon into adopting from our local shelter.

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Sue

We have two dogs, a 5 yr old and a 1 yr old. We spend about $100 on food and then another $20-50 on treats and toys each month for both. They are spoiled! :) Our pups are so happy, the way the smile and get excited when we get home from work each day is awesome! I also love cuddling with them on lazy weekends.

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MELISSA HANSSON

We do not currently have pets, but my husband really wants to get a couple dogs.

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SarahGuest

I have always had pets and will always have them. Right now, 2 cats, the first from the Humane Society where I was volunteering, the second a rescue from a barn cat environment. This sweet kitten was saved by my vet from being aborted because mama barn cat who was rescued was too far along when brought in. He took the kittens and at 8 weeks, placed them all in loving cat families.

I have had dogs and cats over the years and they bring much joy. I have 2 sons, one autistic. Both love these pets and my older autistic son is calmed by them. I am glad that I have good resources, like the University of Minnesota Vet clinic where I can take my sick pets and get them treated. My vet sends me there when more specialized needs and equipment are necessary to diagnose and treat.

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Ernest S.

I don't have any pets. I would love to have one, but I work and travel too much so I would feel like a neglectful owner.

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Rich

Two Australian shepherds came with the lovely woman who became my wife.

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Jeff

yes two cats. One showed up at our house one day quite a few years ago and the other we recently adopted from the local shelter. We couldn't be happier with them as they are the best!

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JD

We have the best Sheltie ever, she is 11 years old and spoiled rotten!!

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Susan Smith

Yes, I have two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

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Rebecca Ross

Yes, currently we have 3 dogs and 9 cats. I also foster cats, so we just took a mama and her 4 kittens to the local no kill shelter that I work with. At one point in time, we had 18 animals in our house! Don't worry, I promise our house doesn't smell like a zoo!!

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Christina

I have 2 cats. Right now their budget went up because one needs a prescription diet - but we love them and they definitely add a lot of joy to our lives, so we save on other things to be able to afford them and have an emergency fund amount put aside for any surprise vet visits. We keep toying with the idea of getting a dog too, but it seems like so much more work and money than the cats are.

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Tracy

Yes, we have two cats. One adopted us when we came home from vacation to find him eager to be fed. The other is a recent adoption - a senior cat who lost her way and was at the shelter. They control our lives! Cats are new to me, I grew up in a home with a dog and my daughter had two dogs growing up. Pets bring so much joy and energy to our lives!

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Suz_Glo

We have two dogs, one of whom is very high maintenance. Despite the extra work she causes, I enjoy having pets in our family and cannot imagine life without a furry companion. Month to month, our 2 small dogs probably have expenses around $50-$60 (includes food & heart worm meds). Once a year vet bills total $250 for both of them but of course you also have to be prepared for the unexpected health problem. So having pets is not cheap! But still worth it for our family.

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Summer I.

We have a cat named Matt. We adopted him. We buy cat food and litter for him. I would say maybe $35 a month for both. I always try to find his food and litter on sale and use coupons. He is such a cuddly cat but he can be crazy too.

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Catseye

No, I am living close to the bone and can't afford pets right now. Hopefully, I'll be working full time next year so I can have one or two cats again.

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Terrie L

Two black and white cats. The younger one is a polydactl with a pesky younger sibling personality and constantly annoys the older one.

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Sindaset

We have no pets .. But would love to get a kitty !

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MelodyJ

I don't have a pet now, but I had one when I was a kid. I had a dog and would like to have one again . Yes, pets are expensive but you could never repay what you get back in unconditional love.

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Melanie

I have six dogs, two cats, a bird and a turtle. Only one dog was purchased. The others were other "dumps" or I found them in the middle of a road.

I can't live without my pets. They make life SO much more enjoyable and yes, they're worth the trouble - ten times over.

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Guest

I have a cockapoo. I spend about $200.00 per month, which includes grooming, food and toys.

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Amanda Z

I have two dogs that I love. A border collie and a basset hound.

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Evie B.

I have 2 kittens and a dog.

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Michelle G

No pets yet, but possibly getting a dog soon!

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Donna D

No pets currently, but we have a grandpuppy!

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GB

I have a cat!

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Lynda

i have a dog that's really my husband's

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Natalie

I have a large goldendoodle dog named Miles!

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Erika

We have two furry family members: a dog named Gracie and a cat named Margo. Life is complete with them.

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An G

We have a puppy 7 months and spend about $50 a month on training and food. We also have a lizard that we rescued from Trader Joe's (he came in on the boxes of oranges). We go hunting in our backyard for spiders, crickets and grasshoppers to feed him so he has no cost :)

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Michelle D.

Yes a very spoiled cat!

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Michelle D.

Yes a very spoiled cat!

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Guest

I have two dogs and a cat! I probably spend 100$ a month on them, and lots of time cleaning up after them!

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Melissa Tibbals-Gribbin

We have three pets: 2 rescued greyhounds and a 22 pound orange tabby.

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Kristin

Yes a dog and a cat

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Happy Love

We have two cats and a 100 lb. dog.

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Tabathia B

My youngest daughter has a pet fish and my oldest daughter has a beagle

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Jennifer Stuart

I have an amazing Puggle- she is a joy, a cuddler, a sweetie, and stubborn. She lets me dress her up, albeit that doesn't happen too often. She is so amazing to come home to - tail wagging, smooches and all. She's on the lookout for something to eat often. Something I'm trying control inasmuch as I can. I love her!!!

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Jamie

Yes, I have a cat named "Tara". I saved her from a very severe blizzard. She was homeless, alone, and pregnant. She costs about 11 cents a day to feed and a yearly vet visit of about $150. But even if she cost much more then that she would still be worth it. Everyday she makes my life better. She is the most loving, sweet creature I have ever met. I suffer from depression and if I am ever crying she runs up to me and jumps in my lap. She always makes me feel better. I'm doing much better now, but for a while I was suicidal. The only thing that stopped me was that I didn't want to leave her on her own again. So I guess you could say that she saved my life too.

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Kate Kyleen

My fiance and I currently have (2) cats as members of our family - Little Dude and Dexter! Both were adopted from local shelters, adding love to our home. Though cats are fairly low maintenance, they still come with expenses. We spend at least $60-$70 minimum/month for food and litter. Vet visits are definitely costly, but we are fortunate that both are healthy and rarely have to bring them in. They are wonderful to come home to, and worth every penny!

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Ashley S

I have the best of both worlds. My two cats are 5-year-old litter mates that I adopted at six weeks old. They're very sweet, cuddly purring machines. I also have a one and a half year old lab/shepherd mix named Stella who is a little hyper diva. She likes to keep me on my toes. She's a rescue I adopted when she was just 11 weeks old. Between cat food, litter, dog food and treats I probably spend a good $100 a month. The cats are much cheaper than the dog but they're all worth it.

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AshleyP.

I have 2- a cat and dog.

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Liz

No, but I hope I do soon!

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Miss Kim

I have a dog and cat that I adopted.

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Michael

yes I have two actually.

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Ana

Yes one

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Thomas Murphy

I have a dog.

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Kat

I have one dog that I love so much!