A while back, I wrote about how much I hate having dogs. Now I have yet another reason. We’re looking for a place closer to my job and parents. This would make the quality of our lives, especially mine, so much better. No more long commute. More parental help! A better neighborhood. Better schools for our kids. I would be less stressed. I would see my kids more! We could walk around our neighborhood. I would have time to cook and we can both do more fun things together. My husband wouldn’t have to put up with my complaints as often. Did I mention reducing my 1 hour each way commute from hell?? I’m even willing to pay higher rent for all these advantages.
The problem is that our options are severely limited due to ownership of 2 large dogs. The average rent goes up by about $300, give or take. This is not a small matter — I’m talking about an extra “dog penalty” of $300 or more in addition to a $500+ rent increase for moving to a better neighborhood. I’m willing to pay $400 – 500 more for a better area / schools, but another $300 – 400 just for dogs!? Not sure sure if we can swing it or if we can, I will curse them in my dying days when I’m old and eating dog food due to inability to save a penny because of these dogs. A bigger problem is that many landlords are willing to accept one small dog, but not two big ones, even with extra security deposits.
At this moment, I wish we did not own dogs. (No lectures please….We’re too responsible to abandon them and on most days, I truly think they’re a part of our family.)
Do you ever think about the cost of your dogs?
