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The Realities
Of Owing A Dog
Feeding
costs vary widely depending on the size of the
dog you have, but you can count on at least $25.00 for a large bag of
dog food. How long this lasts you will differ for each dog size.
Feeding one large dog costs can average of $100.00 every
month.
Cutting
costs on dog food by purchasing cheap brands of food may not be a less
expensive alternative either. Cheap dog food brands can contribute to
allergy problems, gastrointestinal distress, and poor immune system due
to lack of nutrients, behavior problems and more.
Every
dog needs basic healthcare such as vaccines, dental for
some dogs, annual exams, and neutering. Veterinarians cost money, and
even the very basics, provided your dog is healthy, well cared for and
has no accidents throughout his life, can cost a lot money. While some
dogs can go through life without ever needing a professional dog
groomer, many dog breeds have a high-maintenance appearance.
Haircuts,
nail trimming, bathing ... all cost a significant chunk of change at a
Dog Groomer's salon. If you want a certain type of dog, then you may be
looking at grooming costs. Toys, treats, collar, leash, and various
other accessories all cost money. So much for that "free" puppy.
Welcome to the world of dog ownership.
It
is best to know exactly what you are getting into
before you jump into the Dog World. Even an accident as small as a torn
muscle takes on serious implications when applied to a dog. Veterinary
costs can be overwhelming and Pet Insurance isn't something many people
think about until it's too late.
Are
There Strangers Living In Your House?
Naomi was a single mother of three. She lived in an old house that she
inherited from her mother. The house had a large yard and lots of
shrubbery and trees. The house also had a basement with a small window
facing the street. Naomi was so busy with the kids that she barely had
time to make any improvements on the house. As a matter of fact she
barely kept it maintained. She always hired some one to do the yard
work and other jobs.
They were mostly people recommended by friends. She kept the basement
to her house locked and nobody ever went down there. She had plans to
develop it one day when one of the children was old enough to live
there. For now it was basically closed off. She began to hear strange
noises in the basement. It was mostly late at night when everyone was
sleep.
It was mostly the same type of noise every night. It sounded like a
squeak. Naomi knew the house was old and it made all types of noises
anyway, so to her it was just another sign of settling. One night after
midnight she heard a loud clang that came from the basement she knew
this was not the house settling. She called the police and told them
she heard a loud noise in her basement.
They came out to investigate. What they found startled her. Some one
had been living in her basement. From the look of things it had been
for a long time. Seems liked they entered through the window and exited
the same way. Since she never went into the basement they could come
and go as they pleased without being caught. There were signs that
whoever it was used it as sleeping quarters and left during the day.
She bricked the window in and the noises stopped. The police figured it
was a homeless person who had been watching her daily. They knew when
to come and when to leave. They probably did not go through the rest of
the house for fear of loosing their sleeping spot.
Windows are vulnerable spots in our home. They must be checked
periodically to see if they are secure. Windows in places where we are
less likely to frequent are more of security risk than others. Burglars
routinely check windows for entry into your home. Burglars have
probably already tested your windows and you did not even know it.
Windows are the eyes into your home. Check all the windows in your
house everyday because it only takes one window left open to bring an
intruder in. Never store your valuables so they are visible through a
window. Windows near door locks are easy targets for burglars
especially if your lock does not require a key.
When possible have locks that do not require keys behind solid walls
away from windows. Glass can be easily broken to gain entry to your
home. Complete an inventory on your home periodically to see where you
lack security. You will find that most of the problems are inexpensive
and easy to fix.
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