“How much is that doggie in the window? Better sit down,” the newspaper headline read.
Others weren’t so charitable. When I calculated that Brenda would likely cost us more than $60,000 over her lifetime – including expenses for food, vet visits and the opportunity cost of not being able to invest that money – one reader accused me of “knowing the price of everything and the value of nothing.”
Our search for a dog had begun, paradoxically, after my son was bitten by a German shepherd. He had become fearful of dogs, and my wife reasoned that the best way to prevent him from developing a lifelong phobia was to get a dog of our own. I wasn’t completely sold on the idea – too much work – but I went along.
Even more than cushions, Brenda loved people. When she met strangers on the street, she would collapse on her side, legs slightly raised, tummy exposed, as if to say, “I won’t hurt you. I promise.” She didn’t just like attention, she demanded it. When my wife was typing on her laptop, she often had to compete with a cold, wet nose randomly pressing the keys.
There were plenty of other accidents and near-misses. Unable to resist chasing small, furry creatures, she got sprayed by skunks three times. On at least two occasions she escaped from our backyard and ran down the street to check out the scraps at the new Church’s Chicken. And there were lots of vet bills, especially recently.
By this time, Brenda’s appetite was waning, so we began serving her “higher-value” foods such as freshly grilled chicken thighs and chunks of cheddar cheese , in addition to the apple cores and spoonfuls of peanut butter she had always loved.
I am sorry for your loss. We lost our wonderful Golden Doodle, Rossi last year to bone cancer. We had pet health insurance that covered the huge vet bills. (over $20,000) It is something to consider. Thank you for the story. I completely agree.
Can't own family.
Weird, I had the same dog, they must get passed around. One of the best encounter in my life.
Can’t read the article (paywall for me), but as I type this my dog is recovering from $5,000 dental surgery. Cost isn’t relevant for me. He’s a part of our family. Love that pooch. 🐶 ❤️