Doggie News: Dog Theft and Pet Food Recall (Updates)

All puppies are adorable. But is it worth it to steal them? According to this 16-year-old girl, “I did it because I wanted it that bad.”

A 16-year-old girl and her 21-year-old boyfriend have been charged in the theft of the tiny black pug puppy from Petland two weeks ago. The puppy was stolen by a couple who placed the puppy in a diaper bag and then left the store. The theft was caught on security surveillance video. Source here.

If you have to resort to stealing a puppy in order to become the owner, certainly you can’t afford to upkeep the dog’s needs for long. Most purebred puppies are sold from anywhere $650 and upwards. If this price tag makes you scream daylight robbery, I wonder how you would react if I tell you that $1000 you save from stealing that puppy can only last you up to 18 months of dog supplies, food, and veterinary check-ups (surgeries, scans, tests not included). If I’d to throw in puppy socializing and training classes, sterilization, micro-chipping; that sum of money won’t last you more than 8 months.

Due to the recent pet food recall (Rat Poison to Blame for Some Pet Food Contamination) more owners are not taking any chances in buying canned pet food off the supermarkets or pet stores shelves. Many are taking alternative routes to ensure their dogs are protected. Some opt for organic pet food, others switched brands from canned to dry kibbles, and for those who have extra 15 minutes a day resort to cooking for their dogs. What does this mean to your finances and commitments?

Keeping a dog as pet is not as cheap or easy as what it seems to be. So the next time you’re in a pet store looking at those cute puppies, sensing the coast is clear, and tempted to stuff one into your bag, think thrice! Worry beyond the surveillance camera, initial thrill, and your reputation. Does it worth all the troubles if you are not ready for a dog?