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Post by Lexica on Sept 7, 2014 23:46:47 GMT
I was just on a dog site that had a lot of really useful information. One of the tabs was for classified items. I clicked on it and among the typical reselling of dog crates, grooming equipment, and upscale bedding. There were multiple ads for clothing items and purse carriers, etc.
I clicked on a clothing ad that intrigued me. This woman apparently had two of the same breed and one would wear clothing while the other hated it. She had purchased some really expensive items and since her one dog wouldn't tolerate them, she was selling them for very reasonable prices. I was scrolling through the clothing that she said had never been worn. There was hundreds of dollars worth of adorable little custom-made dresses, matching leashes for most outfits, hats, carrier purses, and a real mink coat with a vintage button closure. A real mink coat. And I think it was her that was selling a carrying purse that she originally paid over $400 for.
As I continued to look at the site, I was surprised that these dogs have such large wardrobes. People would list a dozen dresses because they were making room in the dog's closet for new fall things! And I never thought about custom clothing for a dog. I just picked up the few things I have from PetSmart. In addition to knitted hats, jackets, booties, and special sleeping blankets, there are many people who create custom dog clothing. I went to a few of the sites named in the classified ads and it is a world I didn't know was out there. Beautiful little dresses with gorgeous fabrics. These women were talking about sending some of these clothing makers their own fabrics like silks and vintage laces. The things I saw on the original classified site and the mentioned sellers sites were just adorable.
The woman selling all these cute and expensive things obviously loves her animals, which is awesome, and I'm not trying to make this into a gripe about people "wasting" their money on their pets. It is totally their money and their choice. Obviously they have it to spend, so whatever gives them pleasure is their own decision. But I was just really blown away by the living conditions of some of these dogs and I guess I had never given it any thought before.
One woman lives in Florida on a yacht and travels between two ports listed as homes. Her little dogs live on the boat with them and were dressed in the cutest little sailing outfits. She was talking about some of the outfits her dogs have and lamenting that she didn't have a female dog at the current time to take advantage of the cute outfits that the one woman was selling. Although, I think she did buy the $400 carrier purse from her.
Another woman had a recent picture of her dog in a custom bathing suit with matching sun hat in a wading pool in her yard. Seriously, it was so cute.
These dogs are sure living much different life than my dog. I do have a couple of clothing items for him for when we go to my sister's ranch during the winter, purchased, as I said, from PetSmart. He has a warm coat for outside walks, a sweater for in the house since it gets super cold and the heating isn't very efficient at the ranch, and a halloween costume (he's a white dog, so I bought him a black cat costume) I also bought some waterproof boots and a rain jacket to put on him for our walks when it is muddy after a rain so I can take them off and not get my car or my sister's house all mucked up. I haven't used them yet, but my sister has some for her dog and says it comes in really handy on her mucky ranch, especially when the snow is melting and all slushy. So far, my dog has tolerated the things I've put on him, but I'm really wondering about those waterproof booties. They may be off in seconds.
I started thinking about it and the most expensive thing I've purchased for him was the last thing I bought. A console-located dog car seat. It was $139.00 on sale from $250, if I remember correctly. I had tried the seats that mount over the passenger seat and one that is belted into the passenger seat, and none really worked that well for me. I had to remove it whenever I had a passenger and it was an irritant. The console one suspends between the two seats and is mounted by a platform that attaches to the back of the driver's seat.
I debated for a couple of weeks before ordering it, but now that I have it, it's perfect and well worth the price before the sale, truthfully. Now my mom can sit in the passenger seat and I can quickly unhook the dog bed between us or just swing it to the back seat. She can choose to hold the dog on her lap or leave him in the middle of us. I can also still use the console by tilting up the bed a bit and I can reach my drinks in the drink holders. Good enough for me. And honestly, my dog is loving being able to snuggle up on my side while we are driving. He can see out the windows, gets a good blast of cold air from the air conditioner, and can turn to the side to lay on my arm a bit. Perfect in his doggie world.
For my previous big dogs, it would probably be their kennels. They slept in them in my bedroom, so they had to be nice and sturdy and stackable.
For my cats, it would be their cat tree. Those are typically costly when you get the carpet type, which is the type I like.
