| Dog ownership is like owning a boat - it's a | | | | owns - moving from necessities to frivolous items. |
| never-ending expense. As soon as you bring the dog | | | | Your major on-going expenses will be upkeep with |
| home (which can cost anywhere from a $30 pet | | | | veterinarian shots, food, and grooming. |
| adoption fee to $3,000 and up for purebred dogs), | | | | Most cities have leash laws that require your dog to |
| there are immediate needs to be fulfilled. | | | | be on a leash, under your control when walking in |
| First, you have to have the right kind of dog food. | | | | public areas. You need a basic leash that attaches to |
| Food choices are age-graded so that what you feed | | | | a dog collar. Dog collars come with matching leashes |
| a puppy differs from what you give an adult dog. | | | | in neon colors, fine leather, rhinestones or other |
| There are even foods for both puppies and older | | | | simulated jewels (or real depending on your budget). |
| dogs with extra nutrients to match their unique | | | | The fashionable dog wears designer collars and |
| needs. | | | | leashes, which can match your designer clothing so |
| Of course, you have to get food and water bowls | | | | you make a coordinated pair. A practical option for |
| the right size for the dog. Puppy bowls are closer to | | | | collar and leash is the reflective collar. If you take the |
| the floor and sturdy to avoid tipping over. Then you | | | | dog out after dark for walking or running, the |
| need a place for the dog to sleep. That can range | | | | reflective collar is a valuable safety option for both of |
| from flannel blankets piled up in a box to a fully | | | | you. |
| decked out doggie bed that costs more than your | | | | The dog toy section is only slightly smaller than what |
| bed. | | | | you find in department stores for toddlers. Dog toys |
| An outdoor dog needs a place to sleep that's | | | | range from inexpensive chew items and bones to |
| sheltered from the weather. Simply placing a dog | | | | toy frogs, squirrels or cats that give your dog the |
| inside a fenced kennel isn't enough. That's little better | | | | sense of mastery over another species. |
| than prison. An outdoor dog needs a solid doghouse. | | | | In cold and wet climates, doggie sweaters or |
| You can get a cedar dog house suitable for a small | | | | raincoats are practical items. Small dogs really need |
| dog for around $200 or for a large dog, expect to | | | | the extra warmth of the sweater. The trend to |
| pay upwards of $1,000 for a cedar house that | | | | dress up dogs in everything from swimsuits to party |
| handles weathering well. In extreme climates, your | | | | dresses to Halloween costumes to haute couture |
| dog needs more than un-insulated walls. | | | | quickly runs up the tab for a new wardrobe that you |
| You can add an air conditioner or heating unit to the | | | | love, but don't expect every dog to like the idea. |
| outdoor doghouse for the cost of the unit plus | | | | You'll also find an endless supply of dog training books |
| installation. You can also get an indoor doghouse, | | | | and videos, dog grooming courses, personal training |
| which gives medium to small dogs a sense of privacy. | | | | for dogs and dog exercises. Remember to save |
| A charming rattan indoor doghouse is available for | | | | some money. You'll need it for the annual photos of |
| under $200 in smaller sizes. | | | | your dog sitting on Santa's lap! |
| As time goes on, you'll add to the bounty your dog | | | | |