Warning: I’m a self-proclaimed crazy dog lady. If you think dog people are weird, feel free to skip this post. I won’t mind one bit.
I actually think a lot about how much more money I would have if I didn’t have dogs. I wouldn’t have to pay for someone to come walk them when I go to the office. I wouldn’t have to pay their vet bills or grooming bills. I wouldn’t need to buy stupid toys that they tear up about five minutes because, dammit, they’re cute.
Well guess what? I wouldn’t have it any other way. My little furballs give me so much joy that I can’t ever imagine a home without dogs.
If you’re considering getting a dog, but are unsure if it makes sense financially, allow me to alleviate your concerns. You will, on occasion, have to break the bank because of your pooch, but, trust me, it’s all worth it.
Having a dog helps alleviate stress.
It has been proven over and over again that having a dog lowers your blood pressure and helps with stress. For me, I also love that I get a little party thrown for me every time I come home. Cannoli’s disproportionally huge, wagging tail, along with Frickle’s hind-leg jumping makes me so happy to be home. With people working more hours than ever, it probably wouldn’t hurt to have a little bit less stress in our lives, and a dog is a great way to help.
There are so many (free and cheap) things to do with dogs.
Having a dog opens up a whole new world of social life. When I first got Cannoli, we’d walk to the Hotel Monaco in Old Town (it has a new name now) for their dog happy hour. He had a blast, I made some new friends, and I loved that we were able to do something social together. My dog walker told me that the local dog park is the place to BE midday and everyone there has become friends. Many of the Virginia wineries are dog-friendly… the list goes on and on!
You don’t have to pay for as much as you think.
Now, many people might disagree with me here, but dogs are not the same as people. Do you need to pay for a walker every single day? Maybe not… Shop around and ask around for good vets. To have your dog fixed, do one of those “Neuter Scooters,” which fix dogs for way less than vets.. Better yet, rescue a dog, and they’ll come to you fixed and updated on shots! Also, IKEA has some great dog products, from beds to toys to waste bags. (side note: for the Love of God, don’t EVER buy the over-priced ones that cost like $8 for 100 bags. IKEA sells huge packs for 50 cents, and the Dollar Tree has them too. They’re poop bags, for goodness sakes). Also, despite what people try to tell you, dogs can be left alone for a while. Obviously don’t get excessive, but trust me, you don’t need to pay for daycare for your dog. That stuff is nutso.
They’ll stay in your heart forever.
Even though dogs are only with us for a short time relatively speaking, they do stay with us for a lifetime. I’ve never not had a dog, and the memories I have of my dogs growing up are precious. Hopefully I’ll have my boys with me for a while still, but I cherish every day I get to have with them and am so thankful they’re mine.
