[nagdu] Cost of owning a guide dog

[Lisa Irving]

Look into some of these things. Visit the various guide dog school web sites 
and see if they post some of this information.

See if the school offers financial assistance for medical costs or dog food.

Does  your state have a guide dog allowance program? If so, what are the 
qualifying guidelines?

In the San Diego area we have a fantastic pet food company that delivers pet 
food. Guide dog users get a small discount. The food is made every ninety 
days; not 18 months as is the case for some store brand dog foods.

I set aside six dollars a month to go toward bathing and grooming; something 
that is done about every three months. There again, this will vary depending 
on where you live and any skin condition your dog may developed.

If you want to save money on grooming, look for establishments that allow 
you to come in and bathe your own dog. Before my wrists got thrashed I loved 
to take my previous dog to  a self grooming shop. They provided the supplies 
and cleaned up the mess.

I imagine most guide dog schools will counsel you on safe and appropriate 
toys for your dog. I have a friend who goes to the thrift store and buys a 
bunch of stuffed animals and her dog shreds them then she gets more. 
Durable toys last longer. I know that means dishing out more money 
initially.

I hope this helps. Good luck. P. S. my son's name is Philip. Every Philip 
I've ever met has been a great person. : "Philip S" <philso1003 at gmail.com>
To: <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Sunday, February 20, 2011 2:06 PM
Subject: [nagdu] Cost of owning a guide dog


> Hi group,
>
> I am thinking getting a guide dog and would appreciate it if you could
> help me decide if it is affordable.
>
> How much does it typically cost to care for and maintain a guide dog
> per month?
>
> About how much can I expect the cost to increase as a dog gets bigger
> (eat more?) and older (more vet visits?)
>
> In particular, how much do you spend each month (or each year on the 
> following)?
> Food
> Treats
> Snacks
> regular Vet visit
> Major medical expense
> supplies
> Kennel
> license
> Toy
>
> Do you visit any dog/pet website?  Do you get your dog food/supplies
> online or at a store?
>
> Thanks very much for your help!
>
> Best,
> Phil
>
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