What should I do?

I’m having a rough month financially and I’m stuck between making a payment to my doctor or a payment to the lady who is holding the German Shepherd puppy that I want. I’ve already made 2 payments on him.

I am torn.

It really sounds like you are not in a financially secure enough position to be buying that dog right now. I know you are driven by an emotional part of yourself that really wants that dog and isn't able to seriously consider the logistics of it. I also think you know that it will cause you more stress like the financial one you are currently facing, but that you don't have the skills to choose differently right now.

What do you want to do?

I can afford the dog. I just had a ton of unexpected major expenses that made things tight.

What do you want to do?

My heart is set on this puppy so I want to get that paid off as soon as possible.

My doctor’s office does work with me on billing and payments. But I feel bad if I go too long without any payment. I will be able to pay the balance in full in January.

What is the puppy like?

You've been going on about this puppy for quite some time. Based on other posts, there is no way you will be finically well off to have a puppy. Being able to buy one is one thing, but they cost a ton going forward. YEARS and YEARS..... unexpected health problems, regular medical visits, food, training classes, toys, other supplies etc.

When I got my puppy, he was cheap and affordable, but within 2 months of having him, I already spent a few thousand on medical bills. He had issues that I wasn't aware of. That went on through his whole life, 15 years.... and he was nicknamed "the million dollar dog" because of it. If you can not afford something like this potentially happening, especially with a purebred dog, please don't get a dog. Volunteer with one, foster one (rescues will pay expenses), start a pet sitting business etc.... while dogs are great, they are a long term commitment and surely not cheap.

I'd suggest trying to find a better job or a side job for added money so you can have some more finical stability when times like this come up again. None of us can tell you what to do, but what I'd suggest you or anyone in your position NOT do, is get a dog, just because you want one. Please think of that dog and the long term.

Also, it would be nice to see you show support for others on their posts here, I never see you post anywhere but your own threads. While it's fine people support you, many others here are hurting or in tough situations, and could also use support. Just saying.

EDIT: Also, please consider rescuing a dog, VS buying a puppy from someone. Ask this woman if you can get your money back, or at least some of it, and save it toward a rescue dog, possibly in the future. I am surprised anyone is willing to "hold" a puppy, they go fast and usually they will give them to someone who can pay them in full

I’ve owned dogs all of my life so I know what is involved.

I am always reading other people’s threads including your recent posts about your T leaving. I care about everyone on this board. It’s just that I wish I had the right words and it’s hard to struggle with finding the right words when I don’t know what is going on in my own mind.

I made a mistake posting here. I am always judged and criticized on everything. This website is not a healthy place for me so I’m going to leave.

I know I’m frustrating and people always get angry at me but I don’t have any support on the journey to change.

I wish everyone on this site all the best.

Note to mods: Can you remove this thread tomorrow?

I second DP's concerns. All of my dogs have had some sort of problems: Sheltie #1 had under developed kidneys, #2 had Cushing's, allergies, and heart cancer, #3 under bite which caused dental problems, #4 closed tear duck, #5 stomach wasn't absorbing nutrients, #6 broke her knee. All have been spayed except for #6, but she will be. All see the vet minimum yearly which included exam, blood test, and vaccinations. Then there's dog food. #2 had allergies, so we had to put them all on a limited ingredient grain free diet. Not cheap. Then there's dental care. No, greenies are not healthy, and they'll still need cleaning.

Btw, I only have #3, 4, 5, and 6 atm. No plans for another dog for the next umm 5 years! Too expensive and too much time and effort. (And for personal reasons: I want a baby; not another dog).

You might think you're getting a healthy dog. I thought so with all of mine. Only one was not AKC. I'm even friends with the breeder of #3, 4, and 5. Actually, 3, 4, and 5 are sisters but all from a different litter. Yet still, life happens, they get sick or injured.

If you're going to own a dog, you need to be responsible. #6 just had knee surgery. That was $5k! We tried GoFundMe. We got $355 which helps, but we still have to cover the rest. (Thank God for credit cards!). They're our babies, so even if my H and I starve, they will eat.

Another concern is that the main bonding period might be over for you. At 8 to 10 weeks, I think, is the best time to bond with a puppy.

It might be best to focus on seeing your Pdoc over getting this puppy. Maybe life is telling you that that specific dog is not meant to be. Doesn't mean you'll never have a puppy. You just might need to wait awhile. Save up. I'd say save up $500+ cost of puppy. That should cover you for a little while.

Hope, it’s ok for you to come here for support. You don’t need to post in any particular way for your participation to be valid on this board.

there is no such rule here that states one has to offer support in order to receive it. hope, I hope you stay, and post and interact in the way that you need. some people aren't in the place to offer support. that's okay with me

Did you want an opinion on if you should make a payment on the dog or make a payment to the doctor? I’m not sure if you are just voicing that you are torn or if you want an opinion.
I think if you want the dog, then you should make a payment on the dog. Do whatever you think is best for you. I will say that I would be sad to see in the future if you can’t get something you need or can’t get get the dog something it needs because of financial issues. I’m not judging you, I know you said unexpected expenses came up that made things very tight, but if those things have been resolved and you are now in a place where you can afford the a dog-then go for it. I also hope that if you do get a dog that you are able to save money for a rainy day. I had to put out almost $2000.00 on my rescue dog since June because she got diabetes. And I don’t know if the vets in your area work with payment plans, but mine doesn’t. I needed all the money up front each time she goes to the vet. So maybe also while you waiting for the dog-maybe research vets in your area? Check reviews of the vets and see if any of them offer payment plans Incase something major comes up with a pup. I know you want a German Shepard but if you have a lot rescues and shelters in your area-sometimes German Shepherds end up in a shelter and need a new home. So you can also keep your eyes open on shelter websites to see if any GS dogs show up. Some do come through the shelters every now and again. Not often-but sometimes they do. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

