I previously wrote a post about the cost savings of owning a dog. The main idea of the post was that often times personal finance bloggers write about how expensive dogs are and they are correct, at least in the short-term. But once you account for the benefits of socializing, security, and (most importantly) health, dogs can actually be a money saving proposition in the long-term.
But alas, we may never agree on that conjecture.
However, I don’t feel that post truly captured all of the merits of owning a dog. So here are a few more.
Putting Spending Into Perspective
If someone spends $800 on a new road bicycle, what do you think? My first thought is that they must really enjoy bicycling… and good for them! However, I may be biased because I bought a $800 road bike, albeit on sale for $500. So, what are some other examples?
Someone buys a brand new $1,500 plasma TV. Some people will think they are trying to keep up with the Jones’ and others will think that they just really love their home entertainment systems. And still others will think they are brainwashed by consumerism and would be better off with a 32” CRT TV. Whatever, who cares.
What is the point of all of this?
If I were to go out and spend $3,000 on surgery for my hypothetical 12 year old dog, I would get a lot of reactions which would be different from the above ones. This hypothetical situation is usually thrown out in PF posts and the comments usually have a few different types of comments:
“Yes! I love my dog, he/she is like family! Spend it!”
“Why would you spend that much on a dog? They aren’t humans, you know.”
“That money could go towards a lot better use either for yourself or for charity!!”
“I could see if she was younger… but 12? What’s the return on THAT?”
So, people can understand spending on some things that bring you satisfaction, but things get heated when that something is pets. At least that’s how it seems.
Outline Our Excess as a Society
Just because I don’t disagree with spending a large amount on surgery for a dog doesn’t mean I automatically agree with everything else that people spend on pets. The money people spend on pets can get quite absurd.
I have never understood why people buy their dogs memory foam beds for $100+. Dogs are animals… they don’t care if they are on the floor. And if you really feel bad, go get a blanket from the goodwill. I’m sure the dog won’t mind.
And then on top of that, pet owners will sometimes judge other pet owners based on how much they spend on their pet. I have had multiple dog owners question different things I do with my dog because they buy into all of the different trends and hypes that promote excessive spending.
“Oh, you don’t use the Sean Paul Oatmeal w/ Vitamins A&B Shampoo? It’s only $35!”
“Nope, and don’t plan on it. I use a generic hypoallergenic shampoo that has solved my dogs allergy issues.”
Works for me.
But in the end, this excessive spending and attitude towards spending mimics societies general attitude, so what should I expect?
What Do You Think?
These were just two more points that I was thinking about when cuddling up with my pup. She actually helped me meet a few people a few weekends ago :)
What do you think? Does this put the surgery spending into perspective at all? If not, do you have any different reasons than the four outlined above?
And in regards to the excessive spending, do you ever get a similar attitude towards you for spending less on your pet? Or are you one of those people that completely spoils your pet, including pet hotels and all.
I'm MLR. After graduating from college debt free, I decided to write a blog encouraging people to adapt responsible and sensible personal finance rules.
June 23rd, 2009 at 3:25 pm |
I’m not a dog owner, but I’d love one if I had my own place, not an apartment. I think pets provide real psychological and emotional benefits to people. And even though they’re “just” animals, I do tend to treat them with more respect than that. I wouldn’t go out and buy Sean Paul shampoo (lol) for my dog, but I wouldn’t be averse to getting it something cushy to sleep on. So, moderation’s the key, I guess. Great post!!
Oh, I’m also reminded of the pet hall of fame stories – just check out how even cats have saved people’s lives. It’s truly amazing (heh, talk about that life ROI, huh?). The benefits of socializing are also great – good point to bring up:)
MoneyEnergy´s last blog ..More Stress, Less Money? Ways That Stress Can Cause Your Spending to Increase
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MyLifeROI Reply:
June 24th, 2009 at 12:21 am |
@MoneyEnergy,
I was thinking of waiting til I own a house, but then I started thinking… who knows when that will happen! Once I am in a place in my career that has me in the same location for a foreseeable 2+ years I can see myself buying a house, but that’s beside the point. I went ahead and got a dog that doesn’t need a huge yard (like a collie). I got an American Bulldog/Pit Bull. She is great. And I actually do have people recommend some crazy ass shampoo. No thanks :) I agree, getting her something cushy to sleep on is good! Pillow/comforters are cheap at the right place. Memory foam dog beds are not :)
When ever I see a pet saving human story, it always pains me that some people treat their animals so poorly. Some of them are so loyal to humans and smarter than we give them credit for…
MLR
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June 24th, 2009 at 5:13 am |
I think the negative reaction to pet spending, and pet health spending in particular, is due to people’s inability to see money for what it is: liquid effort. Nobody would expect a pet owner to put their pet to sleep rather than spend 30 minutes a day applying a special ointment or preparing a certain food. But 30 minutes a day for a year is the time equivalent of a month spent at an 8-5 job! In other words, 1/12th of the average person’s annual income-generating effort. If you wanted to, you could spend that time generating income and bring in an extra few thousand dollars during the year.
