"Free" to good home

[Missi]

Marley has been with us for a little over a week now and we are all getting used to being a "double-doodle" family! We love him dearly and he is getting used to our backwards routines. Lizzie has shown him all of the best hiding spots in the backyard and he's getting used to sharing space with felines. He has even held his bladder for our overnight shifts since day 1!

But, I wanted to outline our "free" expenses over the last week and a half! I know everyone on here knows how expensive dogs are, but I thought I would share:

$404 Vet- all puppy shots, heartworm test, fecal float/smear, exam, heartguard and frontline x 6 months

$50 Grooming- Shaved head to toe and nails clipped: (actually a good deal compared to our old groomer)

$12 New tags from Boomerang tags

$20 Transfer over microchip info

$98 two bags of Blue Buffalo dog food and one bag of treats

$6 Two matching toys for him and Lizzie so no fights occur (they LOVE them)

$0 A slip collar since he backed out of a regular collar twice, I had it leftover from my Peke.

And coincidentally, Lizzie and both the cats were due for their annual exams and shots too, so the vet got an extra $350 from that, but not related to Marley :-(

And Marley is due for two more vaccines in three weeks (Distemper booster and lepto #1) and then the last one three weeks from that (lepto #2).

But overall, I say we got a real deal! There were no "major" medical expenses and he was generally healthy, only needing ear cleaning We didn't have to pay anything to get the dog and he is already neutered. So, I guess he's a good-value puppy!

Maybe I shouldn't have typed this up, I had never really examined the total! I'm really glad that dbf is not on DK, he just might shoot me! hehe

I'd post more pictures but dbf has the camera on a boys ski trip this weekend!

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Kids...Doodles...We love them all at any cost!!!!

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

Ok, I just had to add the Visa commerial ending...
A doodles love... priceless!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Marley is definitely worth it. But it's good for people to know what it costs to have even a healthy dog.
In 2008, Jack's vet bills alone were over $3000. Every time I wrote a check, I reflected on the fact that his initial cost was a $300 adoption fee. The checks I write to the pet supply store alone look like my mortgage payments. Last week I had to throw away $160 worth of his antigens because I somehow forgot to put them back in the fridge after his shot. Well, what's another $160 at this point? Isn't that why God made credit cards?
Jackdoodle is worth every penny, and lots more. What I get from him, I couldn't buy for a million dollars.
I know you all feel the same way.

[Missi]

Oh, I know it's a great investment! I wasn't surprised by any of it, nor am I complaining, just writing it all out. I know my animals are worth every penny!!!!

[Adrianne Matzkin]

I never did that math. When it is put on paper it does seem like a lot but it is a very small investment for a lifetime of hugs, kisses, giggles and love!!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I think it is a good investment for your future :)