Should I get a puppy

[Marngango]

I really want a Pomeranian puppy. But every month, I come in pretty tight with my bills. Something tells me I could afford to take care of a dog, but should I?

[hillary]

If bills are tight, you don't want a dog. Also, you should have an emergency fund of a couple thousand dollars placed to the side. Dogs do all kinds of stupid things that mean an emergency visit to the vet. Do some research so you really know how much the got is going to cost you -- it's a lot more than hust food and toys.

[chestynuts]

If you are patient go get one. It's hard to train where to poop and pee. But when he gets used to it, it's always nice to have a per at home.

[snafu]

Purebred dogs are expensive to buy, license, get & keep shots up-to-date, kennel/crate, equip, feed, train, clip, groom and supply. I've never come out of the vets under $ 70. Quality food is more costly than you'd imagine and groomers here charge $ 70. for basic, teddy bear clip. Poms have big, fluffy coats which demand daily care and the amount of time needed to devote to training, grooming, walking, picking up poop is nearly as much as a tyke. Check out the breeder as these dogs are prone to specific problems [knees/throat].

You'll be shocked at how much your pet impacts your social life. You can't leave home until you've looked after their needs and must hurry home to walk pet and facilitate body functions no matter the weather. Trying to get your dog to Doodo on your schedule is hilarious to any observer. Small as they are, not giving your dog the stimulation and exercise needed results in mess, destruction and frustration. Too much exercise leaves you carrying a squirmy fur baby home.

[ua_guy]

If bills are already tight, I'd highly encourage you to wait. Dogs are expensive, and sometimes unexpectedly expensive, and not just once, but two, three, or more times++. If you're not prepared to absorb life's up's and down's in terms of expenses, adding another (rather large) liability on top of that doesn't seem like a good idea.

Beyond expenses, you are looking at a lifestyle change with owning a dog. The reality is you're welcoming a completely dependent animal into your life presumably for the next 14 years or however long the breed's expected lifespan is. You owe it a "forever" home and nothing less. Are you ready for that?

[Spiffster]

We got a rescue dog (Aussie-miix) 5 years ago (he was 3 years old at the time) and he only cost us around 100 dollars to adopt. He was fixed and chipped too. Monthly costs for food and water are next to nothing:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0029NR4LO?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

We also have him insured with PetPlan to the tune of around $400 /year. Thankfully he is pretty much a tank and has not gotten sick at all other than an ear infection last year. Yearly checkup costs around $250 which includes heartworm meds.

We do our best to keep him exercised which in turn keeps us exercised. Dogs also make great security systems and will alert you to as well as investigate any random noises or intrusions in the middle of the night. Although im talking about a 70lb dog, not a Pomeranian...

We also have a few young kids and the dog is very protective of them.

I think a dog is a great investment IMO.

[Jessicaemmy25]

as i'm sure you are aware, having a dog is a huge responsibility, they're not just "impulse buys" you have to be ready for things like if he/she gets sick, you have to take them to the Vet and that can be pretty pricey, then take into account food and care and you've basically got a child on your hands, the question is are you up for it? I know many people who have dogs and treat them poorly, my thought is if you can't give them the love or care they deserve than it's best not to adopt one, but it's up to you!

[DoreneHanson]

You can even adopt stray dogs and get them treated properly! Theres is no compulsion that you have to "buy" a puppy.

[Fishindude77]

NO - Keep a neighbor, friend or relatives dog while they are on vacation, at work, etc. to get your dog fix.

[snafu]

Why are these older posts from 2015 reopening? The OPs aren't participating...

[rennigade]

Why are these older posts from 2015 reopening? The OPs aren't participating...

Just your typical trolls and spammers. Just another reason to frequent bogleheads more.

I wish the mods could include the date as to when the thread was opened on the main board. This will help with people not even bothering with this nonesense. Instead we only get the "last post" date and it auto bumps the thread to the top.

[TexasHusker]

Definitely get the dog. Follow your heart on this one. I love dogs I've got two of them. They offer something money can't buy - love. Plus they don't talk back, ask you to change the channel, or adjust the thermostat. That's worth a lot of $ jack right there.

[Deepali Mohite]

Getting pet

YEs definitely you get one why and for what are you waiting for. You can afford it for sure. Save some for your pet too