The Kiltster was one of the best dogs ever, and the only one I ever saw (in person) waiting patiently at her seat at the table to eat her hamburger from the fork. Best mannered dog ever. I understand not wanting to let her go.

As for the costs… the first year was probably $800, that includes purchase price, spaying, required vet visits and dog food. The other years, maybe $200, which includes vet visits and food. That is less than getting a hair cut every month (you know what I mean). So, I’m out about ~$1500 over 4 years. After that first year, the animal is cheap. She is a great companion and friend — not a bad trade off. The dog I had previous to the one I have now, contracted cancer in her 13th year. I spent about $3000 in treatments to keep her alive for another six months. In retrospect, I wouldn’t do that again – not because of the money, but because of what it put her through. I was selfish and wasn’t ready to let her go when I had the means to hopefully prevent it. Now, I would just try to make their last days fun and lovable – because that is all they want and that is all they want to give.

I also like cats, except for the last one we had (Psycho-Kitty we called her). The bad thing about cats is that litter box – but that is the major difference between having a cat vs. dog that I have experienced.

I am always amazed at the complications some people seem to have with their pets – either I’ve been real lucky with my pets, or its where they get their pets.

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I “rescued” a fox terrier from the SPCA and the little sucker lasted for 18 years. Things I didn’t know until after I was totally attached to him included:
He had epilepsy (grand mal seizures sometimes lasting up to 8 or 9 hours; had to inject valium up his bum to calm him), allergies (couldn’t eat canned dog food so had to buy and mash up concoctions of beef heart/liver, various supplements etc.), developed separation anxiety as he got older (liked to eat the leather centre console in my car), detested other dogs and would snap and bite without warning (technically had to have him muzzled when walking him — all 12 pounds of dog that he was.) He had bad teeth so annual cleaning vet bill was about $500 because they have to put them out while doing the teeth. Finally, he developed some jaw muscle disorder so he couldn’t swallow food and vet put in a feeding tube in his neck down into his stomach and I pureed his food and used a syringe to inject it in the feeding tube. Over the years, I probably could have travelled three times around the world with what it cost me to have the dog.
But having said all that, I really miss the little mutt especially because if you’re nosy like me, you can check out the neighbourhood while walking your dog without looking like some doofus stalker.
Found an ideal substitute though. My neighbour decided she wanted a miniature schnauzer so I look after Maxine most of the time and my neighbour pays all the vet bills.
Sorry for such a wordy first comment on your blog but just couldn’t resist.

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Still, I think money saved at this point in my life is better directed to debt than taking on more cost.