I think it's a combination of a lifestyle and a financial decision. If you have a downpayment ready, it might make sense to purchase a home, especially if you want a golden (which will probably destroy an apartment). As for cost and your goals, it looks like you'll pay a bit more for a home ($2,000 per month vs. $1,600 per month) compared to renting so cost doesn't look like a concern to me.

At the same time, are you mentally ready for all the work that accompanies a house? There's the lawn, the gutters, the painting, the maintenance, etc. There's always something to do with a home. With an apartment, you're free to spend that time doing something else. Sometimes, having the freedom to do what you want when you want is worth it's weight in gold.

Buying a home it a tradeoff. Your dog will have some space, you'll get some solitude if you move to the "country", you'll have something you call your own, and you'll build some long term equity but your commute will be longer and you'll have all the headaches that accompany a home. And, apart from the work in a home, you'll also inherit all the costs, especially the commuting cost. Ask yourself - what are your triggers? For me, traffic is a major trigger. Also, while I like accomplishing things, I like my free time as well.

Good luck, it is a big decision. I've done it 3x but I'm coming to a point at which my age and my attitude and driving me to apartment living.