What is the most expensive item you've purchased for your pet? And I mean physical item, not vet bills. I know those can be astronomical and painfully high. I'm talking about the extras that you have purchased that may be necessary or just for fun. And if you dress your pet in outfits, what is the most you are willing to spend on them?
What the heck, vet bills are interesting too. Include those!
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PLurker
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,736
Location: Behind the Cheddar Curtain
Jun 28, 2014 3:48:49 GMT
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Post by PLurker on Sept 7, 2014 23:50:25 GMT
A "dog proof" frisbee. Yeah, it lasted 5 minutes instead of the usual 3. What a deal for $20!
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Post by MichyM on Sept 7, 2014 23:53:56 GMT
I've thought briefly about buying a Halloween costume for my cats this year. They'd have to share though, and to be honest I don't know if they'd even allow me to TRY and get it on them The most expensive thing I've purchased for them is a wonderful scratching post. Best one I've ever purchased in my decades of having cats. SCRATCHING POST I made a 16" round cushioned perch for them on the top and they like it a lot.
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back to *pea*ality
Pearl Clutcher
Not my circus, not my monkeys ~refugee pea #59
Posts: 3,149
Jun 25, 2014 19:51:11 GMT
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Post by back to *pea*ality on Sept 7, 2014 23:57:33 GMT
Vet bills are by far the largest expense followed by the country club kennel we board our dog at. One extravagance is a treat my dog absolutely loves Fruitables brand thick cut bacon treats. I think it's $17 a bag but he's a little guy so the bag goes a long way.
My dog loves his fleece hoodies in the winter too.
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Post by tuva42 on Sept 8, 2014 0:07:03 GMT
I know you said no vet bills, but once when my DD was about 10 or 11, her gerbil, her first pet ever, had ring worm. At least we think he did, because he gave it to her. So we had to give him special medication. It had to be custom blended at a pharmacy 15 miles away, and we had to give it to him every day for 6 weeks. Each prescription lasted 1 week and they each cost $25. So we spent $125 to treat a $4 gerbil. But this little guy was her first love, when her Papaw died, that's were she ran to, her gerbils cage to pick him up and tell him all about it. I couldn't NOT treat him. And we could put him down. And we couldn't take the chance that she'd get infected again. He lived several years after that.
Other than that our biggest expense was probably a dog gate that I just loved. Worked really well for us. Passed it on to neighbors when we no longer needed it. I don't remember how much it cost but I'm guessing about $70.
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Post by Lexica on Sept 8, 2014 0:08:23 GMT
Does a bionic knee count? Molly had TPLO surgery when she was two years old. By the time we were done, we were out almost $5K. Aw, your baby needed a knee replacement? Was it from an accident or just a genetic issue? And bless you for putting out the money. I know it isn't easy to do. How does it function for Molly? Does she need to be on any special anti-rejection meds from the materials it was made from?
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Post by MZF on Sept 8, 2014 0:11:08 GMT
Does a bionic knee count? Molly had TPLO surgery when she was two years old. By the time we were done, we were out almost $5K. I feel your pain! One of mine had his back go out when he wasn't quite 4. Back surgery and related meds & rechecks came just shy of $6,000!
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Post by gmcwife1 on Sept 8, 2014 0:11:05 GMT
Our SUV. I didn't want to get a third dog because I couldn't fit 3 large dogs in my sedan. So we bought them a Toyota 4Runner We also selected our house style because our first dog had hip dysplasia. We didn't even look at houses with steps. Other than that it's normal things like crates and their weekly supply of bully sticks.
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Post by pjaye on Sept 8, 2014 0:12:20 GMT
this scratching post for $700. They are handmade & you select your own colors (mine has a dark aubergine middle and cream pads) they are quite tall, it comes up to my chin and they are really heavy and solid. I've had mine for 5 years and both cats LOVE it and even after all this time there's not a single spot of wear on it. Millie used to launch herself at it from across the room and hang off the side by her claws and there's no risk of it ever tipping over. Even though I only have one cat now - in the past both of them scratched on it every day - never had any other piece of furniture touched. The cats sleep on the top (or on the shelf inside) they sit on it to look out the window, they'd chase each other around on it etc. Best thing I ever bought them & definitely worth the money.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Apr 19, 2024 19:55:44 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 8, 2014 0:16:27 GMT
Does a bionic knee count? Molly had TPLO surgery when she was two years old. By the time we were done, we were out almost $5K. That was going to be my answer too! Stella had both knees done (TPLO on both) 6 weeks apart. I just cry when I think of what we spent. Beside the knees I think the dog bed that she doesn't use was the most expensive thing we have purchased.
