Yes! That being said, a pet owner has a moral responsibility to provide proper basic care for the animal(s); however, the animals are not human and I don't believe in going to extreme financial measures (and debt) on their behalf.
My husband and I think that a pet (in our case a dog) is totally worth the money... but we don't have a dog yet becuase we have yet to save up for the initial "investment." Even rescuing a dog (is there really any other choice?) can get expensive if you have to buy the collar, bed, pet food, etc. for the first time.
Additionally, our work schedules recently got a little more hectic, so we're trying to determine if it would be fair to bring a pet into our lives at this moment.
Absolutely. My cat, who I had for 8 years, just died of cancer in December. During the last year of his life the costs were astronomical, and he was an expensive cat to begin with because of food allergies and other health problems. But for the amount of joy and peace he brought to my life, it was totally, totally worth it. I'm glad we were able to afford to do all we could for him and I just hope we made his life a little better too.
I have been seriously asking myself this question...as my one salary is stretched thinner and thinner for human health care, transportation, and food costs- I am worried that it will not cover our pets' vet bills should one of them become ill. Having a pet means committing yourself to their care for a lifetime, and seeing to it that they are fed and properly housed and cared for on a small income is worrisome. Our cat and dog are in good health right now, but if we had a major pet health emergency, I would be forced to make the difficult decision of how much is too much to put toward pet care, while weighing the importance of caring for myself and my son's health. It's overwhelming. In more optimistic economic times, this was not an issue, but now it worries me just like my dwindling retirement fund and escalating debt do.
If they will be a priority for you, and you're able to take care of them, then of course! Anything that is important enough to you will be worth the cost. For some, it's cable TV, or a hobby, while for others, it's pets.
Taking proper care of a pet IS expensive and time consuming. I never seriously considered having one until I was retired and by chance a friend gave me her middle-aged dog when she moved out of state. This little guy opened up a whole new world for me -- that of the dog people in my neighborhood whom I would not have gotten to know otherwise. Walking him 3 times a day (actually my husband and I share the duty) has been a huge advantage of getting me out of the house no matter what the weather, and provided some regular exercise for all three of us. I cannot place a monetary value on the love and happiness generated by this little being in our household. So, if the timing is right, yes, the experience of having a dog companion is definitely life-enhancing, amusing, amazing, and worthwhile.
Yes, yes, yes! I'm a cat owner. The only time it gets expensive is when you have to go to the vet. My cat is part of our family, so it's money well spent!
I tend to avoid chain restaurants, but my boyfriend's family usually goes for them. My boyfriend and I can split an entree and both still be full, so in my opinion, chains have their place. I won't suggest them, but I won't make a fuss if that's where everyone wants to go.
Absolutely worth it. My dog keeps my blood pressure low and makes even the bad times tolerable. Unconditional love can't be beat.
To cut costs, I shop around and price compare food, medicine and whatever else he needs. He is a member of the family and is treated like it. Home would not be the same without him.
Having a pet is priceless! How do you put a value on the loyalty, friendship & love they give. That's something money CAN'T buy! One huge cost cutter is to do your own grooming. There are also recipes on the internet for making your own treats for them.
It's worth it. My long-haired cat Sophie leaves hair everywhere, runs away from everyone else and has already caused the death of one vaccum in the year I've owned her. If anyone had asked me whether I'd ever want a long-haired cat, I'd have said NO. But she was the one who picked me at the shelter, and she is so happy to be around me that it just makes my day better. Who can grumble about a vaccum cleaner when a cute ball of fur is lying on your chest purring at the top of her lungs because she's so happy to be around you?
Unfortunately, there is no room in my budget for a pet right now. I would love to be able to afford a nice dog, but I can barely feed myself let alone a furry friend!
Hi, I just made the recipe this morning and I love them. I also made a couple of changes; I used a combination of dried orange flavored cranberries and dried strawberries. Instead of Splenda I used Agave nectar and I added Salba.
Thank you for the recipe. I intend to have them at school for my recess break instead of the commercial granola recipe.
Yes, having a pet is totally worth the cost WHEN you can afford it. I currently cannot afford a pet b/c I still have debt, I am paying down my debt hard and fast, so in 2 years, I will be able to ADOPT two dogs from abusive/neglectful situations. Since I know how amazing it is to be loved by a furry canine, I still access the love by helping my younger brother care for his dog, I help with his vet expenses, walk him, and other "aunty" type things. I believe most Americans who bring in an income can afford the things in life that really matter when we live below our means, budget for our needs and wants, and plan for everything first (including emergencies), and not try to make do after the fact. It is incredible what one can afford when one budgets as a lifestyle. (see my facebook post as well)
not unless your pet stays healthy, you have plenty of spare money, or you spend plenty of quality time with it
Yes! That being said, a pet owner has a moral responsibility to provide proper basic care for the animal(s); however, the animals are not human and I don't believe in going to extreme financial measures (and debt) on their behalf.
Have pets worth the cost? Absolutely!
