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Patti Page's song title hit the charts with children of the fifties. After constantly singing the tune off key and pestering, my dad folded. He slapped five greenbacks on the counter of a local pet shop for a cuddly terrier-skipper key mix. No one in our working class Brooklyn neighborhood of duplexes and row houses owned a pedigree. Mutts were the stock of the melting pot. Our primary readers featured Dick and Jane watching Spot run. Dogs were as American as a Norman Rockwell picture and mom's apple pie.
Even today canine characters populate fiction and the movie screen. According to recent statistics from the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA), Americans own more than seventy- three million dogs. Folks, that's a lot of gravy train and a lot of dough spent on our four legged friends. The answer to the title's question is founded on the factors which follow. This estimate is based on the personal experience of owning a medium size dog with a lifespan of fifteen years.*
THE DOG - The cost of the dog varies, but five bucks is not going to do it. Spot could cost you anywhere from fifty to thousands of dollars depending whether you purchase a mixed breed or a pedigree. If you opt for a pedigree, be aware that breeders differentiate between pet and show quality. Unless you have dreams of Westminster, go for the pet. It's significantly cheaper. Consult AKC (American Kennel Club) for reputable breeders. Be aware shelters and rescues charge fees. Cost $300
FOOD - The amount of food a dog eats depends on its size. Even though Spot likes table food, you'll be called to task by the veterinarian if you confess to the offence. The average adult dog is fed once a day usually a mix of wet and dry food. Check where the product is made. Remember the problem last year with dog food from China. Dog food including treats should be anywhere from two-five dollars a day. Don't forget serving bowls. Lenox excluded expect to spend ten-hundred dollars and up. Cost $16,000
GROOMING - Pet store chains and small shops will bathe, shampoo, clip(nails and fur), brush (teeth and fur),dip(fleas and tick) and provide cute bows/bandannas. This beautification process is done about four times a year for thirty-five dollars. Frugal owners can do it themselves or consider a furless breed. Be sure check that the groomer is licensed and does not drug the pooch. Cost $2,100
LODGING - Pet store chains, kennels and pet sitters offer a variety of services. The price depends on your requests. Some lucky dogs will be putting on the Ritz. Let's take a no frills package for thirty dollars a day for one week per year. There are also pet walking, poop scooping and daycare services which are not included in this estimate. Thrifty owners can beg a relative or friend to pet sit. It's well worth the price of a souvenir. As a cautionary note, make sure you visit the kennel/hotel, interview the pet sitter and check with the Better Business Bureau. Cost $3,100
LICENSE AND MICROCHIP - Most townships require yearly licensing of your dog. The cost is minimal somewhere between ten and fifteen dollars. Clinics, shelters and rescue organizations will painlessly insert a rice size chip with vital information under the dogs skin for thirty- five dollars. Cost $250
MEDICAL AND DENTAL - Health care for people and pets is astronomical. Dogs require at least one major exam a year which usually includes shots and tests, in addition, monthly medication to prevent fleas, ticks and heartworms. Spaying or neutering a pet can run several hundred dollars and surgery thousands. There are organizations(ASPCA) that will neuter or spay for a small fee. An annual dental cleaning is suggested. Care has become so costly, especially as the pet ages, that an owner might consider an insurance provider. Check with the Better Business Bureau. Cost $11,000
SCHOOLING AND TRAINING - Training can be in show handling, obedience, agility, field and track. You can chose individual or classroom instruction. There are clubs to join and competitions to participate in. Basic obedience training is suggested. Tuition is usually monthly. If you aspire to Westminster, be prepared to shell out a college tuition. Visit the school, interview the trainer and check with the Better Business Bureau. Cost $1,000
ACCOUTERMENTS - This includes beds, clothes, toys, collars and bling. Cost $800
HELP! - There are freebees out there. Search the internet. If you are not ready for a lifetime commitment, consider fostering a dog. There are organizations that will pick up the tab or at least part of it if you are enrolled in a foster program.
A dog is man's best friend, and a responsible owner is a friend with benefits. Now the answer to Patti Page's question, calculators please :
GRAND TOTAL - $34,550
copyright 2009
first rights
Dr. Rosemary Biggio
1817 Forest Drive
Williamstown, N.J. 08094
856-740-4889
856-740-0329(fax)
Biggio1@comcast.net
Born in NY, Retired teacher, Writer of fiction and nonfiction
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