I got to wondering about this because I cannot afford to have a dog right now, not with the cost of the dog, and all the veterinary services that are required, plus license etc.
I love dogs, and am a good, pet-owner, but I am on a fixed-income, and the biggest problem for me, is the worry of "extra" bills if my pet needs something more for any reason. For example, I cannot handle my dog having one, single flea. I can't stand the thought of it biting them. I've seen pets so neglected that I will not have a pet unless I am positive I can take care of every need.
But is it a need? I mean the shots, special foods, everything a veterinarian provides, advertises, sends us mail telling us it's a "must have".
I may get beat up here, but I wanted to ask. How can "I" know what my dog needs, and what they might not need
By the same token, if ALL these things are necessary, then I think there must be a lot of neglected animals out there that "do" have homes, but the owners cannot afford the high cost of those shots that are due regularly, the food costs, and I also always had my dog groomed in the Summer months as it was so hot here.
Thanks for any feedback, I know everything is high nowadays, I guess pet-costs go along with the flow
How do folks out there that have animals (wow, what do you do if you have more then one).