My husband and I think that a pet (in our case a dog) is totally worth the money... but we don't have a dog yet becuase we have yet to save up for the initial "investment." Even rescuing a dog (is there really any other choice?) can get expensive if you have to buy the collar, bed, pet food, etc. for the first time.
Additionally, our work schedules recently got a little more hectic, so we're trying to determine if it would be fair to bring a pet into our lives at this moment.
My dog and cats are worth every penny to me, but as much as I'd love another dog right now, that decision is on hold I can afford one.
I meant to say commercial granola Bars.
Absolutely. My cat, who I had for 8 years, just died of cancer in December. During the last year of his life the costs were astronomical, and he was an expensive cat to begin with because of food allergies and other health problems. But for the amount of joy and peace he brought to my life, it was totally, totally worth it. I'm glad we were able to afford to do all we could for him and I just hope we made his life a little better too.
You are welcome Carrie! :)
I have been seriously asking myself this question...as my one salary is stretched thinner and thinner for human health care, transportation, and food costs- I am worried that it will not cover our pets' vet bills should one of them become ill. Having a pet means committing yourself to their care for a lifetime, and seeing to it that they are fed and properly housed and cared for on a small income is worrisome. Our cat and dog are in good health right now, but if we had a major pet health emergency, I would be forced to make the difficult decision of how much is too much to put toward pet care, while weighing the importance of caring for myself and my son's health. It's overwhelming. In more optimistic economic times, this was not an issue, but now it worries me just like my dwindling retirement fund and escalating debt do.
If they will be a priority for you, and you're able to take care of them, then of course! Anything that is important enough to you will be worth the cost. For some, it's cable TV, or a hobby, while for others, it's pets.
Taking proper care of a pet IS expensive and time consuming. I never seriously considered having one until I was retired and by chance a friend gave me her middle-aged dog when she moved out of state. This little guy opened up a whole new world for me -- that of the dog people in my neighborhood whom I would not have gotten to know otherwise. Walking him 3 times a day (actually my husband and I share the duty) has been a huge advantage of getting me out of the house no matter what the weather, and provided some regular exercise for all three of us. I cannot place a monetary value on the love and happiness generated by this little being in our household. So, if the timing is right, yes, the experience of having a dog companion is definitely life-enhancing, amusing, amazing, and worthwhile.
For me, absolutely. I don't think anyone should have animals if they don't think they're worth the cost.
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In my opinion, pets aren't currently worth it. Other people's pets, sure, but nothing compels me to get my own.
Absolutely! I don't think I could live without a dog in my home. They bring happiness and there's always someone to cuddle with!
I share my home with three cats. Yes, it can be a little bit expensive but it worth the cost!
Yes, yes, yes! I'm a cat owner. The only time it gets expensive is when you have to go to the vet. My cat is part of our family, so it's money well spent!
I tend to avoid chain restaurants, but my boyfriend's family usually goes for them. My boyfriend and I can split an entree and both still be full, so in my opinion, chains have their place. I won't suggest them, but I won't make a fuss if that's where everyone wants to go.
Absolutely worth it. My dog keeps my blood pressure low and makes even the bad times tolerable. Unconditional love can't be beat.
To cut costs, I shop around and price compare food, medicine and whatever else he needs. He is a member of the family and is treated like it. Home would not be the same without him.
Having a pet is priceless! How do you put a value on the loyalty, friendship & love they give. That's something money CAN'T buy! One huge cost cutter is to do your own grooming. There are also recipes on the internet for making your own treats for them.
It's worth it. My long-haired cat Sophie leaves hair everywhere, runs away from everyone else and has already caused the death of one vaccum in the year I've owned her. If anyone had asked me whether I'd ever want a long-haired cat, I'd have said NO. But she was the one who picked me at the shelter, and she is so happy to be around me that it just makes my day better. Who can grumble about a vaccum cleaner when a cute ball of fur is lying on your chest purring at the top of her lungs because she's so happy to be around you?
Unfortunately, there is no room in my budget for a pet right now. I would love to be able to afford a nice dog, but I can barely feed myself let alone a furry friend!
Hi, I just made the recipe this morning and I love them. I also made a couple of changes; I used a combination of dried orange flavored cranberries and dried strawberries. Instead of Splenda I used Agave nectar and I added Salba.
Thank you for the recipe. I intend to have them at school for my recess break instead of the commercial granola recipe.
Yes, having a pet is totally worth the cost WHEN you can afford it. I currently cannot afford a pet b/c I still have debt, I am paying down my debt hard and fast, so in 2 years, I will be able to ADOPT two dogs from abusive/neglectful situations. Since I know how amazing it is to be loved by a furry canine, I still access the love by helping my younger brother care for his dog, I help with his vet expenses, walk him, and other "aunty" type things. I believe most Americans who bring in an income can afford the things in life that really matter when we live below our means, budget for our needs and wants, and plan for everything first (including emergencies), and not try to make do after the fact. It is incredible what one can afford when one budgets as a lifestyle. (see my facebook post as well)