Dogs and the cost of their toys

We all realize the real costs of owning a dog AFTER going to our vet’s office for the 1st set of shots and possible emergency visit. But what about when we are off to Petsmart or Petco or any store that sells pet supplies?

First of all, the list contains multiple items, such as: a crate, leash, collar, dog food, bowls for food and water, a doggy bed, shampoo, conditioner, treats, and let’s not forget “Nature’s Miracle” for those far and few between “accidents” while housetraining a puppy. I am not going to add up all these costs for you or myself, as any dog owner already knows this: it comes to a lot of money, period. And those of you with children, dogs cost considerably less than a baby or should I say a teenager?

Fine, right? It is part of having a wonderful cute sweet adorable puppy. Besides how else are you going to take great pictures of your dog playing? YOU need toys when in reality we are supposed to say, “Your dog is the one who needs toys”. I have found that even men love to shop for dog toy which truly amazes me. Ever go to a pet store and look at a special stuffed animal that may cost $20 or more? A woman will say that is too much money and put it back. Or rather there are some of us women that love to find a good deal and realize it isn’t, so we put the toy back. Whereas Dave, my fiancé, will purchase it right then and there. He is a man that knows a good deal when he sees it: our two doodles will play for hours first having a tug of war party then move on to the de-squeak and de-fuzz stage meanwhile he can watch a movie in peace. That kind of logic can make sense but women love to hunt down the best deal (on toys). It is part of our genetic make up. As they say a man will pay $20 for a $10 item if he thinks he needs it or will give him freedom. A woman will pay $10 for a $20 item even if we don’t need it because it was on sale and a good deal.

Not too long ago, while sipping my coffee and relaxing at my dining room table, Max and Peanut had almost every toy they own scattered around me. When I got up to get my caffeine refill I realized my two dogs had as many toys as a 3 to 5 year old! Was I nuts?! Or had Dave and I become like my friends that treat their dogs like their babies? Guilty as charged. Now came the part of adding up the cost of toys for Max. I’ll add in the “Peanut” factor later.

1. One eviscerated 3 foot long skunk now squeaker-less but tasty: $26.99 (Dave’s logic of a good deal).

2. Intact with squeaker but de-fuzzed and slightly de-seamed 2 foot long Moose and Buffalo $40.00 (And yes, Dave also bought these due to male logic).

3. Two ducks licked to death and only one quacks but is still missing a foot: $20.00

4. One white and blue intact KONG teether that will bounce crazily if thrown: $8.00 but priceless if you ask me.

5. Miscellaneous small plush squeaker toys no longer replaced as we found out that “carcasses” are still considered fun to further shred: $30.00 to-date.

6. Tennis balls now in a landfill somewhere stripped of fuzz and with holes in them: $15.00

7. A 5 squeaker Felix the cat now down to 3 squeakers, partially stuffed and in bad need of a washing: $9.00

8. Big rubber teething ring totally intact with very few teeth marks to-date: $4.99 (one of my better deals I found).

9. Soccer ball found at Goodwill and still not deflated: $1.00 (wow!)

10. Two wiggly jiggly alien sounding rubber balls, one no longer has sound and the other has a few puncture marks but both still are safe from destruction: $14.00

11. One small, red, rubber KONG ball that is missing again and not under my couch or chairs as I checked those spots first: $8.00

12: Miscellaneous costs: you do NOT want to know. This is when you realize the cost goes up consid
erably. Why? Because it is expensive to replace a pair of shoes, one pair of winter boots, one pair of prescription glasses with puppy teeth marks that makes it hard to see out of them clearly, a wool rug with a nice oblong 3 by 7 inch hole, at least 12 pairs of socks to-date (maybe more), one hooded sweatshirt that is missing its hood, one set of headphones with the sound part not in working order presently, one Bluetooth presently toothless and going to a landfill soon, and I am going to be sick if I continue on any further.

13. Cost of playing with your dog and receiving their unending love: PRICELESS.

NEW YEAR’S RESOLTION: Get PROMOTED at work to make more $$$$ in order to buy more toys and keep up with miscellaneous costs. Or work overtime? Or pick up a part-time job on the side? OR learn to let my dogs only have the toys listed above that last and keep playing with the ones that are still recognizable in one form or another. Do not throw them out until they are considered hazardous to their digestive system and my purse.

Yes folks, my priorities have finally been set for me by a dog. So why use Visa or MasterCharge when you can pay as you go? Thus, no finance charges—isn’t that a savings? Moreover, I forgot to add in the cost of a digital camera. Actually the cost is not much when compared to the pictures and memories I have taken and stored to-date. OH regarding Peanut: the cost does not go up with a second dog. As Peanut, our second dog, loves hand-me-downs. Fantastic! Two doodle dogs provide my family and I with two times the love and all the money in the world could not buy the fun, laughter and love we experience. For some reason I have stopped adding up the cost of my dogs’ toys as it now seems minimal. Spending more time with my family and dogs is counted on more.

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