Saturday, August 1, 2009

My New Expensive Hobby

Some people like sports, some video games, my new hobby is dog fostering. I spent $175 on food, crates, treats, a retractable leash (so puppy can run and I don't have to). It's not over either. I am going to look at an outdoor chain link kennel tomorrow for $135 on craig's list. The good thing is that things like crates and kennels that I buy on craig's list probably won't lose much of their value. If I wanted to get rid of them I could sell them on craig's list again. The real expense is for the food and treats. The rescue organizations say they will help provide food but they are really low on donations so I will buy my own. The treats, chewy bones and rawhides are surprisingly expensive. I hope she chews slowly but it doesn't look like that will be the case.


So, how will I pay for it all? Well, I had $50 leftover from last month and an extra $33 for my donation fund now that I get my full salary again. That means I have $333 per month in my donation fund. I consider doggy fostering a donation of money and time so the money will come from there.

Hopefully, these are just start-up costs and my monthly bills won't be this much. I'm thinking $20 a month for food would be nice. Is that unrealistic?

Oh ya, and another plus, I haven't watched TV all day. Too bad I don't have cable TV or else that would be more money I could use.

8 comments:

Over the Cubicle Wall said...

Chews and rawhides are cheap compared to other things dogs happen to chew on - remotes, shoes, carpet, doors, drywall...

That really is a cute pup!

Daizy said...

That is true. She has tried the carpet a few times.

I hope other people think she's cute. I want her adopted quickly while she's still a puppy.

rinter said...

what a wonderful service. Though I didn't know you pay for the food? (optional)? ALso, hearing many folks are giving up cable. There are MANY shows airing their eppys online.

Daizy said...

Hi Rinter, I didn't know about all the animal rescue places either until I started lurking on craig's list a few months ago. They usually pay for food but since they always seem to be having pet food drives I thought I would donate pet food to myself.

I wish my computer was fast enough to watch tv shows online. It pauses so much I get bored. I think I need to leave the tv on for the puppy though. It seems to keep her company.

Lizzie @ her homeworld said...

Vet bills are the most expensive thing normally but presumably the shelters have a vet on board? or else skys the limit if something goes wrong.
Have a lovely day with your new friend!

Daizy said...

Hi Lizzie, I have been told the vet expenses are taken care of by the rescue. My puppy came with medication and she will get fixed in 2 weeks at their expense. I am assuming any accident is covered by them too because I could just give them the dog back. She already rolled head-first down my RV stairs. Luckily there are only 3 stairs. Poor puppy.

Unknown said...

I feed our two dogs about 1 cup twice a day. It works out to be about 10 lbs of dog food / week. A 20 lb bag should last a month with one dog. Stop by Play it Again Sports (there is one on east Broadway near Kolb and one next to Summit Hut on Speedway) and get some used tennis balls. I don't remember the cost, but I think it's like $3/dozen. You'll learn to pick up anything that she can chew or is any kind of food. Our lab counter surfs. She's pulled dirty dishes out of the sink before.

Daizy said...

Hi Mark, thanks for the tips. I'll definitely check out those tennis balls. It would be great to get some used ones. I have notice the puppy gets bored quickly. This RV is not puppy proof at all. I think I should be a little more proactive about it before she destroys something expensive.