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Post by Lexica on Sept 8, 2014 0:16:21 GMT
I've thought briefly about buying a Halloween costume for my cats this year. They'd have to share though, and to be honest I don't know if they'd even allow me to TRY and get it on them The most expensive thing I've purchased for them is a wonderful scratching post. Best one I've ever purchased in my decades of having cats. SCRATCHING POST I made a 16" round cushioned perch for them on the top and they like it a lot. That is a really nice scratching post. I've got several, and they seem to like the sisal rope ones the best. I only have the cheap type that hangs from a knob though. I do have a scratcher that is independent-standing like yours, but it has cardboard squares stacked on it. I thought they would love it because they do fight over the boxed corrugated cardboard scratchers. They hate it. The only time they will use it is if I tip it over and secure it under the dresser edge to keep it from rolling around. Total waste of money. I've wasted more money on inferior scratchers than the cost of the one you found. And the sisal ones that they do use don't last very long. They seem to undo the rope within a couple of weeks. I see that the one you buy has a double thickness of rope. And it is sturdy so they don't pull it over on themselves? My male is a big guy and very strong. If you think he can't pull it over, I'll get them one. Are any of your cats big?
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ladypop
Junior Member
Posts: 85
Aug 5, 2014 3:36:55 GMT
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Post by ladypop on Sept 8, 2014 0:23:00 GMT
Enclosing the front deck and the garden for the cats. Probably cost us about $700 all up. DH was lucky and scored the metal framework and the back fence from the offcut bin at work. Definately the best thing we ever did though...they spend every fine day out there, snoozing under the ferns. I spend most weekends out there with them, lol.
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junebaby
Shy Member
Posts: 36
Location: Houston
Jul 2, 2014 5:53:47 GMT
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Post by junebaby on Sept 8, 2014 0:26:30 GMT
Besides medical and check ups, my daughter enjoys getting the dog Halloween costumes. She pays for them, spending no more than $15. The dog wears them each year while we go trick or treating.
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Post by MichyM on Sept 8, 2014 0:31:10 GMT
I've thought briefly about buying a Halloween costume for my cats this year. They'd have to share though, and to be honest I don't know if they'd even allow me to TRY and get it on them The most expensive thing I've purchased for them is a wonderful scratching post. Best one I've ever purchased in my decades of having cats. SCRATCHING POST I made a 16" round cushioned perch for them on the top and they like it a lot. That is a really nice scratching post. I've got several, and they seem to like the sisal rope ones the best. I only have the cheap type that hangs from a knob though. I do have a scratcher that is independent-standing like yours, but it has cardboard squares stacked on it. I thought they would love it because they do fight over the boxed corrugated cardboard scratchers. They hate it. The only time they will use it is if I tip it over and secure it under the dresser edge to keep it from rolling around. Total waste of money. I've wasted more money on inferior scratchers than the cost of the one you found. And the sisal ones that they do use don't last very long. They seem to undo the rope within a couple of weeks. I see that the one you buy has a double thickness of rope. And it is sturdy so they don't pull it over on themselves? My male is a big guy and very strong. If you think he can't pull it over, I'll get them one. Are any of your cats big? My cats are 9 and 11.5 pounds, so not big. There is no way they could pull this thing over though, the base is nice and wide...very stable. I doubt even a big cat could get it to teeter let along fall over. They've used it since I got them about 14 months ago and it's still in great shape. I do clip their front claws every week or ten days too. Started when they were kittens so they're fine with it. They seem to like that it's nice and tall so they can really stretch out and get a good scratch going, KWIM? I also have this one. SCRATCHER I have it sitting on the floor because they decided to start using the area rug in the living room as a scratcher. It's worked great as well. They sit on it and scratch away. It also can be mounted to a wall. I highly recommend them both.
