Trading Floor

Rene Kreisel, of St. Louis, spent over $300 on fees, food, kennel and toys on the day she went to the pet rescue and adopted Rosie, her border collie-black Lab mix. The dog’s first vet visit cost another $200. But that’s just the start. After food, toys, an unexpected $300 surgery, it all adds up.

But she’s worth it! She provides so much pleasure and companionship that my life would be much less rich without her. Something I occasionally worry about is losing my job, then defaulting on my mortgage and having to move out of my house, then having to find an apartment which would accept a large dog. I would live under bridge before I would give up Rosie!

Carol Surface, of Beverly Hills, Calif., spends a lot on her Yorkshire Terrier Astro Magic shown above.

It was very clear at the onset that he is exceptional in every way and is destined for the limelight. Just as though he were our real child, we believe it is our responsibility to spend what is required to facilitate his meeting his potential and satisfying his aspirations. Therefore, we’ve spent quite a bit of money on his acting lessons, obedience training, grooming and daycare. It is paying off: Astro Magic has a manager, his own website and business cards. Yes, we’ve spent more time and money than we anticipated, but we have a dog who is happy, trained, prepared to work (refill the coffers!),and whose needs are being met. And that is something one simply cannot put a price on.

Sharon Morgan of Chicago pays for monthly grooming and quality food for her dog, but she does set limits:

I think it’s sick that people today treat their dogs like people. I also think it’s sick that some people care so much for animals and so little for people. There are some who would save the seals but ignore an impoverished child. These are people who are obviously missing something in their lives that an animal can’t fix.

Sally Brown, of O’Fallon, Ill. accepts the expense of her dogs, despite their cost.

I spend more money on the four-legged members of our household that I do on myself and there is no question in my mind, I still come out way ahead in the bargain. Actually during these challenged economic times I am clearer on my priorities than ever and Amos and Queenie are at the top of the list. It is my relationship with them that makes the stress tolerable; that reminds me of what is really important in my life; allows me to laugh and enjoy my life as opposed to obsessing on matters over which I have very little control.

Leslie Willoughby, of Mammoth Lakes, Calif., has put her dog, cat and chickens to work:

Robbie (a Scottish Collie) is my health insurance, gym membership and cardiovascular machine. Gryphon (a long hair black cat) is my meditation instructor and renewable heating pad. Mr. Daisy (a rooster) and the hens create moving mosaics, yard art, and eggs.

Same with Christopher Peck, of Windsor, Calif. He’s got 10 chickens that live in mobile coops he moves around the yard, but doesn’t really consider them pets.

They’re all hens who lay eggs. When they get too old and crotchet-y we’ll eat the chickens directly. They’re also fun to watch, we call it “chicken TV,” as it is easy to kill an hour entranced with their antics.

Jessa Madosky of Clara, La., had to make a tough financial decision in September to provide surgery for her horse, a former abused racehorse.

The surgery ended up costing me pretty much my entire (limited) life savings, but I couldn’t not try to save him. He has fully recovered at this point and I don’t regret my decision. Money can be replaced. Although it has created financial hardship for me I believe that you don’t adopt an animal unless you are willing to provide for their needs.

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