First off, I would have been pissed had a stranger asked me this or someone I hardly know at all but the question came from someone who does know me and who asked out of concern. Had it been a stranger I would have had all kinds of, “who do you think you are” responses and “oh cause I’m broke I shouldn’t have a dog” etc, etc. However, she asked out of concern because she knows what this household goes through financially. So, the question was, can I afford to keep Brody-chan. The answer is no and yes.
Financially it’ll be a struggle but the emotional gains I get from a dog are worth the struggle for me. Today after I get home from my medical exam I’ll be excitedly greeted by a furry thing with his tongue hanging out and tail wagging a hundred miles per hour. He’s happy to se ME, not just anyone, but ME. I need that. I need the energy a dog brings to my house and I need the distraction for grounding purposes. While Brody will not ever be the kind of dog I can take in public or have trained as an assistance dog outside the house he will be more than helpful at home.
As many know, love isn’t enough to keep a household going. You need money to keep a roof over your head and food on the table. You also need money to keep anger low. When my bills get too much for me I’m angry. I didn’t use to be but I am now. I realize the financial burden I’m taking on could be a heavy one. What if he eats my shoes? What happens if he eats something I can’t wait until the next month to replace? God forbid, what happens if he gets sick and needs to go to the vet? I guess it’s time to start setting a few bucks back again from each check I get. I use to do that for Captain Crunch and it was helpful. I stopped when he died.
There are a few local programs I can get involved in too. Since the decline of the economy several local programs have been put in place to help feed pets. Our Humane Society offers a food program that’ll I’ll check into. I’ll get his shots at FACE Spay and Neuter for $30 instead of a hundred or more at the vet Cap went to. Also, I’m going to switch vets to the one down the street where the prices are cheaper. I liked Capt’s vet and kept him because I trusted him with Captain and he was Cap’s vet from the get go but now his prices are outrageous and he’s too far away. At least this vet is down the street, less than a mile away actually. I figure if I’m able to establish a relationship with them they’ll let me make payments if needed.
It’s going to be hard on my wallet but soft on my heart. As Julie said, there are some loves we never get over. I believe Captain falls in that category. I think too I need to remember there isn’t going to be another dog “perfect” like my boy. So even though Brody won’t sleep with me and he didn’t come trained I believe this could be workable now that I can comfortably put my whole heart into it. When there was a threat that he could be snatched up at any time I didn’t want to give this my all. I didn’t want my heart broken. If I had two wild dogs together, Ladybird and Brody this whole thing would be impossible but this is one dog that is now MINE ALL MINE and I think I can do this.
It’s getting warmer outside which means this pup isn’t forced to stay inside all day. We actually had a real winter so he had to stay inside a lot. Then of course I had my flair up and a few other issues that didn’t fit into his puppy schedule. My hope is with more time outside to play and play dates next door he’ll grow into a really good boy I don’t have to drag back into the yard daily….today I brought him back home after he went to play with his friends next door without permission. My neighbor always laughs when I say through my teeth, “Git-cho ass back in this yard boy!”
Anyway, so, this is the thing…. I’ll bitch and moan about money and other dog related things but the underlying truth is, Brody and I need each other. That’s why he’s here and that’s why I’m willing to go through this financial strain. I need him.
Now, if you’ll excuse me I have to go get ready for my physical. Oh make the joy stop.
Austin
I’m glad you’re able to keep Brody as your own. You’re clearly happier with a dog to come home to, and keep you company.
As for the rest, money seems to come along (if only in dribs and drabs) as needed.
Austin, I am so happy you have a dog that you love and who loves you in return.
I have 2 dogs and a cat and I would be lost without them. They truly are my family and provide me much joy…and often, solace. They are so happy to see me when I come home. They are appreciative of the smallest thing…like me putting thier food down for them. They ask for nothing except for me to love them and to be kind them.
Sometimes the more I get to know people…I prefer my pets.
Laurie
Bitch and moan away – venting is good! How old is Brody anyway? Any idea. I’m glad he is with you. Frankly I was hoping that Fife Jr would never come back for him because I thought he was better off with you.
Laurie,
I don’t know what I’d do without my furry ones. I absolutely need them. Last night when Gracie was on my head and Bella was on my hip I just smiled to myself. I was being purred to sleep. That’s a good thing. I don’t even mind that Brody snores. It’s nice.
Enola,
Brody is 8 months old…just a little guy. Today I made a run for him outside so he can be out there by himself without jumping the fence. Earlier today he ran away and didn’t come back for hours. I figured while the ground was still moist I’d pound a few steaks in and run wire tire outs across the yard. I then attached a smaller lead to the run. This lets him get around the yard but not close enough to touch the fence. I didn’t want him so close he could accidentally hang himself so I walked with him on the run around the yard to see how far he could go. I need to go ahead and get another shorter tie out because I don’t want him to be able to make it all the way up to the front door because up by the door he can get wrapped up on one of the awning poles. At least now when he’s outside without me he’ll be safe.
Austin