Came up with a plan.

**mommy4ever** · 02-10-2009, 10:13 AM

I really want to add a second puppy to our family.

The only con I'm coming up with, and it's a big one to me. Is I'm trying to pay off debt, and it will cost to get a puppy. The purchase price is very reasonable, but there is a vet visit that needs to be done.

So, in watching an episode, til debt do us part, yesterday, I found a solution.

The couple had booked a cruise, Gail said the cruise is done, gone. They had to sell it to pay it off.

OR

Find a way to earn extra money to pay for it.

SO, I decided that's what I'm going to do. Over the next 6 weeks,(well I actually have up to 8 weeks), I need to come up with an extra $450. This covers the baby, collar and leash, vet and immunizations and food, plus a little extra for the vet should we need to do a follow up visit. I have a pet account set up already, but those are Bella funds, she's getting spayed and I have been saving for it. I don't want to use that. If I don't have the money, we'll have to wait until another litter is available. Which is 6 mo+ away.

There's my compromise. I can live with that. If I can earn extra, and not have to take household funds at all to pay for it, then that is what I'll do.

At this point I have an extra $40 coming my way by keeping a little one into the evening. So $410 to go.

I'm going to be making hoodies for dogs. I'll be putting them on Kijiji, maybe on ebay. The sell for $16-35. So I should be able to do it. That means selling 3 or 4 a week. Not a big time commitment on my part.

SO....

step 1 - clear off my work station, and get organized.
step 2 - tweak my patterns and trace out.
Step 3 - cut out fabric.
Step 4 - Start sewing them up.
Step 5 - Photograph and advertise as they are ready to go.

I have set it up to fit tea cup dogs to mid size dogs.

SO... there's the plan. I should be able to be very close. If I have enough for the puppy, I'll go ahead as she won't need to get to the vet for a couple weeks. She'll have just gotten her second immunization from the breeder's vet, so she'll have some time before it's necessary. But I need to continue making and selling these to be sure all the first year expenses are covered by extra money earned and no our household budget.

**Spirit Deer** · 02-10-2009, 10:28 AM

Why not check out Petfinder? There may be a doggy waiting just for your loving home, that has already had many of the vet expenses paid. Or Google for a breed rescue in your area for the breed you're interested in.

Good plan for making the extra money.

**mommy4ever** · 02-10-2009, 10:42 AM

We won't take on an older dog, as we tried that and it wasn't not a good thing, she was fine for a month then turned on me and the kids. The rescues in our area won't consider our family as we have kids under 10. Even if it's puppies, they won't go for it.

I'm fine with paying the vet. I would with any dog I bring home regardless of shots up to date or not.

**Judi Dial** · 02-10-2009, 11:03 AM

Another thing you might do maybe? Offer to sell the hoodies through your vet (put an ad up?) or custom make one for double the money the premade ones go for. That means if I want one for a great dane, you haven't automatically told me "No, I don't have one for you."

My .02!

Judi

**homesteadmamma** · 02-10-2009, 12:28 PM

You've got a great game plan. I firmly believe there are times such as these that it's okay for us to make a plan and go ahead with it.

I'm wondering if the vet might want to barter some of those hoodies for his/her service. Or they might even be willing to sell them in their office. Just a thought.

**mommy4ever** · 02-10-2009, 12:38 PM

I'm not sure if she'd barter. It's not a common thing to barter around these parts. I guess if she asks about them, I can do a spiel.

**HomeschoolMom** · 02-10-2009, 12:40 PM

I love your idea! And I love puppies too!
Another avenue for your hoodies could be local groomers - those sweeties get pretty chilly after their haircuts!

I don't blame you for being wary of adoption. We adopted our dog - for the bargain price of $385.00!!! And she's a mutt to boot! They never should have adopted her to us. Our daughter was 7 and son 10. She barked all the time, nipped the kids - especially dd and was just badly trained. Of course, she was fine for the first 3 week honeymoon period...

We still have her but it took a ton of work and patience to get her to where she is now. She can still be a bit of a handful but she means well and never nips anymore - or she'd be gone!!

Good luck with your doggy fund!!! What kind of dog is Bella? Our adopted dog, Brandy, is a lurcher (greyhound mixed with golden retriever) and our other dog, Buddy, is a cockapoo.

We got Buddy from a pup and he's never had issues.

You have to be careful with some of those 'rescue' agencies on PetFinder - apparently some of them are in it for the money - not the pets. Gives other rescue agencies a bad name unfortunately.

Ok, I'm babbling.....

**rainbowgc** · 02-10-2009, 12:42 PM

What a smart cookie. Good luck on earning the money. May I also suggest you look around for a low cost pet clinic? When I got my second little one it cost me $108 for exam and all shots. (she was a rescue and was already spaded

**mommy4ever** · 02-10-2009, 12:45 PM

Bella is a schnauzer cross. As will the new puppy. We're getting her from a lady who only has a couple litters a year, all her moms and dads are pets, not breeding stock.

We'll have paid less than you did for your adopted dog. But will have to get her fixed(our choice).

**mommy4ever** · 02-10-2009, 12:47 PM

I think with Bella exam and shots were $125, so it's not a huge expense. The Spaying will be more expensive, but that is a year away.

**angelbumpkin** · 02-10-2009, 01:22 PM

Good luck with your puppy fund.

**my4littlebuffaloes** · 02-10-2009, 05:50 PM

It will be a little dog right? Our dog is huge (you wouldn't know it from the picture but he is 70 pounds or more now and only 9 months old) and food gets expensive and then toys and everything is more with a bigger dog. Dogs are great pets though and it seems you know what you are getting into with a way to pay for it,so go for it!

**mommy4ever** · 02-10-2009, 05:53 PM

THe pup would max out at about 15lbs, so not tiny, but still small.

**Debbie-cat** · 02-10-2009, 05:58 PM

Good luck!! I think you have a great idea!

**Jskell911** · 02-11-2009, 11:04 AM

We, too, are trying to work a dog into our budget. Our Lucas passed away last August. I sure hope you get everything squared away. Your plan sounds great. And I agree with checking the vet and groomers about selling your hoodies there. Good luck