by Beks
One of my dogs passed away. He’s not the first I’ve lost, but for some reason, his passing hit me harder than any other dog I’ve had before. He was sweet, gentle, and ever willing to please. He actually passed away about a month ago, I just couldn’t talk about it before now.
Financially, the smart thing would have been to keep my family a one dog family but every time I came home and saw my remaining dog mope around the house, I knew I couldn’t leave things the way they were. When he stopped eating and whined constantly, I was reduced to tears on a daily basis.
I spent a week searching shelters but couldn’t seem to find a dog that fit our dynamic. I don’t believe in buying dogs for short term commitments and knew bringing home anything but a perfect fit would be a bad idea. I decided to stop at one more, knowing if I didn’t find the right dog, I’d simply give up.
Then I met Hutch.
I was still in the habit at crying at the sight of dogs and sat on the floor thinking I’d never find another I could love at much as my last. Hutch took one look at me, crawled into my lap, and promptly fell asleep.
Needless to say, he came home with me.
Financially, I made a mistake. A dog is a financial responsibility – even if he is replacing another. Physically and emotionally, I did what my heart (any my other dog) needed.
If you see a redhead jogging down the street with two wagging tailed dogs and a grin the size of Texas… that’s probably me.
Beks is a full-time government employee who enjoys blogging late into the night after her four kids have gone to sleep. She’s been married to Chris, her college sweetheart, for 15 years. In 2017, after 3 long years working the Dave Ramsey Baby Steps, they paid off more than $70K and became debt free. When she’s not working or blogging, she’s exploring the great outdoors.
I am so sorry for your loss, but so glad you got another dog! Life is NOT about money. 🙂
Thank you for warming my heart 🙂
I am sorry for your loss. I truly believe some decisions cannot be made for financial reasons. After I lost my siberian husky Sunny, I was so depressed, I remember my husband coming home and asking his teary eyed new bride if I wanted to go to the shelter just so I’d stop crying. He fell in love with Bronx, but I was scared I would never love another puppy the way I loved Sunny. But this little puppy wriggled into my heart and I wouldn’t trade him for the world.
I have decided almost all dogs cost the same over time. Sunny had to be on higher grade food, while Bronx is more accident prone. My grandmother, who had her apricot poodles imported (don’t ask), jokes that she paid her costs up front while mine are amortized in vet bills.
I am so sorry to hear about your doggie. Getting Hutch was the right thing to do though. You all needed him and life must have balance. Have fun with your dogs!
I’m sorry for you loss, but you made the right decision. Your other dog very clearly needed a buddy, and it wouldn’t have been right not to try. Pets are expensive, but as others have said, life isn’t about money.
Sorry about your baby… we have a 10 year old one and I dread saying bye to him, one day.
You are right animals are expensive – if anyone says “free dog” they are wrong – There is NO such thing as a free dog or cat. You have to take them to the vet, fed and bathe them. BUT isn’t it nice what they give us in exchange! 😉
Debra
A few years ago we had to put down our 13 year old lab. The 8 weeks that we were without a dog was really hard for our family. It was also, without a doubt, the most unproductive 2 months my husband has ever had professionaly. Since he’s paid on commissions, the loss cost us some income. While pets are expensive, sometimes NOT having one costs even more…whether emotionally, finacially, or both.
I’m so sorry for your loss. My cats are my kids since I don’t have any of the human kind. They are great company and truly worth the $$ (they are on prescription food and one has had 2 ultrasounds on his heart). Since you had a dog previously and were going to maintain the same number of dogs, your money output shouldn’t be much different than before – just just won’t be spending any less! 🙂
When our dog Chucho died at 13, our other mutt, Conchita, was depressed for about a week. Then she started coughing up blood. It turned out that she was so upset that she got a bleeding ulcer. Our vet took good care of her (good thing, too, as I was already a complete wreck after the loss of the best dog ever). I eventually got another mutt and though Conchita was a little mad for awhile, she was definitely much more calm and relaxed having another dog around the house. Conchita died this spring (and 5 years later) at the ripe old age of 17! Not bad for a street dog from Mexico City.
