Recession and Your Dog - Why Your Dog May Be Your Best Friend in Tough Economic Times

As you watch your spending power drop-and your stress level rise-you just might find that a dog is definitely man's best friend during tough economic times. Recessionary worries have many households worrying about the bottom line but dogs can be a lifesaver during a rough economy. Although dogs incur costs ranging from food to vet care, Rover just might be your answer to the recession.

pamper your dog

If the economy has caused you to cut back on extras like shopping and restaurant dining, don't despair. With a dog waiting for you at home, the idea of staying home-rather then heading out and spending money-has new appeal. You've got a built-in reason to cook dinner at home or to head to the dog park instead of the mall. And have you had to cut out the gym membership? No problem-your dog is ready and willing to be your new exercise partner (and one that will remind you unmercifully when it's time to exercise!)

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If the tight economy has also means cutbacks in travel, your dog is again happy to help out. Can't afford that week-long holiday? Rover's happy to take a day trip with you to the local lake or state park.

Tightened budgets also mean cutbacks in everyday items but that's no problem as far as your dog's concerned. While you might not be OK with that home hair cut, Fido's happy to skip the groomer's visit. And while the kids might not want anything but the latest toys, your dog will love stuffed animals from garage sales and thrift stores.

It's a proven fact that pets are marvelous stress relievers, an asset that's more important than ever during tough economic times. Dogs can also serve another important role: socializer. If you've lost your job and now see fewer people every day or you've just cut back on social events, you're probably looking for a way to get out and about without spending money. Take a neighborhood walk with your dog or head out to play in your local dog park, both good ways to interact with people with similar interests without spending a dime.

Most of all, though, dogs know the best things in life are free. What's the most valuable thing in your dog's world? Your companionship. That and a sunny day and a good belly rub and your dog is on top of the world. He's a good reminder that money doesn't buy happiness.

Recession and Your Dog - Why Your Dog May Be Your Best Friend in Tough Economic Times

Professional writers and husband-wife team Paris Permenter and John Bigley publish DogTipper.com, a site featuring tips for dog lovers, by dog lovers. The extensive site include the Dog Tip of the Day, the Dog News Blog, and more. To download a free copy of How to Put Your Dog on a Budget, visit http://www.DogTipper.com/budget

YOUR DOG

Does Looming Recession Spell Disaster For Thousands of Dogs and Cats?

Many retailers are reporting that despite gloomy economic statistics sales of pet products in general are holding up well. Perhaps the high-end items like designer collars or custom-made beds are being set aside but even at this difficult time people still buy what has become in their eyes items that are essential to the well-being of their family and the pet dog or cat are very much a part of that family. The gourmet food that our pampered pooches have become used to are kept on the shopping list, as owners are reluctant to risk upsetting the digestive systems of their beloved animals. It has been shown that Female shoppers are more likely to buy cheaper brands of other products from medication to milk rather than switch to less expensive brands of pet food and pet-care products.

-- There are 74.8 million dogs in the United States and goodness knows how many cats.

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-- 56% of dog owners buy a gift for their dogs during the holidays

-- In the past decade, dog owners giving pets a gift has increased by 12%

-- The average amount spent per dog gift is . More than 0 million will be spent on dog gifts in the holiday season

Sources: 1. Media Metrix 2.0, comScore Inc. 2. APPMA National Pet Owners Survey 2007-2008

The American Pet Products Association estimates that Americans will spend .4 billion this year on their pets - despite the dramatic slowdown in discretionary spending.

All well and good for those animals fortunate enough to grace the homes of these loving and well-intentioned owners who would rather cut down on their own spending needs than sacrifice the needs of their animals. Bravo!

But! We also hear from the dog rescue centers that they are being overwhelmed with abandoned animals and dogs, in particular who are being "forced out" or left tied to the gates of shelters with a note "I cannot feed my kids anymore, please look after my dog?"

Foreclosures spell disaster for thousands of pet dogs as home owners cannot keep up mortgage repayments, this is the grim reality for thousands of animals as recession looms, and foreclosure hits families right across America and Europe. Desperate times and desperate measures with everyone as a casualty, especially mans best friend.

The majority of pet owners love their animals, and would never do anything to harm them but unfortunately, many people are faced with a terrible dilemma, they have lost their job and now they face losing their home, which means they may have few alternatives, protect their family or protect their pets!  They may be forced to accept accommodation that does not allow animals and if they refuse that accommodation, then their family could be at risk. Most pet owners will move heaven and earth but they may have just run out of options. The animal rescue centers are full to brimming and this could end up with them abandoning their dogs or cats to fend for themselves.

This economic crisis is forcing ordinary, decent people to do things they would previously have never considered and this is truly heartbreaking. Not only have they lost their job, their home but they are now faced with losing everything so, perhaps some of the incompetent banks who caused this global economic crisis in the first place, should now help to fund additional animal rescue centers so that they can house all these newly made homeless dogs and cats. After all, they managed to get themselves a nice rescue package from the government didn't they! They will still be getting their big fat pay checks every month, courtesy of us all, the general public, won't they?

Does Looming Recession Spell Disaster For Thousands of Dogs and Cats?

Rosemary has written many articles on dogs and cats and if you would like more invaluable information about the care of your pets and would also like to see fresh information on a regular basis then please visit her site at

http://www.theinfochief.com/dogs_and_cats/601/abandoned-dogs/

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