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scorpeao
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,521
Location: NorCal USA
Jun 25, 2014 21:04:54 GMT
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Post by scorpeao on Sept 8, 2014 0:31:55 GMT
this scratching post for $700. They are handmade & you select your own colors (mine has a dark aubergine middle and cream pads) they are quite tall, it comes up to my chin and they are really heavy and solid. I've had mine for 5 years and both cats LOVE it and even after all this time there's not a single spot of wear on it. Millie used to launch herself at it from across the room and hang off the side by her claws and there's no risk of it ever tipping over. Even though I only have one cat now - in the past both of them scratched on it every day - never had any other piece of furniture touched. The cats sleep on the top (or on the shelf inside) they sit on it to look out the window, they'd chase each other around on it etc. Best thing I ever bought them & definitely worth the money. That is AWESOME! If I didn't have a teenage dd who will be in college in a year I'd be buying one of those.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Apr 19, 2024 19:55:44 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 8, 2014 0:32:09 GMT
Our house. We were living in an apartment that didn't allow dogs when we found our 6 week old pup on the side of the road. So, we his him for about two months while we house hunted. So, $215k and we had to buy out the remainder of our lease..so add another 2k on that.
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Post by snappinsami on Sept 8, 2014 0:39:58 GMT
Does a bionic knee count? Molly had TPLO surgery when she was two years old. By the time we were done, we were out almost $5K. Aw, your baby needed a knee replacement? Was it from an accident or just a genetic issue? And bless you for putting out the money. I know it isn't easy to do. How does it function for Molly? Does she need to be on any special anti-rejection meds from the materials it was made from? No, it wasn't a knee replacement. It was a surgery where they cut and realigned the bones in her knee after she tore her CCL (the canine version of an ACL). We just joke that it's bionic. We were told that there was a high chance that she'd need it on the other leg, but so far, so good. If she'd been older when it happened we might not have had the surgery done. But she was so young... How could we not? And sorry to the OP... I didn't notice that you'd had the "no vet rules" caveat. Oops...
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Post by 3dcrafter on Sept 8, 2014 0:47:20 GMT
cat scratching post...I want to say it was around $150. It has saved our carpets from being torn to shreds, so it was worth the purchase.
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phdscrap
Junior Member
Posts: 60
Jun 26, 2014 16:14:58 GMT
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Post by phdscrap on Sept 8, 2014 0:53:20 GMT
I spend way too much on my girls. Not counting medical, the most expensive thing was a chair. We had bought a used chair from a neighbor, that our dogs love to sit in and look out the window. When the blue tick was a puppy, she ate the chair. So I went to Ashley furniture and bought them a new chair that actually goes with our living room decor.
It was about $400. And, really, you should have seen the look on the salesman's face when I told him the chair was for my dogs.
The current puppy (a great dane) has since chewed that chair. As soon as she is past the chewing phase I think I am going to buy two of them, since the dogs really do love having their own chair.
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georgiapea
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,846
Jun 27, 2014 18:02:10 GMT
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Post by georgiapea on Sept 8, 2014 0:54:47 GMT
A dog stroller.
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scorpeao
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,521
Location: NorCal USA
Jun 25, 2014 21:04:54 GMT
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Post by scorpeao on Sept 8, 2014 0:55:35 GMT
I spend way too much on my girls. Not counting medical, the most expensive thing was a chair. We had bought a used chair from a neighbor, that our dogs love to sit in and look out the window. When the blue tick was a puppy, she ate the chair. So I went to Ashley furniture and bought them a new chair that actually goes with our living room decor. It was about $400. And, really, you should have seen the look on the salesman's face when I told him the chair was for my dogs. The current puppy (a great dane) has since chewed that chair. As soon as she is past the chewing phase I think I am going to buy two of them, since the dogs really do love having their own chair. Is having their own furniture a great dane thing? A friend has two danes and she has twin beds for each of them. One of the danes won't go to bed until she's tucked in. They are like four legged people.
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Post by gryroagain on Sept 8, 2014 0:57:59 GMT
A $3000 trip to Korea. We couldn't get a straight answer on if she could fly on Asiana with us, their weight limit was such she was over with her kennel. Rather than chance it, we just flew her on her own when dh was there and I was in the us. Totally worth the peace of mind!
