Wants a poodle

[LKPike]

I personally would never take a dog being given away as free unless its being abused in that case I'll keep until I find an open foster home for it. I also would never buy an animal for a cheap price. Theres always hidden problems in them.

((this doesnt include adoption, or animals one might find running stray I have no problem helping those poor lost babys))

[janelle]

Both of my SSs got their dogs for free. Guess you have to have friends who love animals to give you one. Or friends who adopt an animal and then can't keep it.

I got my last kitty for free. SILs cat had kittens and she gave the litter away. I could pick out the one I wanted by playing with all of them and seeing their temperments. She is the best kitty.

It can be done. One needs connections. LOL

[Uabassoon]

Yes, one can get a "free" pet. But are your pets spayed or neutered? Are they licensed? Vaccinated? To be a GOOD and RESPONSIBLE pet owner does cost money!

My cat Corkscrew was "free", but in the 3 years I've spent a lot of money on him.

[wolfsoul]

I also think it's important for your friend to remember the other costs. I got a "free" cat and I have already spent over $500 on supplies and vet care for him in the last 7 or so months.

That being said, I understand when some people just don't want to pay the initial "buying" fee. My mom's bf is looking for a dog, and he has LOTS of money -- he is very well off in that department. He owns a great house in a very good area, and has a great job. But he won't pay the buying fee -- though he understands he has to pay for food, vet care, etc, he doesn't want to pay the buying fee. I'm not too sure why.

Please remind your friend that even if she gets a dog without the initial buying fee, she still has to pay for vet care (shots, alter, medical problems -- could equal hundreds to thousands of $), food, leash, collar, toys, crate, possibly obedience classes, parasite preventatives, license, etc. The dog will also need lots of time -- time for love, time for exersise, time for fun. Also have her keep in mind that when a dog is given up for free, there may be some behaviour problems involved. Would she mind having an aggressive dog? A dog that bites? A dog that barks alot? A dog that chews? A dog that isn't housebroken?

[Giselle]

I would also like to add that the adoption fee is there for a reason. Many people like your friend want a dog but not the costs. Eventually, the bills can and will catch up and the dog will, again, be relinquished. To ensure this NEVER happens, shelters and r-e-p-u-t-a-b-l-e breeders require a minimal fee. Compared to anything else in this world (including gas *snickers*), 125$ adoption fee is EXTREMELY cheap! Your SIL is not a good example to play off of, either. A responsible owner would have altered their animals. Oops litters are part of why there are so many strays and unwanted pets in shelters every day of the year. Besides that, she would have demanded you pay at least 20$ or something. Why? To ensure that you have the funds to successfuly and properly raise an animal, and to help dispell the possibility of you relinquishing the animal. Please. Tell your friend to wait. Please.

[janelle]

I agree with the comment about SIL. She has had lots of cats and they always die or get lost. This one was her Daughter's and they were waiting until they had the money to neuter the poor thing. She got pregnant twice cause she was just too hard to keep inside.

Well daughter got married and a person on a farm took the un-neutered cat. They said not to neuter her then because it would be better if she came to them pregnant and the other cats would accept her more easily. Not sure why this was so but she didn't get pregnant and went to live with them anyway. She's a barn cat now and I hope doing well,

[Pam]

The title of your thread got my attention. My first thought was so do I! I am a hopeless poodle person. The others have certainly spoken well when it comes to all of the other added expenses that go hand in hand with pet ownership. I will just add my two cents.

Poodles are HIGH MAINTENANCE dogs. The must be groomed at least every 4-6 weeks and their ears need the fuzz plucked out at each grooming. These needs are specific to poodles and are vital to their well being. Grooming, should your friend not do it herself, is very expensive. If she should decide to do her own grooming she can spend about $100-$200 on clippers, blades, etc. I can understand her desire for a poodle, believe me, but all things considered I would think another breed with less maintenance might be better for her.

[GraciesMommy]

With Gracie being half poodle, she is groomed every 5 - 6 weeks since poodles are notorious for the ear hair...and it does have to be plucked out or they are more prone to ear infections..I only pay $15 since the lady does them from her home..but it adds up fast..not to mention all the regular vet bills every one has already talked about. 3 weeks ago it was $147 for a vet visit because i thought she had a UTI. (she had eaten some "beggars lice" which acted as a diuretic) The little weed that clings to the body and she swallowed some of the seeds from the weed..there are just so many things that crop up that you have to be willing to pay for...RESPONSIBILITY..part of the commitment of taking in a fur kid..