It's true that pets can be expensive, but any number of studies have shown that being a responsible pet owner leads to measurable health benefits. There's the obvious benefit of exercise when someone walks their dog, but pets have also been shown to reduce things like blood pressure, or circulating levels of cortisol, because of their loving, non judgmental presence. So it can be argued that you can deduct pet owning expenses from future health care costs. Sounds like a bargain to me!
Safety- When home alone or at night, a pet’s superior hearing and protective instinct can be reassuring, and even be a deterrent to break-ins regardless of size or breed either sounding the alarm or by being physically imposing. Safety and physical well being have no price.
Mental Well being- During tough times, sometimes having a set of big brown doe eyes to look at you with silent understanding can help you get through, and lower your stress levels. Pets are a great ego boost; few human beings treat you like a rock star when you walk through the door.
Personal trainer- Pets can help you get back in touch with your love of being active and the joy of play. Premium cable has nothing on an intense game of squeak toys or tug of war.
Pet ownership is a commitment, but there are definitely some ways to cut costs. Take advantage of local non-profit spay/neuter clinics that offer their services at a lower cost. Adopt! I have a family member who purchased a purebred dog for nearly $900! There are many amazing dogs of all ages and breeds at local shelters that can be adopted for significantly less. My shelter dog Roxie was already housebroken and gets along great with my cat. More importantly than cost, by adopting you are saving a life and not supporting puppy mills! Prevention can cut costs as well, never take vaccinations lightly. There are relatively inexpensive and well worth the heartbreak of purchasing a pet and losing them to a preventable disease.
Yes! You should pick the right animal though. Hubby and I were broken up when we had to put our 13 yr old golden retriever down. After a few months we found a rescued, papered golden online for $150! We were his 4th owner and it took a few months to settle him down. Since I retired I've found ways to take care of him $-wise, and it's worked out. And money aside, there's nothing like coming home or waking up to a pet that's always happy to see you. You both take care of each other.
Yes it is but we are currently on animal hiatus since our dog passed away a few years ago. The kids are now out of college and we are cutting back wherever we can.
Let's see. I have: a cat, a dog, two rats, a lobster in its own aquarium, and a 55-gallon aquarium full of assorted fish. I definitely think they're worth the time and cost! The fish and lobster provide beautiful and calming scenery in my home, the rats are so intelligent that they're fun to watch, and my cat and dog provide me with unconditional love and company. I don't cut back on their costs; I buy organic food for them and try to make sure they have the best of everything.
I don't know, the cost seems to add up in a hurry with food, shots, pet sitters, carpet cleaner...and then you get attached to them and they get old and need diabetes, or cholesterol of some other meds...I think it would be good to be friends with the neighbors dog!
Eh, I have relatives who are very unadventurous when it comes to food and that's the kind of place where they feel comfortable. I go there to spend a meal with them, not for the food.
For us, our two dogs are worth the cost. They are great companions and lots of fun! We cut back on kennel costs by having family or neighbors watch the dogs while we are on vacation. We repay the favor when they are out of town.
Pets are well worth their cost! Pets provide comfort for people who are depressed, provide companionship and love for people who are lonely, give people who may not feel like getting out of bed a reason to get up and outside, give people who are scared to be alone a measure of security, help prevent crimes by alerting the humans to activity outside and save lives by alerting them to smoke inside, pets provide people who are deaf with a set of ears, and people who are blind with a guide, people who have seizures with a warning to lay down, provide sick people in hospitals with a visitor that is happy to give them a kiss and let them be hugged. Pets love their owners even when they treat them badly, love their owners even when they gain weight or don't look as beautiful or handsome as they once did, don't mind hearing the same stupid story again and again, and are as happy to see you after a 10 minute absence as after a ten hour absence. Pets don't look at someone and cringe when they see a handicap, or a birth defect, or a big beak of a nose; everyone is eligible to receive their love if they are just willing to give them love. They don't ever want to move out of their human parent's house unlike their human children, or their husband, or their wife. They find that horrible fart you just did to be the most alluring perfume ever, and they are more than happy to gobble up that failed recipe that makes the humans want to hurl. What human do you know, really, that is all of this to you? No human can be as good a friend as a dog (or cat) can be.
