“I would love to have a dog, but dogs are so expensive! Groomer, dog walker, daycare… I just can’t afford it, you know?”
This was a conversation between two ladies that I overheard. I assume it was inspired by my dog, which, as they later noticed, was “very cute.”
Made me think: do people really believe that dog ownership involves all those things?
I mean, dogs can be expensive, especially if you are dealing with complicated or chronic health issues. Their training can be expensive, especially if you are involved in some kind of sport with them. The grooming I can get too, especially for breeds that need haircuts.
But the rest? Why is it even considered as something a dog constantly requires? Is it preeminently presumed that this person who is hypothetically getting a dog won’t have time or energy to simply walk and play with the dog? Then why get one at all?
Dogs are not children - they don’t need to go to “kindergarten” to play with other puppies. It doesn’t matter whether they will learn how to live with other dogs. What matters is that they learn how to live with you and your family.
Therefore, they need to spend precious puppyhood bonding with their people and figuring out how to play together.
Dog walking? Another amazing opportunity to bond. Why would you outsource this chance to enjoy each other?
Now, of course there are instances when a dog walker or daycare might come in handy. They don’t have to be an inseparable part of your life with a dog, though. Especially if you can’t afford it.
The real “expense” that comes with dog ownership isn’t materialistic. It is emotional and intellectual, and is not measured in bills or digits.
It is measured in whatever units commitment is measured. Or in units that express the strength of a bond. Love. Devotion. In this respect, dogs are one of the most “expensive” pets you can ever get.
Don’t have those lying around?
Then you are not in a right mental place to get a dog.