I went to Costco the other day and came home with thirty dollars worth of stuff for the dogs and only ten dollars worth of stuff for me. Okay, I did specifically go to Costco in order to stock up on food and treats for the dogs. But it did make me stop and take a look at my spending habits.
Money is tight these days — not just for me. And I’ll admit that when I do have to skimp on things, it’s easier to be frugal for myself than for the pups. I know gas prices are high. I know money is tight. I know why I’m cutting back on things. The dogs don’t. All they know is that we just went for a walk and it’s time for a treat. So in that respect, I am more likely to buy a treat for the dogs than a treat for myself.
Things are a little more serious for people who are losing their homes due to the current mortgage situation in America. The ASPCA notes that it isn’t unusual to see more pets going into shelters — or just being abandoned as strays — when times are hard and people are losing their homes.
But think of it this way — a pet is a member of the family for many people. My pets give me unconditional love, companionship, and a sense of security. I’d be very unhappy without them — and that isn’t worth the money I’d save not buying kibbles and treats.
If you are losing your home and need some help, the ASPCA had a few ideas:
- Look for pet-friendly apartments. It can take some time and energy, but they are out there. Many places have restrictions on size and/or breed, so you may have a harder time finding a home with a large dog.
- Talk to your local shelter for resources — many shelters and rescues keep a list of pet-friendly housing and what sort of pets they allow. That can make your search a lot easier!
- Think about an obedience class of some sort. Being able to show your landlord that your dog is a well-behaved citizen might help get you into a new place to live. Many shelters offer free or low-cost classes to get you started.