Dogs are great companions. I’m testament to this, hence “Financial Freedumb & Brownie.” But dogs aren’t all fun and games, there are serious things to consider before getting a dog–finances, breed, adult or puppy, rescue or from a breeder. I’d like to touch on all of these topics based on what I’ve learned from Brownie. This post focus on dogs, but the thought process is the similar for other types of animals for the most part. I wrote about how I found Brownie in this post, and then mentioned how I’d do things different in the future….This post goes into that.
Posts Tagged ‘Doggie’
Happy Birthday Brownie!
05
Sep
Brownie,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
I’ve got some neat treats for you from California. Will post more later today, but I’ve got a flight to catch…see ya in a bit.
-Dad
Updated Doggie Costs – Dog Food and, uhh, More Dog Food
19
Aug
I haven’t updated Brownie’s costs for awhile…doesn’t mean I’ve been neglecting him. I have bought 3 bags of food recently along with a few dog toys from Vegas. Plus his boarding costs for the trip.
Boarding: $180.00
Food: $51.00 (3 bags of 40lb food, Kirkland Signature Lamb & Rice)
Toys: $12.00
Immodium AD: $13.00 (18 pill package)
Total to date: $4,301.79 + 180 + 51 + 12 + 13 = $4,557.79
Got a Dog? Here Are 5 Tips On Saving $$$ & Being a Responsible Owner
15
Aug
This post is inspired by problogger.net and his group writing project on ’LISTS’
I wanted to find a topic that I think would be beneficial to my readers, yet at the same time not just a rehash of old topics with at least some new content, so I decided Brownie’s life lessons on money would be appropriate. I hope my posts will help a fellow dog owner out there.
Discussion At the Dog Park About Buying From Somewhere Just Because…
10
Aug
Just because you like the store. If you don’t have a pet, pet ownership costs can be quite crazy at times–especially if your friend needs frequent trips to the vet, which can cost an arm and a leg.
Well, a few days ago I had a random discussion with someone about dog food, and we found we buy our food from the same place–a really small “mom & pop” type of store with great owners, a married couple. As we talked, we both found that we no longer buy food from them because the brand of dog food they were selling didn’t work out for our dogs. However, we both still go back to buy treats and other small things just because, well, we like them. Similar to brand loyalty I guess?
About Brownie
01
Aug
Hi, I’m Brownie. Well, that’s not my real name because my dad won’t let me tell you that since he so overly cautious. So I guess you could consider me an anonymous dogger. I was born on September 5, 2005. I’m a chocolate Labrador Retriever. Contrary to popular belief, chocolate labs do NOT melt in the sun! Nor are we the most mischievous of the 3 colors. 
In fact, I’ve heard chocolates are the smartest and the best looking. 
Here are my siblings:
Actually, I’m not sure that’s me…could be my sister. I have 6 black brothers and sisters, and 1 chocolate sister…I was kind of a trouble maker. My sister didn’t really like me, but we all know she loved me the most!
I met my dad for the first time on October 27, 2005. I didn’t really like him, in fact, I kept going back to sleep after he tried to pick me up everytime, but he was persistent. I think he knew how special I am. On November 1, he took me home. It was really hard saying bye to my mom and dad.
But I guess they knew that my new dad would take good care of me, so they let me go. When I got to my new home, my dad just would not stop taking pictures of me.
But eventually he got tired. Phew. I was seeing spots. Unlike my dad, I love reading!
Now that 8 months has gone by, I think I’m being a good dog, and he’s doing okay as my dad. He could do better, but don’t tell him that…he might stop giving me treats and taking me to the dog park.
My main job is to teach my dad about being a responsible grown up. He’s almost 30 years old, but still can’t get up in the morning. Luckily, I’m there to make sure he gets up on time for work. Actually I lied, I wake him up to take me out to pee and poop, and for him to feed me. I also try to teach him about managing his finances by ripping up toys and getting bored of my food. Hey, don’t call me spoiled, you try eating the samething every single day!
Anyway, hope to see you again. I’ll try to keep my dad inline.
By the way, nice to meet you!!
Uh oh…I got to go. My dad is coming back, and he doesn’t like me stepping on his keyboard. He gets a little upset when I touch his computer…I don’t know why! I’ll try to slip in a post every now and then. Bye!
Brownie
Frugal Dog Home Remedies, Tips, and Tricks (Might Apply To Humans As Well)
29
Jul
Like humans, dogs have issues with their health…sometimes they are just daily occurances like headaches, allergies, upset stomach, etc. Unfortunately, they can’t tell us. That’s why you know your dog best, and the decision to go to the vet or not, is best made by you. Some telltale signs that a trip to the vet would be good are blood, lethargy, uncharacteristic behavior, excessive/obsessive licking/scratching, limps, and bumps. That’s all I can think of for now, but I’m sure there are others.
This post is about some neat home remedies, tips, and tricks I’ve learned since I started raising my dog Brownie. And I consider them all “frugal” because they are generally a lot cheaper than getting a prescription or getting them from a pet store. Have a look…share yours!
Before You Take Fido To That Expensive Obedience Class…
26
Jul
From what I’ve read, seems that a number of folks take their dogs to well marketed obedience classes (Petsmart anyone?) that cost at least around $100 for six 1 hour classes. Where I live, they actually cost $140 for six classes. Well, there is an alternative, generally every state has a number of American Kennel Club (AKC) local chapters. These AKC chapters offer a variety of dog interests, but my favorite is obedience. In my state, a 13 week class costs $40–MUCH better than the private offerings. So before you sign Fido up for private schooling, consider AKC chapters in your area. Here’s a link to search the AKC site for local chapters near you.
Updated Doggie Costs
14
Jul
If you haven’t read about Brownie’s not so fun encounter with d-i-a-r-r-h-e-a, check it out. He had an unplanned vet visit due to it, but he’s much better now. Poor guy had the runs like I hope no one ever has to go through. Main post has been updated if you’re interested in seeing where all the money spent on Brownie has gone. Total cost to date: $4,301.79.