There Is No Such Thing As A Free Dog--Can You Afford a Dog?

I often see people and organizations paying the adoption fees for shelters to encourage people to adopt, but that is not always the best solution. Adoption is not cheap. Yes, it is cheaper than buying a dog from a breeder. BUT there are a lot of other expenses that are not included in the adoption fee.

What am I talking about? First, there is often a lot of paperwork to be done when you adopt a dog--even after the adoption process is over. You need to buy a license. I personally bought a lifetime license and that was $31.50. (It is $8.50/year in Pennsylvania. If you live in an apartment, you might even need to pay a dog fee and also a monthly rent increase. Second, you will need supplies for the dog. I did not have a crate so I bought a crate. I do not remember the exact amount, but it was at least $60-$70 (It was probably closer to $100). I had toys, a collar, a leash, a bed, bowls, and other dog items so I didn't have to buy any of those items. Those items could run you $50-$200 (depending on how much you want to spend). And don't forget food! Dog food can be expensive. I would never recommend a cheap brand like Iams (The food is terrible for your dog). Buying good dog food for your dog can cost $40-$100 a month (depending on the size of your dog). Finally, there could be some unexpected medical costs. Cash had a free first medical exam, but he had to go back. He was underweight and wouldn't eat. I had to buy special food for him. He also had skin problems which I cleared with tea tree oil. Now, if you're lucky, your dog won't have any medical issues now, but there is not guarantee that your dog won't get sick later. You always need at least $200-$300 for emergency vet visits (and that number is the least amount you might need).

So how expensive is your FREE adopted dog?

Lifetime License- $8.50-$31.50
Dog Items- $150 (tiny dog)-$370 (large dog)
Emergency Medical Money- $200-$300
Money Needed Besides Adoption Costs: $358.50-$701.50 + any apartment fees

I really do believe in adopting dogs. I just want you to understand that a free dog is never really free. Don't adopt a dog on a whim without being able to support them.

Dealing With My Dog's Health Problems

From the moment I adopted Cash--It's been difficult dealing with his numerous health problems. They are not serious, but they do affect our day to day life. (I will link to his adoption story below) His problems consist of his digestion system and his skin (mostly). The shelter I adopted him from did not take care of him very well even though he had serious problems. Due to this, many of his problems were exasperated at his adoption time.

His digestion system problem started before we adopted him. He could not eat solid food or a whole serving. He would often throw up entire meals. Due to these difficulties, I started tracking all of his symptoms from bowels to his vomit. It helped me better understand what was working and what wasn't. Finally, after many visits, I realized that my vet was only helping Cash short term and I needed to find a long-term solution. I switched Cash's food to a higher quality dog food and started him on probiotics. Cash had been prescribed probiotics from his vet for short term, but I then asked the vet and he told me that I could try them long term. That was the key! All of a sudden, Cash was only vomiting once and a while instead of at least once a week. And he's been on probiotics for over six months and he goes a month at least between vomiting. (The change in his digestion system was gradual, but it has been life changing nevertheless) When he does throw up now, it is only a little stomach acid instead of an entire meal. I also give him a tablespoon of pumpkin (no more than once a day) to keep his bowels running smoothly. This is a dramatic change for him and I do not regret the hours of research I did for him. 

Libres Law and the Closing of the LSPCA

I have been very vocal about how I have felt about the Lancaster County SPCA in the past. Their treatment of Cash while he was in their care upset me, but what upset me more was how they handled my complaint. What the former director used as a defense proved to be more of a look into the inner workings of the shelter. And today, the news broke that this very shelter was closing (source).

Between the information that I had learned through my personal experience, stories I have heard, and from the media backlash surrounding Libre's case (that eventually helped create Libre's Law), it did not surprise me that they were closing. But, even as someone who has been outspoken about the LSPCA during the last two years, shutting down the only animal shelter that accepts strays is a great loss of Lancaster County (source)(source).

After the former director resigned and a new director started, many people had hoped that there would be positive changes (source)(source). Their facility is amazing and the city of Lancaster is full of animal lovers. But, it must have proved to be a challenge that was too big for any one person. From what they are releasing, they are saying that it is due to a "failed business model and lack of funds (source).

So now the future of the animals in Lancaster County is in question. And unlike most counties, it affects more than just strays. Lancaster county is known for their puppy mills. It is sometimes known as the Puppy Mill Capital of the East (source). I used to spend a lot of time talking to customers and random people at the dog park. It's not something that is a secret--people are very much aware of the puppy mill problem. But, what are they going to do with the puppies that will now be liberated because of Libre's Law. The very law that started in this county. It's a sick twist of fate.

So now we can only sit and wait. Hopefully, someone will buy up the space and open an animal shelter.