Regarding the cost of a puppy. Being able to afford to buy a puppy does not necessarily mean one can afford a dog. Regardless of the initial cost, the odds are that it will only represent a small fraction of what it will cost to raise, train and care for a dog over their lifetime.
Rocky, our first Boxer, was brought home by our daughter who worked in a pet store because he had a heart murmur. It eventually went away. She got him for free. He was a great dog who gave us over eight years of unparalleled joy and satisfaction.
During the last week of his life, we spent over $5,000 on his care at an animal hospital. It was only when the final tests came back that he had three malignant types of cancer in his organs that we decided it was time to let him go. I do not regret one cent of that money that we spent on him because of our appreciation of what he had given to us during his lifetime.
Now I'm not saying that everyone has to be prepared to spend that amount of money on a pet. It only serves as an example.
This past week, Indy had to be seen at an emergency hospital because of a large swelling that developed along his jaw and neck. It was $200.00 for that visit, then another $125.00 on Monday at our regular vet to have the site of the infection lanced, flushed and a drain put in. On Friday there will be the cost of another visit to remove the drain. Probably another $35.00 or so.
So in one week the cost will be about $360.00 to take care of an infection. Rocky had allergies which meant office visits, medications and a special diet to keep them under control.
Unless a dog dies suddenly and quickly, there will be serious medical expenses as they near the end of their lives. Add in the regular office visits, food, toys, and obedience training, all of which most will say are not options, are additional costs.
With Boxers, you may have to factor in things they destroy or ruin.
When you add all these up, the purchase price pales over the life of your dog. To properly care for a dogs needs is a responsibility you assume when you take one into your life. They are not disposable when times get tough. They depend on us. They love us. They deserve the best we have to give them.
That includes the time we should spend with our dogs, and devote to their needs. We are supposed to be the smart ones.
When considering getting a dog, remember to factor all these in as you deliberate.
Sometimes a dog that may seem expensive can be a bargain in the long run, while the econodog could turn out to be more expensive. As was said in an earlier post, there are no guarantees.
Tom
Let nature take it's course