Daisy is the 6 month old and she gets spayed in 3 weeks. Lily is 5 and spayed.

I'll get $200 back from the $471 vet bill.

_________________
@audioidkid

I guess it's because of the nature of cattle farming that I discourage getting really attached to animals- our kids didn't show calves or anything, the barn cats are a necessary tool in rodent/bird control. We had a dog when first married, but he left after our first son was born. Life and death are closer on the farm than most places.

Right now my wife is far more attached to two of the cats than I'd like, and way more than she ever imagined, growing up a dog owner.

With our oldest son moving out of the house at the end of this month, life is changing rapidly, and I could see a pet dog around someday. It would really tick the oldest off, he has wanted a dog his whole life. I'm sure I would end up being the caretaker and get attached, and I don't think I want to take the chance.

To City of Fools: your pet care budget is wise and appropriate- you spend enough to try reasonable measures, without an outrageous expense. The pet can be replaced- everyone here who has a pet has or will lose one and most will replace it. There is no amount of money these big talkers could spend to keep a pet alive forever.

i don't think it's that simple. if you get a female puppy, you are at $800 in shots and spay in a calendar year.

if said dog eats something they shouldn't and start throwing up blood...i'd be shocked if anyone on this board would let it die in the living room because you met the $800 cap.

_________________
@audioidkid

_________________
Be well

GO BEARS!!!

I'd spend 4k right now just to say a better goodbye or be there when she died. We spent about 3k in March, she had a tumor. They said it wasn't malignant but cancer was there yesterday so I don't know if she was misdxd or what.

CoF can speak for himself, but I interpreted his post in that his dog is old and nearing the end of his life. I didn't read his post that they have a puppy and will only spend $800 during the entire life of the dog.

_________________

My Mom was born and raised on a farm. Of course she felt sad when our household (not on a farm) cats died, but she didn't act like it was some tragedy. A young Franky T felt sad too, but she explained that animals die - that's what they do. She told me about her horse, Scout, who died when she was young.

I'll save Jbi11s the effort.

_________________

This post appeared at a great time. We have been considering adopting a dog this Saturday. After reading through this thread, I am convinced it's just not a good idea. All the hassles, expense and heartache involved, as well as all the mess they create with their fur and tracking dirt/ mud into the house. Nope, don't need all that crap.

_________________
Go Cubs!!!!

Go figure, Steve is not a dog person.

You really are a miserable piece of work.

_________________

In all fairness....I'm not a dog person like most on the board....that goes to my wife. She had 3 dogs to my zero. I've always liked dogs....I'm just aware of the responsibility needed and know that I'm too busy to be a "proper" dog owner.

2 of the 3 had to be put down late last year. It was awful enough for me, yet heartbreaking for my wife. We still have one Weim, who is now almost 11. In March we rescued a Chihuahua. I love them both, but I'd never be able to have them without my wife.

As a rule we avoid the vet.....her experience is that we don't kennel the dogs and they don't really run loose, so there's no point in taking them. We've had good luck with that approach. The dogs we put down....the Weim was 14-15 and the mutt....we have no idea how old she was but she had to have been at least 15.

_________________

your wife thinks that only dogs who spend time in kennels or "running loose" develop health problems?


Sounds like you were smart like me in deciding to marry a dumb person. Dumb women are the best.

_________________

Nope...didn't say that's what she thinks nor what I call her dumb in any context.

_________________

I honestly have no idea what Shakes is talking about.

_________________

So...I'm the only one "against" getting a dog. If I see a golden I start crying. Last week I petted one and thought I was going to die. My family wants one. I don't know what to do.

Just get a different breed. I think it may help you.

_________________
Be well

GO BEARS!!!

No. I want a golden if I want a dog. Thought about a little non shedder nope. I want that happy goofy beautiful dog.

Well give yourself a little more time and then get the dog you want.

_________________
Be well

GO BEARS!!!

There's a young golden available for adoption at Winnebago County Animal Services. Looks like a purebred...don't see those too often in shelters.

Maybe try a golden doodle. They're like goldens but a little different.

_________________
"Play until it hurts, then play until it hurts to not play."
http://soundcloud.com/darkside124 HOF 2013, MM Champion 2014

I don't want an oodle anything.

I don't know, but thanks.

IS THERE NOTHING I CAN SAY TO COMFORT YOU WOMAN

_________________
"Play until it hurts, then play until it hurts to not play."
http://soundcloud.com/darkside124 HOF 2013, MM Champion 2014

Certainly not a cat!

Why are you against getting another dog? Because you know you will have to put it down at some point?

_________________

I put my cat down all the time.
I say, jesus man get a job you lazy fucker or tiffy come get your stinky cat or hey hows your butt taste.

_________________
"Play until it hurts, then play until it hurts to not play."
http://soundcloud.com/darkside124 HOF 2013, MM Champion 2014