Pet savings

Big news. I'm getting a new puppy. She was born on June 27 and will be coming home with me on Saturday, August 22. To say I'm excited would be the understatement of the year. Now, my old-man dog probably won't share my enthusiasm, but I am hopeful he will learn to love her the way I already do. He's going to be 12 in November -- and I'm hoping he's not too old for some new tricks. The new pup's name is Marlo (remember That Girl actress and Phil Donahue's wife, Marlo Thomas??). See my Marlo pictured here at 11 days old.

So, why do I tell you this here? Well, when I asked friends for their tips on saving money I got a long laundry list of ideas ranging from how to save on electricity (see July 14 post), to, you guessed it, ways to save on pet expenses. She mentioned that her Veterinarian holds monthly vaccine clinics where you pay a smaller charge than a usual visit (only if the pet has been seen by the doc within the last year and is not receiving a vaccine that state law mandates must be given by a doc). We don't go to the same practice, but she mentioned her doc gives a small discount on visits to families with multiple pet patients. I have two cats and a dog already -- Marlo will make four. I'm thinking I must qualify for something...

Many thanks to Kyle for bringing this up and reminding me that there's usually another option that can save some money if you spend some time looking for it.

-reenie (AKA: Marlo's new Mom)