Cost per Year of dog ownership == EXPENSIVE

So, it's been about a year since we've adopted Snowball. And after having to do taxes, I've had a chance to review Snowball's yearly cost.

According to Quicken, this is the breakdown that I have for Snowball and this is what I expect to pay in 2009.

Yearly
---------
County License: $13.00 ($25 if your, ahem, late)
     (https://doglicense.franklincountyohio.gov/dogs/dogsmenu)
Yearly Vaccination: $64.00
     (http://www.spayaz.com)
12-Month Supply of Flea/Tick Control (Interceptor): $152.98
12-Month Supply of Worm Control (Frontline Plus): $48.99
     (http://www.1800petmeds.com/)

Food
--------
Eukanuba - Medium Breed 40# Dog Food: $43.99 x 4 = $175.96
Eukanuba - Dog Treats = $14.99 x 4 = $59.96
Misc Treats - $60.00
     (http://www.petsmart.com/)

Toys
-------
Misc throughout 2008: $150

Lodging:
-------------
Lodging throughout 2008: $480

So ~$1200 is what I expect to pay in 2009. I'm sure there's more that I haven't accounted for, but at least I have an idea.

To be honest, we paid about twice that in 2008, since there were a lot of one time / initial costs involved (i.e. money to adopt, training, initial check-up, neutering, home crate / travel crate, etc...)

Is it worth it? most definitely.

Here's your fun fact for today: Did you know pet owners live (on the average) three years longer than those without?