Another thing that gets said is “If you have thousands of dollars to spend on a dog, you should use it to save lives in some third-world country” (or something similar). Why are we afraid of the obvious retort: “I care more about my dog”? It’s simply true. We have no emotional attachment to a faceless entity in another country, but we have a strong emotional attachment to our pet. And since money is only liquid effort, you might as well suggest that if the questioner has 30 minutes a day to spend watching television, they should use that time instead to raise money to save lives in some third-world country! That is exactly what they just told you to do, and choosing television over a person’s life is even less defensible than choosing a pet’s life over a person’s life, if they really want to play that game.
I buy pet insurance for about $90 per cat, per year, and I most people think even that is silly. Good grief, that’s less than their food costs each year, by half! It’s a drop in the bucket, and it saves me from ever having to make a money-based decision about the life of an animal I care about. Most people just don’t think or behave rationally on this topic, or on many other money topics for that matter.
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MyLifeROI Reply:
June 30th, 2009 at 12:10 am |
@Ethan,
I really loved this comment. In fact, I think I am going to make a post out of it. I have never heard of this in terms of: “Nobody would expect a pet owner to put their pet to sleep rather than spend 30 minutes a day applying a special ointment or preparing a certain food. But 30 minutes a day for a year is the time equivalent of a month spent at an 8-5 job!”
And I think it is almost thought of as “disgusting” if you claim to love your dog more than children in. But you are right, it is true.
Really, great comment. And thank you.
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SS4BC Reply:
August 3rd, 2009 at 2:24 pm |
@Ethan,
Wow, I really liked your views on this. I have 2 cats and a dog and constantly struggle with “how much is their life worth?” – and at the end of the day I would go into more debt for them and I know it.
Thanks for your thought-provoking comment. =)
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June 26th, 2009 at 3:33 pm |
I totally get the reaction from people (especially non-dog owners) regarding the surgery issue. It does seem like such a lot of money. But we didn’t have a choice when our almost 14-year old Beagle needed surgery. Yes, it was a lot of money, but we had to do it, we wouldn’t have been able to live with ourselves if we didn’t try (because we DID have the money.)
Ultimately, the surgery did not work, and we lost her. Nearly 4 years later and I still miss her. What people don’t really get is I wasn’t spending the money for HER–it was for ME! Just like you say, buying a bike or a big-screen TV. The money was for a chance to keep that relationship for another 2, 3 or 4 years. Some people spend money on even more fleeting experiences (vacations, cars, etc. etc.), this is just an expense on an experience I valued higher than material possessions.
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MyLifeROI Reply:
June 30th, 2009 at 12:13 am |
@Retired Syd,
I couldn’t agree with this sentiment more: “What people don’t really get is I wasn’t spending the money for HER–it was for ME!”
As you said, I value the time with my dog more than material possessions. I also find spending time with her causes me to spend less on material possessions! :)
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June 27th, 2009 at 10:10 am |
I would almost argue that owning animals could help reduce costs in other areas.
Having animals at home increases my happiness and satisfaction. When it comes time to make decisions about what to do on any given evening – like to go out to eat, or what to do for the night – I’m always inclined to stay at home so I can see my animals more.
They keep me entertained and busy, which keeps my spending down in less direct ways. I won’t get bored and go shopping, or look online to buy stuff.
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MyLifeROI Reply:
June 30th, 2009 at 12:15 am |
@David,
Definitely! As I mentioned to the previous commenter, I spend less on material possessions or fleeting experiences because of my dog. I don’t resent it, but it just happens.
Me and my g/f always come to a point where we make that decision, too: Go out for dinner, or make dinner at home so we can hang out with Roxy?
It’s usually a pretty easy choice :)
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July 14th, 2009 at 7:29 pm |
Another interesting post, MLR; it seems you take a lot more flack about your dog than most pet owners, if these posts are anything to go on. Personally, I think trying to break down something as complex and deeply ingrained in the human psyche as pet ownership into dollar and sense terms makes little to no sense.
It’s like getting married: you can cite statistics showing the monetary (as well as psychological and health) benefits of getting married until you are blue in the face, but unless the person you are talking to WANTS to get married, you’re just wasting your breath and their time. Similarly, pet owners are going to nod along with everything you say in support of their choice and those who have no interest in owning a pet are going to nod politely and then get back to their lives, without any increased interest in getting a pet. It’s just the way human beings behave.
Roger´s last blog ..Should I Take This as an Omen?
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MyLifeROI Reply:
July 15th, 2009 at 9:47 pm |
@Roger,
I don’t know if I take MORE flack about my dog. All pet owners get the typical condescending snips from other dog owners (in my experience, unless they are the ones that give the snips!).
And you’re right about the fact that it won’t change anyone’s opinion. And thus this post. I understand if you just don’t want a dog. But I don’t agree when people try to knock other peoples decisions using faulty logic or math.
That’s all! :D
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Roger Reply:
July 18th, 2009 at 11:52 pm |
@MyLifeROI,
Fair enough, my friend. Certainly, you are entitled to your opinion, and it’s good that you attempt to back it up with solid facts.
Roger´s last blog ..Book Review: Dave Barry’s Money Secrets
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