YES! Having pets is definitely worth the cost. My pets calm me and are a source of joy and entertainment. We love them so much that we rescue dogs that get dumped in our community. We use the pet food pantry to help us offset some costs. My son works at a vet so we get his employee discount along with the rescue discount they so graciously allow us. Pets are proven to lower your blood pressure and add enjoyment to your life. I have had pets all of my 45 years and will until the day I die.
Make sure your family is financially stable before venturing into getting a pet. A pet is a huge financial responsibility and shouldn't be taken lightly. Take care of your retirement and college for your kids before you get a pet.
I have 2 cats, and I definitely think they're worth the cost. They don't cost that much to maintain, and they bring lots of smiles and warmth when I'm not feeling well. They really add something to my life, and I know I'll miss them when they're gone.
Hi Wisebread, great post! I stumbled you and sent your post to my facebook fans. You have a great way of living. The only courage you need is the courage to live your dream life.. you are a great example! Thanks for sharing.
Absolutely yes. I'm retired but my younger spouse still works so my pet is my companion, my friend and my confidant ... my support when I'm down. This more than balances what it costs to house, to feed, to keep her healthy and to cloth her (she's a greyhound and needs a warm coat in the sub-zero weather).
It's EXTREMELY important to understand what you're getting into with pet ownership. It's an expensive, time-consuming, long-ranging (15-20 years) endeavor. Having said that, owning a pet can be one the most fulfilling experiences you'll ever have. It's hard to find a human who can and will give you unconditional love like a dog or cat will, even when they are neglected or not treated the way they would like. Faithful and fun. And the joy they can give can literally extend your life!
My cat is definitely worth the, oh, $20/month I spend on her. Lucky for me, she's incredibly low-maintenance.
It's true that pets can be expensive, but any number of studies have shown that being a responsible pet owner leads to measurable health benefits. There's the obvious benefit of exercise when someone walks their dog, but pets have also been shown to reduce things like blood pressure, or circulating levels of cortisol, because of their loving, non judgmental presence. So it can be argued that you can deduct pet owning expenses from future health care costs. Sounds like a bargain to me!
Absolutely! Pet ownership has many rewards!
Safety- When home alone or at night, a pet’s superior hearing and protective instinct can be reassuring, and even be a deterrent to break-ins regardless of size or breed either sounding the alarm or by being physically imposing. Safety and physical well being have no price.
Mental Well being- During tough times, sometimes having a set of big brown doe eyes to look at you with silent understanding can help you get through, and lower your stress levels. Pets are a great ego boost; few human beings treat you like a rock star when you walk through the door.
Personal trainer- Pets can help you get back in touch with your love of being active and the joy of play. Premium cable has nothing on an intense game of squeak toys or tug of war.
Pet ownership is a commitment, but there are definitely some ways to cut costs. Take advantage of local non-profit spay/neuter clinics that offer their services at a lower cost. Adopt! I have a family member who purchased a purebred dog for nearly $900! There are many amazing dogs of all ages and breeds at local shelters that can be adopted for significantly less. My shelter dog Roxie was already housebroken and gets along great with my cat. More importantly than cost, by adopting you are saving a life and not supporting puppy mills! Prevention can cut costs as well, never take vaccinations lightly. There are relatively inexpensive and well worth the heartbreak of purchasing a pet and losing them to a preventable disease.
Thanks for the great idea!! Too many ideas with too many distractions!!!
Thanks Drew! So glad you enjoyed the piece.
Yes! You should pick the right animal though. Hubby and I were broken up when we had to put our 13 yr old golden retriever down. After a few months we found a rescued, papered golden online for $150! We were his 4th owner and it took a few months to settle him down. Since I retired I've found ways to take care of him $-wise, and it's worked out. And money aside, there's nothing like coming home or waking up to a pet that's always happy to see you. You both take care of each other.
Yes it is but we are currently on animal hiatus since our dog passed away a few years ago. The kids are now out of college and we are cutting back wherever we can.