It’s going to be time for another trip to the pound soon. Thanks for sharing your story. I truly believe that dogs are worth more than money can buy.
Funny about your grandma. My mom has said the same thing for years about her Portuguese Water Dog. Of course, now she has a mutt from the pound also…it looks like she’s coming around!
I agree with brooklynchick! Life is not all about money and sometimes you just need to do what is best for you. Even if that means not necessarily being the best financial decision. In the long run, your dog will bring you more happiness than the little bit of money you saved or paid toward your debt.
Well, as the comments plainly show, we all believe you made a good choice. 🙂 I went five years without a dog, but I thought about it everyday. The husband didn’t want the complication of a dog while we were doing construction on our house, with the residual mess in our backyard. I finally pushed it and got my sweet Mel. I will never be without a dog again, broke or not. They add so much to your life, and I feel protected with him here. Congratulations on making the right choice for you.
I feel for you, Beks… we lost our little Fritz a couple of weeks ago to cancer, and it just hurts (tearing up just thinking about it, crybaby that I am). He was my little world traveler, from Cali to Denmark, breaking hearts and taking names the whole way. A huge part of me misses the doggie love, even if I know we just can’t handle it right now. Not for money, but for the time that a pooch or two (they need buddies, after all) demands and deserves. I’m glad you found one to crawl into your lap and heart. Give him a snuggle for me now and again. There are things far more important, in the short and long run, than worrying about every penny.
Big hug, Beks … my cat is like my kid. I swear that he came at a time in my life where I didn’t even know that I needed his companionship, but now that we’ve been together for 8 years, I can’t imagine what my life was like before he literally dashed into my house.
Beks – So sorry for your loss. Our dog is getting older and it’s tough to think that we may be going through what you are going through in a few years. He helped teach my son to walk (my son wasn’t interested in it before we brought our dog home). He’s always there when I scream because a spider is on me. I knew the moment he licked our son at the shelter that he was the dog for us.
Debt reduction is all about a balancing act. I believe there is room for pets since they provide so much (like Rae mentioned).
Thanks so much everyone. I thought it was just me being emotional about a dog (I still tear up just talking about him) but it’s nice to hear I’m not the only one who totally loved my dog and was devastated to lose him.
Sorry to hear about your loss. I don’t know what I would do without my Daisy. Enjoy your walks with your dogs. It’s the little things in life that matter.
Not every decision in life should be based on money. So I don’t think you made a financial mistake.
I understand the devastation of a loss of a pet, having lost my cat of 13 years back in February. I told myself that I would go the summer without getting another animal so i could enjoy some travel without worrying about the kiddies back home, but i was in such pain that i adopted another cat the very next week. 2 months after that, i adopted a feral cat to keep him company and the whole thing has been a fascinating study of feline behavior.
I’m very sorry to hear about your dog.
Have I told you how much I love you? Thank you so much for adopting a dog.
I am so sorry for your loss. I so know and understand the loss of a pet. They are members of our family.
A Dog’s Prayer…
Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.
Speak to me often, for your voice is the world’s sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps falls upon my waiting ear.
When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshiper.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.
And, beloved master, should the great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest – and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.
________________________________________
Makes me cry everytime I read it…
Sorry for your loss :/
“Financially, I made a mistake. A dog is a financial responsibility – even if he is replacing another. Physically and emotionally, I did what my heart (any my other dog) needed.”
I think you made the right choice. Sure they are a financial liability, but if a dog keeps your morale up day in and day out (which I’m sure it does) then having a couple dogs is definitely justified.
Again, sorry for your loss.
-DC
Awww, so sorry to hear you lost your little guy:( Glad you found another puppy to fill the whole:)