For a little pup, there certainly are some big bucks to be spent on a new dog. And I’m not just talking about the price tag on the pooch. We spent more on Hershey’s supplies than we did on her—and that was even before we brought her home: the crate, the doggie bed, stainless steel non-skid bowls, leashes (retractable and regular,) the collar, pooper scooper and bags, toys, treats and food. And those are just the basics! Pet stores certainly rival baby super stores in terms of selection. You could get a stroller for your dog, clothes, play yards. How about puppy portraits, daycare and training? That can all add up, too. I think if you get a puppy and you’ve never had a wedding or baby shower, its your turn to cash in and you should absolutely have someone throw you a puppy shower. Do you know how much puppy pads cost these days? Frankly I’m shocked that they haven’t created dog registries yet. And what about “We got a new puppy!” announcements? They’ll probably be hitting the stores next month.
If I had been really smart about it, I would have lined up official sponsors for Hershey’s potty training days. Maybe she could have worn the sponsors’ logos on a little doggie coat, or we could have put a small billboard in our front yard with sponsor information—and a warning sign to watch out for puppy landmines when walking by. We could have had the official “clean team” providing the paper towels and enzyme solution to clean up her messes indoors. (We went through one bottle in the first two weeks, and too many rolls of paper towels to count.) And I could have picked an official treat sponsor to reward little Hershey when she does do her business outside. (We’re still working on our first jar of treats, I’m sad to say.) And it might not be too late to find a furniture company to be a major sponsor for the 2010 restoration project to replace the carpet we will certainly ditch by the time she’s officially trained (and possibly someone to refinish the wood floor in the kitchen.) And maybe some furniture, too. So yes, the expenses do add up.
But if you work at home like I do, you also need to factor in the loss of productivity you will experience when you bring home your furry baby. Before Hershey came home, I had a nice little routine going. I’d go out walking or use the new Wii Fit we got for Christmas. I’d squeeze in some writing projects and complete whatever voice work I had scheduled for the day. Maybe I’d get some housework done, too.
But now this little furry friend of mine wants to be near me, next to me, or on me all the time. I try to accommodate her, and tuck her under my arm if I’m working on my laptop, but I usually just end up typing with one hand, which really brings down my hourly word count.
And sure, I tried to do my yoga tape when she was in the room, but she thought it was some new game that involved a lot of nipping at my pants, which apparently cued the cat to claw his way up my leg. (Perhaps because I was doing downward facing dog? Who knows.) And if I go in the other room to work out (where she’s not allowed yet) she cries and whines because I’m not with her. So, I had not factored in this lost productivity. (never mind the time spent dashing outdoors with her every hour. At ten minutes a pop, those little trips turn into real time suckers by the end of the day.)
Now, if she was one of Leona Helmsley’s dogs with that big estate worth millions left in their names, well that would be just fine. I wouldn’t have to worry about squeezing in all this work stuff. The dog could pay me to scratch her belly and rub her ears. Right now, I’m just doing that for free.
But those certainly are two factors to consider before you get a puppy. They are going to cost you time and money. (We haven’t even talked about vet bills, pet insurance or boarding costs yet!) And all this might be the reason you see so many pups looking to be “rehomed” on Craigslist or in the want ads. You’ve really got to be certain you can manage everything that a puppy brings to your home—the good and the bad. Sometimes, it really isn’t the right time to get a puppy, and you’ve got to be responsible and realize that. With my children a little bit older now (nine and six) they can help out. Jack’s been pitching in, taking Hershey out once in a while. (Although I have to pay him a quarter to do it. See—another expense.)
I have to admit though, it’s very easy to forget the bad when she’s curled up next to me on the couch, the perfect little heater, keeping me warm. Hey, she might actually save me money on the heating bill on a cold winter’s day. And what if your dog stops a robber—huge savings there, right? And what about all those studies that say dogs bring down the stress I your life? That’s gotta be worth something, right?
But of course every dog owner knows you can’t quantify the costs like that. The love and joy a puppy brings to your home is priceless, which makes you forget about the price of it all.
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Have you missed any of the articles in this series?
If so, you can find them at:
The Bringing Up Puppy Series page.
Related posts:
- Bringin Up Puppy Series – Welcome Home Little Doggy
- Bringing Up Puppy Series – What’s In a Name?
- Bringing Up Puppy Series – Hello Stranger
- Bringing Up Puppy Series – The Dog Whisperer
- Bringing Up Puppy Series – First Trip to the Vet
