You know, everyone commented how nice I was for getting an older dog but I really didn’t think through the costs! Just the yearly dental is over $100…and this year, she had doggie breast cancer, which was a $450 operation.

I told myself I’d never be one of those crazy people who spends way too much money on pets but now I think I may have become one (!).

@ bouncing back betty – Man, that’d be nice if the vet here offered me such a discount! I take all three of mine in at once, as well. Thanks for clearing up the floating thing…my friend explained it, but I couldn’t really remember what she’d said as horses aren’t my thing. You’re definitely right about people not realizing the cost. I’ve heard so many horror stories about people abandoning animals with this economy, it’s just a shame. My friend was moved to tears about a family in Montana that left their two horses by the side of the road. It’s crazy and very sad!

@ Amber – ahem…pests? lol, Freudian slip? But, yes I understand. My mom asks me all the time if I regret getting my cats and the answer is no. I knew going in that there would be a cost. And you’re right, they’re worth every penny!

@ dawn – I asked my vet about that and he said he still recommends that they get their vaccinations every year. As that’s what they recommend, that’s what I do. But, I love your tip on the cat litter. I started looking into it, and it’s a little bit more expensive here, but regardless, after doing the math I still come out ahead for the year on cat litter. I’m totally going to open a membership and start doing it that way!

As for litter, you can save yourself a bundle of money by buying your clumping cat litter at Costco. A 44 pound box goes for $6.99, FAR CHEAPER than anything else I’ve found. The cost savings on cat litter alone makes up for my membership fee.

My son asked yesterday after the vet visit if I would not have gotten the dogs if I knew how much they would cost and my response was when I signed the papers for the dogs I became totally responsible and I knew there was a cost involved.

There are some months when I think my pests cost more than my children. But they are definitely worth it.

Floating referes to an equine denistry procedure. Horses teeth grow (the phrase long in the tooth) and have to be ground down, or floated as it’s called. The vet uses a tool to shave down the teeth and then smooths them out.

My dogs are my extended family, so I certainly don’t begrudge them the money I spend on them. What they give me in return is priceless.

That being said, I don’t think some people realize how expensive a pet can be, especially if you have a puppy that is going to need it’s puppy shots and all the supplies that go along with a puppy (crate, toys, dishes). As much as people love their pets, not everyone remembers that these extra and sometimes very much needed items cost money and need to be budgeted for. One of my dogs chewed her way through a plastic dog crate, rendering it useless. I had to go out and get a wire crate for her.

But considering that a few years ago we’ve paid $1500 for an eye surgery and built a $1400 fence, $600 isn’t all that bad.

Is it worth it? TOTALLY!

Our dog is part of the family. My wife & I refer to her as the “first born child” and she is the only one we let sleep with us.