Want a puppy? Awww how cute. :-) Think twice before you take it home.

**krbshappy71** · 10-13-2010, 12:58 PM

Yah....free isn't free. But dog love is priceless.

If you watch Craig's list really closely, consistently, and make up your mind what you want, what you will and will not put up with as far as behavior and health status (for example I wont take an un-fixed dog) then its easier to find one that suits your needs and wont be too much of a financial hit for awhile.

Arlo was "free" from Craig's List and free to me for about a year. Already neutered, shots, healthy as a horse, happy dog. Suddenly develop ear infection after ear infection so now has to be on certain dog foods to stay away from his allergy issues.

**sahm2boys** · 10-13-2010, 04:20 PM

ok i have 4 yorkies and raise litters

the key is to shop around when you can

the cost of the dogs..high..first one cost me $250 in 02 out of pocket, and the other three were, $600, $500 and $900.00 yet they were all purchased with money made from breeding

feedings..i have done the $$$$ foods and i have done the average foods and seen no difference in health/appearance so mine are on puppy chow at $3.84 every two weeks or like i got a BIG bags of Iams for $9.97 on clearance..that will last us a while

treats..with coupons 2 big boxes for a total of $.79

health..relatively healthy..i vaccinate my self and a cost of $4 a shot,
i deworm myself at either $5 a bottle or $10 a bottle depending on what type of worm issue i have (rare) usually for the babies

fleas? i purchase advantage on ebay for $18.99 for a 10 month supply where i split a larger vile between the 4 of them..last for the warmer months and then no fleas

heartworms? i do not have them on monthly control they are tested every 2 years and have always been free...they are inside pets
vet checks at my vet is only $35 but no need unless something is wrong

crates? i got one from my mom new long ago for $79 for the great big one..and i purchased throughout the years smaller ones on ebay for $36 with shipping and i purchased 2 pens for $45 ea..not necessary for everyone but i breed and need to separate..also see those items on cl all the time for cheap.

toys..they arent big toy lovers..

i have had 2 big emergencies...throughout all this..both were avoidable but i screw up..luckily i have the best vet and i can make payments and no one else is as affordable or caring around here as he is.

raising puppies?
delivery supplies $10? maybe
tail docking free i do it
vaccines $4 ea
deworming pennies
food..free i order duplicate puppy kids from eukanuba and get free bags
vet check $35 for the entire litter

(if i went to the vet for all of the above with a litter i would have spent over $500.00 as i have 2 litters right now, my neighbor went to banfield against my advice for 7 pups, vaccinated, fecals, de-wormings they charged her $1300!! outrageous, crazy! i hate banfield its the worse vet/corporate office you could go to)

and maybe $25-50 in extras like toys, etc..
registration is free through ckc

none of mine are fixed..two will get fixed this year at the cost of $50-65.00 ea through prevent a litter

so i think my expense are pretty slim for all that i have and do

**krbshappy71** · 10-13-2010, 04:29 PM

Thanks for the Banfield comment, I was going to check them out but I thought they'd be cheaper. I'll stick with my own vet instead. I do have a coupon for one free office visit which I'm saving (no expiration) for a rainy day. Probably shot update and that way will only pay for the shots instead of visit too.

We don't have fleas here, that helps.
I don't buy treats but if there are free samples of organic or "allergy free" dog food I will use that for treats.
I watch Goodwill and other thrift shops for dog toys or supplies that other people donated. (wash well)

You know what my big hang up is? Food. I think I will start a thread on that.

**sahm2boys** · 10-13-2010, 08:06 PM

Originally Posted by krbshappy71

Thanks for the Banfield comment, I was going to check them out but I thought they'd be cheaper. I'll stick with my own vet instead. I do have a coupon for one free office visit which I'm saving (no expiration) for a rainy day. Probably shot update and that way will only pay for the shots instead of visit too.

We don't have fleas here, that helps.
I don't buy treats but if there are free samples of organic or "allergy free" dog food I will use that for treats.
I watch Goodwill and other thrift shops for dog toys or supplies that other people donated. (wash well)

You know what my big hang up is? Food. I think I will start a thread on that.

bandfield also charges out the oo ha for vaccines...the vaccines is a 2 set shot..you mix a wet and dry, then inject..they charge you for both then charge a 6-9.00 wast disposal fee..they are the only ones i have known to do that..that vaccines will cost you 45.00 at banfield with the free exam =)..

banfield is not run by vets, run by business men...they are HORRIBLE..stay away

**krbshappy71** · 10-13-2010, 08:40 PM

Originally Posted by sahm2boys

bandfield also charges out the oo ha for vaccines...the vaccines is a 2 set shot..you mix a wet and dry, then inject..they charge you for both then charge a 6-9.00 wast disposal fee..they are the only ones i have known to do that..that vaccines will cost you 45.00 at banfield with the free exam =)..

banfield is not run by vets, run by business men...they are HORRIBLE..stay away

Wow that's too much. Shot clinic will do it for $22 and no office visit.

**sahm2boys** · 10-13-2010, 09:01 PM

yep they are just over priced..looking to get money out of people
there are website dedicated to their "behavior"

my vet charges 27.00 and no exam fee...

but i just buy my own..much cheaper

**Rhiamon** · 11-07-2010, 09:06 PM

The other things my pets have given me is great therapy. With DD at school I am alone most of the day. So my pets give me someone to talk to and force me to get out of the apartment. Since my husband and I have seperated, they are great company. My boy Cinnamon dog, and my other little girl Bugg cat.
I know they are expensive but my therapists all agree that they are great for me.