Hi Margot brings up many important facts to consider BEFORE anyone
adopts a companion fur kid.
The HUGE ONE is veterinarian costs IF the need comes up, the days of
"inexpensive" dogs at shelters has gone up because now( thank heavens)
many are a "no kill" shelter this means the shelter does not have a regular
or steady income to provide for animals there.
We just adopted a dog from our shelter here and he was $150.00,they'd
paid for him to be neutered before we adopted him,he was there at the
shelter for over 6 months. He needed food,vet exams to be sure he was
healthy,he did not need a dental ( but here that costs $460.) they only get
donations and they had 30 dogs there to provide care and food for so it
is not a inexpensive task. Shelters NEVER seem to break even as they
have massive costs to provide quality care to dogs who are there waiting
to be adopted,may for months or some up to a year or longer since they
do "not kill" them to make room for others.
If you bring home a dog there is "toys" bones,hooves,vaccinations every
3 years(minimum costs for a vet) then a good quality food,harness,leash,
dog bed or dog pillows,a crate so they have a safe place to rest and to
sleep in($40 or more) crates keep them safe when you are gone for 4 hrs.
a day...or to sleep in at night.
Having a companion/pet is a HUGE responsibility for 12 to 15 years when
they are in your forever home,the adoption fee is only a drop in the bucket
for what owners should,need to provide.
We just had a Yorkie who needed emergency care for a week in the vet
clinic about 4 months ago and his bill was over $1,290. so it's like caring
for a child, they get sick and they depend on YOU to help them.
Do you own your home(?) do you rent(?) do they allow dogs where you
live(?) most require "pet deposits" are you able to do this or to keep the
pet can you move where they are allowed and then pay the deposit for
them there? Many places charge a minimum of $100 for a pet deposit,
many charge more....
I hope you have considered ALL of the things to consider when owning a
companion, ALL the costs involved and if you can do this then there are
other options as Margot said,"foster" a pet to see if one can work in your
home and life right now and by the way,our shelter here DOES NOT pro-
vide funds to foster homes and the costs to foster is up to you so...be
sure the shelter can and will pay for medical needs,YOU will still pay for
the food,harness,leash,bed/pillows,toys and chew things, dog bowls dogs need.
I don't want to throw a wet cloth on your desire to have a "buddy" but you
need to know it takes more than love...it' is a total, complete commitment.
Jan
You have to understand that most rescue groups run on donations and have many expenses, ie, food, shots, workings, Vet bills for exams, dentals, needed treatments, spay and neutering. Dentals alone can run in the hundreds of dollars. Sekdom does a rescue group even come close to the expenses they have had for some animals.
I can understand why you would love to have a companion animal, however, one akways has to be sure they are prepared for the unexpected, Vet bills being at the forefront. I hope this is something you have considered.
Have you checked your local Shelter or Humane Society? Have you considered maybe offering to foster for a rescue group? Most rescue groups will pick up the expenses the foster home accrues. Of course, should you not adopt the dog then you have to be of the mindset to be able to let it go to a permanent home.
I am not trying to dissuade you from getting a companion but those are just the facts.
Good luck and please be open to other possible avenues.