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Times have changed from looking at our dogs as pets or companions to members of the family. In fact, about 90% of pet owners view them that way according to a survey.
Owners are spending, in the US, at least 60 billion dollars on their fur babies! This includes food, vet care, doggy daycare, and other incidentals.
In recent decades people loved their pets, and over time they have developed a closer relationship with them, and don’t blink an eye when they need expensive surgeries, x-rays, blood tests, treatment, etc. We as pet owners also spend around $45 for an overnight stay at doggy daycare, when we go on vacation, or around $25 for the daily daycare.
Of course, these prices can vary, but I am posting the amount that we pay for our dog. Dogs are now allowed in hotels as you travel, and even in the stores when you go shopping.
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You can buy special dog treats, ice cream for dogs, etc. These changes have become a way of life. People are also addressing their dog’s needs when they move to a different location.
This was brought up in my real estate business. There are dog parks throughout neighborhoods, where they can socialize with other dogs. You can dress them in designer-like clothing, raincoats, and boots to keep their feet dry when it is raining. Our girl is very prissy and does not like to get her feet wet, and in fact, she does not like getting in the water!
Now I will tell you about our dog, Lexi, and how she is part of the family. She is a Malti-Pom, (a Maltese – Pomeranian mix). She sleeps with us at night and loves to sprawl out on her back between my husband and me.
She has always been the closest to me, as this breed gets closer to one person. I recently retired and am now self-employed full-time again, and she follows me around the house all day while I am working, and will get anxious when she thinks I will be leaving.
“It is amazing how much love and laughter they bring into our lives and even how much closer we become with each other because of them.” – John Grogan
She has a really thick coat of fur, and we try to have her groomed every 5 to 6 weeks at $45 a visit. Now dogs get flu shots just like humans, and a bordetella vaccine to prevent kennel cough at daycare. Vaccines are around $30 ea. She also takes a heartworm pill monthly at $25 mo.
She loves to play with her squeaky toy stuffed animals that she has in a bucket in the living room. Once, everyone is home for the day she will bring them to us to throw, so she can retrieve them. It is so cute to watch!
She loves to get on top of the cushions on the back of the couch to look out the front door. She weighs 17 lbs., so over time, the cushions lose their shape. The thing she loves the most is taking a walk around the neighborhood but becomes protective and barks at all the dogs we pass by. The thing is, she is all bark and no bite!
Final thoughts
Dogs are part of a family and bring joy to our lives. Studies show that dogs reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and improve your all-around health.
Yes, she is a pampered pooch, and has her moments of barking too much, and chews up our stuff when she thinks we are leaving, but we would not trade her for the world! She is loved and a BIG part of the Gardiner family!
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Here is another post you might enjoy – How To Keep Your Dog Happy And Healthy
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See you soon, Denise
Posts may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases and collect a small commission at no cost to you. This helps my blog to keep going. Thank you! For more info, read my disclosure policy.
It was nice getting to know a bit more about you and your family, pet inclusive.
I can’t deal with a pet for now, I figure the children are enough as pets right now. ?
Thank you Betty, I appreciate your feedback and support! Maybe when the time is right you can add a “fur baby” to your household.
I’m trying really hard not to get a new dog. We had small dogs in the past and loved them. Our last dog died in an awful way and we don’t want to risk going through that again. But your dog is so cute, that maybe we should let that go and move on. Thanks for the prices since I’m not up on anything like that anymore.
Thank you for your comment, Kimberly! So sorry to hear you lost your dog, it is so hard to lose our beloved pets. Many times it is hard to move on and get over the fear of losing another pet. We have lost all 4 of our cats to disease or cancer and one was only 4 months old. I am glad to see you might consider opening up your heart again for another dog to add to your family. You will never forget the ones you lost, but to have that bond and love again is so worth it!