I know this is off the subject, but have you noticed that being financially challenged and having a dog sometimes works to yur advantage?
I hate to leave Max, (he doesn't mind going to his grandma's house or to DogE-Central--a great in- house animal spa near us) but I miss him. Therefore I tend to plan vacations in the car and with people that feel the same way about their animaals. We often stay in the cheaper motels, because they allow dogs. We picnic, because "it's too hot to leave them in the car." If we do go into the restuarant, we skip drinks and appetizers, because "you never know when that darn car will heat up on a day like this."I love to garden, but this year I did the minimum, "because the off-lease dog park is a mile away and at their work parties, Max is a favorite and I'd rather work in making the park look nice, I have more fun." Instead of the treadmill, I take fast walks.
Of course, knock on wood, I have a healthy dog and vet bills consist of only shots and Advantage flea treatment. Soo, when considering a tight budget, a dog can work both ways. Just a thought.