Let's see. I have: a cat, a dog, two rats, a lobster in its own aquarium, and a 55-gallon aquarium full of assorted fish. I definitely think they're worth the time and cost! The fish and lobster provide beautiful and calming scenery in my home, the rats are so intelligent that they're fun to watch, and my cat and dog provide me with unconditional love and company. I don't cut back on their costs; I buy organic food for them and try to make sure they have the best of everything.
I liked you on Facebook.
I don't know, the cost seems to add up in a hurry with food, shots, pet sitters, carpet cleaner...and then you get attached to them and they get old and need diabetes, or cholesterol of some other meds...I think it would be good to be friends with the neighbors dog!
I wanna know: is having children worth the cost? They are way more expensive than pets!
Eh, I have relatives who are very unadventurous when it comes to food and that's the kind of place where they feel comfortable. I go there to spend a meal with them, not for the food.
who else would love me unconditionally all the time in every situation except " Happy Jack" my Rottweiler/Beagle mix? I mean come on now!
To me, yes. Although I feel I can only afford the one cat I have right now and probably won't adopt another pet anytime soon.
I'm with you on everything but the dishwasher. If I had to wash all those dishes, I'm not sure I'd be doing much cooking!
For us, our two dogs are worth the cost. They are great companions and lots of fun! We cut back on kennel costs by having family or neighbors watch the dogs while we are on vacation. We repay the favor when they are out of town.
Pets are well worth their cost! Pets provide comfort for people who are depressed, provide companionship and love for people who are lonely, give people who may not feel like getting out of bed a reason to get up and outside, give people who are scared to be alone a measure of security, help prevent crimes by alerting the humans to activity outside and save lives by alerting them to smoke inside, pets provide people who are deaf with a set of ears, and people who are blind with a guide, people who have seizures with a warning to lay down, provide sick people in hospitals with a visitor that is happy to give them a kiss and let them be hugged. Pets love their owners even when they treat them badly, love their owners even when they gain weight or don't look as beautiful or handsome as they once did, don't mind hearing the same stupid story again and again, and are as happy to see you after a 10 minute absence as after a ten hour absence. Pets don't look at someone and cringe when they see a handicap, or a birth defect, or a big beak of a nose; everyone is eligible to receive their love if they are just willing to give them love. They don't ever want to move out of their human parent's house unlike their human children, or their husband, or their wife. They find that horrible fart you just did to be the most alluring perfume ever, and they are more than happy to gobble up that failed recipe that makes the humans want to hurl. What human do you know, really, that is all of this to you? No human can be as good a friend as a dog (or cat) can be.
I have a pro-chain restaurant comment. For people with special needs, restaurants have more nutritional information.
OK, well you got me there. Predictability is definitely a commodity that I overlooked here. Thanks for the comment!
YES! Having pets is definitely worth the cost. My pets calm me and are a source of joy and entertainment. We love them so much that we rescue dogs that get dumped in our community. We use the pet food pantry to help us offset some costs. My son works at a vet so we get his employee discount along with the rescue discount they so graciously allow us. Pets are proven to lower your blood pressure and add enjoyment to your life. I have had pets all of my 45 years and will until the day I die.
Make sure your family is financially stable before venturing into getting a pet. A pet is a huge financial responsibility and shouldn't be taken lightly. Take care of your retirement and college for your kids before you get a pet.
I have 2 cats, and I definitely think they're worth the cost. They don't cost that much to maintain, and they bring lots of smiles and warmth when I'm not feeling well. They really add something to my life, and I know I'll miss them when they're gone.
Hi Wisebread, great post! I stumbled you and sent your post to my facebook fans. You have a great way of living. The only courage you need is the courage to live your dream life.. you are a great example! Thanks for sharing.
Absolutely yes. I'm retired but my younger spouse still works so my pet is my companion, my friend and my confidant ... my support when I'm down. This more than balances what it costs to house, to feed, to keep her healthy and to cloth her (she's a greyhound and needs a warm coat in the sub-zero weather).
It's EXTREMELY important to understand what you're getting into with pet ownership. It's an expensive, time-consuming, long-ranging (15-20 years) endeavor. Having said that, owning a pet can be one the most fulfilling experiences you'll ever have. It's hard to find a human who can and will give you unconditional love like a dog or cat will, even when they are neglected or not treated the way they would like. Faithful and fun. And the joy they can give can literally extend your life!