Dogs cost money. The money you spend purchasing a puppy is just the first of many expenditures… food, regular veterinary care, basic dog equipment, license fees, fencing if you don’t already have it, obedience classes, not to mention the cost of replacing various household items your darling puppy destroys. Dogs also require an investment in time. Dogs are social animals, and once removed from their “pack” to become part of your family, they require daily interaction and companionship. All of this effort and expense will be more than re-paid in the years of devotion your dog will provide. Make a realistic assessment of your budget and interest, however, before investing in a dog.