10/03/2023
This page does not sell puppies or dogs. It’s intended to educate people about puppies/dogs. It’s also intended to warn others about the irresponsible breeding practices of some people and organizations on Craigslist who sell puppies/dogs.
Long story short, I bought from Craigslist and ended up with a puppy who was from a mill. After getting the puppy, he had diarrhea for days until I took him to a vet where he was diagnosed with a life threatening virus called parvo. He survived but, it cost me thousands.
Even if you get a healthy puppy, being a responsible pet owner is not cheap.
The first year of a puppies life, they need vaccinations each month. If you go to a vet for these vaccines, it can be about $80/each month. If you head to your local Humane Society it can be cheaper but you need to plan ahead for appointments.
At about 6mos of age, you need to plan for to have the puppy spayed or neutered. Spaying costs anywhere from $500-800 and if you have a male puppy, it is less.
After about the first year of their life, plan to spend several hundred more for medical care. I just spent a few hundred on my 1 year old’s double ear infections from frequent bathing (he likes to dig and gets dirty).
Around age 5-7 years, dogs tend to need their teeth cleaned. Because this requires that they be sedated, it runs anywhere from $1200-1500.
If you can handle the financial responsibilities, great. Let’s talk about other responsibilities of owning a pup. Puppies/dogs do not like to be alone and will often get into trouble if they are. My pups have chewed on furniture, clothing and shoes, and dug holes in my yard. This is with me being home all the time as I’m a stay at home mom. For their sanity, most dogs need to be exercised and need play time with their humans multiple times a day to be happy and healthy. If you have children who are begging you for a puppy or dog and they say that they will play and walk it everyday and pick up after it and feed it; don’t count on it! I have countless friends who have all said that didn’t last very long at all. Kids have lots of commitments with school and after school activities & homework. It just doesn’t happen most of the time.
If you can commit to 10-14 years plus of these financial and time commitments, you will be rewarded with a bond, memories and love that will last your lifetime.
I have two dogs: Our first born is a grumpy female Cavamaltipoo from a local breeder who doesn’t like to be bothered unless you are feeding her, walking her or playing with her but, we adore, love and accept her the way she is. Our second born is a male Maltipoo (from a puppy mill) who is is super lovable, very vocal and loves to bug his grumpy sister.