She is now over 13 and if we move back next year- I just have no idea. I can't imagine her making the trip at 14. I can't imagine her not. I have some beloved relatives who would care for her lovingly her last days, but geez, who wants to do that? So I guess we will cross that bridge when we come to it.
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Post by Merge on Sept 8, 2014 1:10:35 GMT
A couple of new hips - the dog had dysplasia.
Current dogs? Not for them exactly, but we just spent a big chunk of money putting hardwood in the front office to replace the carpet they destroyed, and it will be another large check to replace the blinds and windowsills they found more enticing than the many chew toys we've provided. Fortunately they seem to have gotten past the destructive stage ...
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phdscrap
Junior Member
Posts: 60
Jun 26, 2014 16:14:58 GMT
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Post by phdscrap on Sept 8, 2014 1:16:36 GMT
I spend way too much on my girls. Not counting medical, the most expensive thing was a chair. We had bought a used chair from a neighbor, that our dogs love to sit in and look out the window. When the blue tick was a puppy, she ate the chair. So I went to Ashley furniture and bought them a new chair that actually goes with our living room decor. It was about $400. And, really, you should have seen the look on the salesman's face when I told him the chair was for my dogs. The current puppy (a great dane) has since chewed that chair. As soon as she is past the chewing phase I think I am going to buy two of them, since the dogs really do love having their own chair. Is having their own furniture a great dane thing? A friend has two danes and she has twin beds for each of them. One of the danes won't go to bed until she's tucked in. They are like four legged people. The first chair was purchased for a (high maintenance) blue tick hound, but the great dane took it over when we brought her home. I do think that (because of their size and tendency towards hip/joint issues) she is better in a chair than a dog bed on the ground. So I will always keep a chair for her.
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Post by originalvanillabean on Sept 8, 2014 2:03:23 GMT
$2500 root canal and unlimited bully sticks. I missed the no vet bills in OP, so amend my answer to $30 toys.
eta: disclaimer
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MsKnit
Pearl Clutcher
RefuPea #1406
Posts: 2,648
Jun 26, 2014 19:06:42 GMT
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Post by MsKnit on Sept 8, 2014 2:12:54 GMT
The dog beds. But, the cost of those never seemed as ridiculous as the cat toy I recently purchased at PetSmart.
It's one of those toys that has the ball in the track & a scratching surface on top. Only this one is made of wood and is a turtle. It's the cutest thing ever. But, the price...geesh! It was even on clearance & I still thought I was crazy when plunking down the money for it.
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Post by Woobster on Sept 8, 2014 2:17:28 GMT
An $800 trip to see a doggie cardiologist. I'd do it again tomorrow if I had to.
The next expensive would be the $175 dog bed. But all three of them love it, so I don't mind.
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scrappinghappy
Pearl Clutcher
“I’m late, I’m late for a very important date. No time to say “Hello.” Goodbye. I’m late...."
Posts: 4,306
Jun 26, 2014 19:30:06 GMT
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Post by scrappinghappy on Sept 8, 2014 2:24:52 GMT
Our house. We were living in an apartment that didn't allow dogs when we found our 6 week old pup on the side of the road. So, we his him for about two months while we house hunted. So, $215k and we had to buy out the remainder of our lease..so add another 2k on that. Definitely the winner
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Post by CarolT on Sept 8, 2014 2:27:35 GMT
I the I paid about $100 for a dog bed that Piper loves. It's way bigger than she needs (she's a 14lb westie, the bed is big enough for a golden retriever), but she'll run across the house and dive into the bed and roll around happily. It's adorable and worth every penny She has a few "accessories", like bandanas, and fancy holiday collars, but no actual clothing items. My mini doxie had a wardrobe of sweaters and jackets, because her fur was so thin and she was always cold in the winter - even in Florida!
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3kidsmom
Junior Member
Posts: 56
Jul 4, 2014 23:33:47 GMT
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Post by 3kidsmom on Sept 8, 2014 2:42:22 GMT
Our dog got a really bad kidney infection a few years ago. We spent over $6000 to save her life.
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