I didn’t realize that we were counting the accessories -
crate - $10 at a garage sale
tiny dog carrier - 30 because H thought it was cute and wanted to splurge
leashes - maybe $6 each, maybe 10 over the years
grooming kit - H repurposed our old human one when I bought a new set for him to do the family’s hair with
Coat - only for the yorkie and it was a gift
dog beds - bought one for $45 years ago at Costco that the border collie ate. Now I have one that I won in a free raffle and another that a neighbor gave me when her dog died.
Toys - they played with frisbees and balls, no special toys
I boarded my current dog twice: during the day when the roof was being replaced and I had to go to work; and for D2’s graduation. I don’t travel often, but when I do, my brother can usually take care of the dog. My bro also attended D2’s graduation so couldn’t take care of the dog that time.
My dog is in the twilight years of life. I have been giving her sub q fluids daily for 4 months. The supplies cost about $25 per week and I can give them to her at home. There is an elderly gentlemen who brings his beloved pet in daily for the techs to give the dog fluids at $36 per treatment.
I also have additional costs for other medicines.
As I mentioned on the haters thread, I paid $50 for a dog stroller.
$60 every 2 weeks for grooming. $60 every two weeks for chiropractic adjustments. I used to do every 4 weeks, but I want to make her more comfortable.
I laugh when I hear people say they cannot get a puppy because of a financial emergency. They have no idea what a senior dog costs.
I boarded my dog with her breeder when she was younger for extended trips. She just fell in with the pack. Dogs outside. Dogs inside. They said they didn’t even notice that it was 7 instead of 6.
Our girl always went with us on trips to family and when we go camping. We drew the line at putting her on a plane. WE used to swap with neighbors to watch each others’ dogs, but my girl made “political statements” in the family room in our absence. When I came home one time to find a neighbor had steam-cleaned our carpet, I decided that taking our girl to the “doggie spa” was better than ruining relationships with our neighbors. For a week/ten days out of the year, she did fine at the spa.
As she got older, S2 (who lives at home) would take care of her if she couldn’t come with us. One time, a friend of ours took her to her home in Ohio, where she took our girl on so many nature walks that the dog earned her own Toledo Parks & Rec Trail Walker t-shirt!
They have no idea what a senior dog costs.<<<<<<<<<
I would say that your idea of care would differ vastly to the majority of dog owners. Having seen protracted deaths of way too many humans, I would not do the same to any other animal when the alternatives are humane and graceful. We could only hope that our ends have such a great option.
Our two girls are costing us a boatload, probably 10-12K/year. We have a wonderful lady who watches them, and she only watches old, small dogs, so they are so happy there. We are gone a lot. They also eat a very pricey prescription food, but the old gals act like puppies, so why change it? Vet bills are substantial, and they get groomed to keep them cool. Medicines here and there, and medical tests (heart ultrasound), and anything the vet recommends.
It will be a long time before we get dogs again after they pass away, probably not until we are much older and don’t travel any more, as it’s just too expensive. But we love our girls and they get what they need.
I’ve had dogs my whole life, but I must say that my current dog is my favorite. Not only does he have the best personality, but he’s so cheap! No medical issues like previous dogs had. He’s small, so he doesn’t eat much. He is easy to wash myself, so no groomer (and his short hair isn’t the type that tangles). He even grooms his own toenails- with his teeth! - once a week or so, so no nail maintenance. Routine vet visits, registration fees, and a small amount of food is all, so far.
He also never runs out the door (can leave doors open all day, even the front door), will not jump on visitors, and only barks when warning us that somebody is approaching (then he settles down). He is super smart and has learned many commands.
Did I mention how cute he is? People stop us all the time to ask us what kind of dog he is. He looks like a really small version of a large breed of dog (imagine a lab shrunk down to 10 pounds that will never grow any bigger, and in perfect proportion). He’s as sweet as can be, but devilishly playful when sparked.
I tell him every day that he just needs to live forever. This one is irreplaceable.
My Chin had her yearly checkup/vaccinations yesterday $355 including 6 months of heartworm chews for both dogs and 4 months for flea/tick pills.
But, she has another bad tooth (Chin have very bad teeth) so surgery for cleaning and removal on Friday. Estimate is between $385-$675 depending if she needs more teeth pulled then just the one.
