KANSAN.COM / THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN / MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2011 / NEWS / 7
PETS
BY SARA SNEATH
sneathsk@ku.edu
Shed fallen in love and everywhere she turned reminded her of the object of her affection; tiny sweaters, bandanas and chew toys screamed, "buy me" from the shelf. It was then that Kaitee Tyner, a junior from Council Grove, realized she was crazy about her sister's puppy and wanted one of her own.
That was seven months ago, when Tyner held more reserves about picking up dog feces and knew less about how to take care of her new companion. Today, her phone is filled with images of the 15-pound Maltese mix Roxy. There's a lot to learn as a first-time dog owner—love is expensive.
"I went to Bradley Animal Hospital and they gave me an estimate of $416 to get her fixed," Tyner said. "I was about in tears because that's the same day I paid $250 for her appointment. I had no idea she would be that expensive. I don't have a savings account because of her."
ESTIMATED COST
The Lawrence Humane Society adoption process requires applicants to answer several questions regarding living accommodations and how much they believe a pet will cost per year. Executive director of Lawrence Humane Society, Midge Grinstead, says dog owners should expect to pay at least $500.
"You have to be prepared to take care of the dog like it's a child," Grinstead said. "Time is the first thing and the second thing is money."
Grinstead says heartworm prevention medication and flea and tick treatment alone — which should be given year-round cost $20 a month.
FIRST YEAR MOST EXPENSIVE
When considering the cost of buying a
kennel, paying pet deposits, dog training and vaccines, owning a dog is most expensive the first year. Robin Michael, a veterinarian at Clinton Parkway Animal Hospital said this was especially the case when you got a puppy. The Clinton Parkway Animal Hospital recommends you bring in your puppy for its first set of immunizations at six to eight weeks old, with booster immunizations every three to four weeks until they are 16 weeks old.
Keep prescription drugs, chocolate, grapes, raisins and garlic away from dogs, all of these items are detrimental to their health. Dogs also tend to eat socks and underwear and these items can cause blockage and may require surgery to remove.
"An adult dog probably only needs to see those vaccines once a year," Michael said.
CUTTING DOWN ON VET BILLS
Work your dog slowly into exercise:
"They need to be conditioned into it.
Where we see people get in trouble is first thing in the spring," Michael said. "Every dog is a little different. The main point is, you wouldn't go out and run a marathon if you haven't run a 5k."
Dogs should not be kenneled longer than eight hours. Puppies can be kenneled for the equivalent of their age in months, plus one. For example, a 4-month-old puppy can be kenneled five hours.
Michael said if dog owners was unsure about something they should call their vet. Often times the veterinary technicians can answer their questions. She also said the Internet was a good resource and that most vets had websites with FAQs and additional sources of information.
As for Tyner, she's keeping Roxy.
Edited by Brittany Nelsonn
"I cannot imagine giving her up." Tyner said.
ADMISSIONS
Following KU enrollment trends
4,000 freshmen: The number of first-time students Lisa Kress, director of the office of admissions, said the department hopes to reach every year.
The size of graduating high school classes in Kansas.
Percentage of Kansas high school graduates applying to KU.
Interest shown in KU from out-of-state high school graduates according to Kress
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WALTER S. SUTTON LECTURE SERIES
THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS and THE KU INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR ETHICS IN BUSINESS present
100 Years of Caring: Corporate Social Responsibility at Hallmark
Carol Hallquist, Vice President Hallmark Corp. Foundation
Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 7 p.m. Woodruff Auditorium, Kansas Union, 1301 Jayhawk Blvd. Free to the public. No RSVP necessary.
KU SCHOOL OF BUSINESS The University of Ramesh
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