How to Get a Deal on the Obamas' Dog Choice

February 25, 2009 RSS Feed Print
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According to People magazine, the Obamas have made their choice: They will soon adopt a rescue Portuguese water dog, which typically go for upwards of $1,400. That a pretty pricey puppy.

But if the Obamas' decision has you yearning for your own Portuguese pet, there are ways to save. First, consider following the Obamas' example and adopting a rescue dog. Rescue dogs, which are typically older, adult animals living in shelters, are usually placed in homes at no charge other than the cost of keeping them healthy and safe for the rest of their lives. (Note: There is sometimes a fee involved, but this cost is much less than the price of purchasing a newborn puppy.)

If you can't find what you're looking for at the local shelter, websites such as Craigslist.com often list pets that are up for adoption at lower than normal prices or no cost at all. That way, you know you're giving a home to an animal that needs one.

For more information on pet adoption or to find the shelter closest to you, check out the Humane Society's web page.

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personal finance

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is ther a minie

julien pouliot of RI 4:36PM November 12, 2012

I agree the Obama’s have set a great example by choosing a rescued animal. I hope that more and more people will think rescue first when considering a new pet but even more I hope that people more carefully conceder pets. Since we live in rural area bordering a city we constantly see “dumped” animals. The shelters and rescue groups in the area are overtaxed and doing all they can. Don’t think about whither you can get a dog on a deal make sure that you have the funds, time and energy to truly care for the animal before you commit to it.

For those of you who are in a position to commit to a new animal companion or have been thinking about it. Please visit your local shelter or find a nearby rescue group there has been a huge influx of animals and a reduction in donations recently due in part to the economic downturns. The adoption fees that they get are critical to helping them continue saving animals.

If you don’t know how to contact local rescues check petfinder.com, adopt a pet, your local animal control shelter.

Tabitha of TX 3:35PM March 03, 2009

wow - that is really surprising. I was all about the Labradoodle - guess I just lost $20. I had to do a little more research on why they picked the PWD, and found an OK description of it: http://obamadogadoption.com/Dog_breeds/portuguese-water-dog.html. It seems like a good choice the more I think about it, wish I had my $20 back though.

maggie of ID 7:40PM March 01, 2009

Alpha Consumer

Kimberly Palmer, senior editor for U.S. News & World Report, writes about making smarter financial decisions. She’s the author of Generation Earn: The Young Professional's Guide to Spending, Investing, and Giving Back.

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