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. =)

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.
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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

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.
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[...] My Life ROI gives present and future pet owners Two More Virtues of Owning a Dog. [...]

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 :)

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! :)

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.

[...] More Virtues of Owning a Dog http://bit.ly/179u8i A bit of frugality for dog ownership & putting things in [...]

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.