I would split the payment among the dog and the doctor. I know that you feel judged, but I think others are just telling you what they think rather than shining you on. It's just another person's perspective, which you can use if it's useful to you and discard it if it's not. It is a type of support even if it's not what you want. I don't think others would take the time to respond to you if they didn't care about you or want to help. Please consider sticking around to see if you can get further than you did before.

When we were looking for a dog through rescues, there were a fair number of shepherds and shepherd mixes available. There are also some specifically shepherd-only rescues. You may not be able to get a young puppy, but you could likely get a fairly young one (the shepherd we initially adopted--didn't work out--had just turned a year old, so still basically a puppy).


Good luck, and please feel free to post here. People were just trying to answer your question and help you--maybe you were hoping everyone would say to pay for the dog, not the doctor. We're just trying to help you out.

You may have owned dogs all your life, I was not making any judgement on if you can be a good pet owner... you may be great with dogs, I have no idea, but that was not my point at all

You need to be SURE you can finically support a dog for it's lifetime before committing to it, even if it means having some sort of back up plan if money gets tight... like do you have a savings account to dig into? A close friend or family member who can help? Many rescues would even ask these very things.

I'm a huge dog lover and I work with dogs in rescue. I know a lot about this stuff. I am very much an advocate on rescuing and especially being on that side of things, I try to educate people on what they are getting into before hand, do you know how many dogs end up back in shelters or rescue because people can no longer afford them?

Thank you for caring. I still feel I had a right to say something.... no you don't have to post anywhere but I can say my views on things too. I wont be her much longer anyway, only 2 weeks left and I wont be able to deal with this forum, seeing stories of people who still have their T.

Do what's best for you, but PLEASE think about what is also best for the dog. Right now, it's probably best for you to work on being able to see your Dr.

I tell my dog every time I leave the house to go to a clients that i have to go so I can buy her food, toys, and have money to take her to the vet. She has cost me at least $1000 every year since I have had her in vet bills. Things like:
Bot fly larva and to be removed
Severe vomiting and diarrhea because dogs eat things they should not. (Emergency visit, fluid pack, x-ray to make sure there is no obstruction, medication)
Injuries
Teeth cleaning
Kennel
yearly office visits (blood work, vaccines..)

Of course all the unexpected visits seem to ALWAYS occur when there is no money and I have to charge it and then sacrifice in other areas.

So my $500 dog has cost me $11,000

They puppy must be fully grown now.
I get the feeling you throw this in every now and again as bait.

This is a different dog. And the puppy is 12 weeks old. I didn’t throw anything in as bait.

This is what I mean about people always thinking the worst of me.

Thanks for all of the caring replies.

I do follow the threads and people on this board with care and compassion.

hope, Sorry to say I don't know much of your situation, but I know how I feel about my dog. Without her in my life I would be in a completely different situation (better or worse), but I would never consider life without her. She has provided safety, comfort, and has kept me in good shape. If you truly are in a financial position to welcome a well bred dog into your life - do it. Even if that means pushing your bills until next month, re-arranging your budget or taking in your pup a month later. Please know, your pup will need socialization classes, consistent training and much love from your own esteem. She will take energy and give energy, and a German Shepherd will need consistent exercise, love and attention. What are you thinking of naming him/her?

Also, consider your alternatives. Does your pup have other prospects? Could he/she find a different home? Why did you choose this pup? Was it due to timing, the breeder, the pups personality? Would your breeder consider returning your payment in full or partially? Could you get first pick of the next litter? All things to consider. I do hope this pup find his/her way home with you, but not if he/she will have a negative impact on your life.

Does it have to be a dog from a breeder? I get wanting a pet but adopting can be a cheaper way of doing it. You have posted a lot about struggling financially and it may lessen the burden to think about an adoption.

I'd definitely consider getting a dog from shelter. It will be cheaper and you'll know exactly about his health condition and personality. He would be just as good companion as the expensive puppy. And taking a dog from the shelter is an act of kindness and a good deed.

I think these contradictory responses in two back-to-back posts (i.e. people always think the worst vs. caring replies) is a good sign you should spend your money at the doctor. I’m not judging or attacking, I’m just highlighting your very own words. Threatening to leave PC is another extreme example of why the doctor is most important. That verbal behavior is already recognized as unhelpful for all forum members and is against the PC “rules”.

I hope you can find a little more peace and comfort. It seems torturous to live with so much pain and intense emotions.

I think paying off the doctor probably is the best bet. How long is this lady willing to hold the puppy for you? I am sure there will be other chances to get another german shepard, but i hope you can afford doctor’s bills and visits first.

But really-it’s up to you! If you think the doctor can wait to get a full payment in January, and your finances will be more stable, then go for the dog.

IDK, I don't have any advice to give on the subject, but I thought I would just offer (((hugs))) Kit.