Ok, I am trying to trim all our bills down, and while doing so realized I could get a discount on my homeowner's and car insurance through my nurses's union.

So I called the insurance agency and she gave me a quote that was $600 less/year than I pay now!!!!! Plus our car insurance would be $200 less/year!! So I am jumping for joy and then she asks if we have a dog, and here is where it goes down hill!

We have a miniature English Bulldog and his breed is on the "bad dog list" even though he is so gentle and awesome with kids, it doesn't matter. So that raises our Insurance back up to $1400/year for our homeowner's.

So my question is: Do we get rid of the dog to save $600/year on insurance plus all the $$ included in caring for the dog? We could really use that money and we are not obsessed with the dog, we like him but took him in as a favor. I don't mind getting rid of him, my oldest DS would be a little sad, but he would not be crushed. DH is thinking about it since he really hates to give him up but that probably saves us $1000+/year with him having no health problems.

We would definitely make sure he goes to a good home and thoroughly investigate the family that would adopt him.

Ok ladies, what should we do??

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Married to DH since 2003, Mom to Tanner (3) and
Braden (2) Baby #3 due 3/13/09

i am first and foremost and animal lover.

but if it meant saving that much money in a year. i'd make sure he had an awesome home and give him or away or sell him.

you could always get a "friendlier" dog. or at least one that your insurance people would think is friendlier.

i never did understand those good dog/bad dog lists.. its all in how u raise them..

good luck

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My choices yesterday create my today. My choices today create my tomorrow.

I agree with everything she said.

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I don't know about good and bad dogs but we really ought to carefully consider all of our decisions. Too often we make them on a whim, or because our folks did, or because it is expected, or because everyone does.

Animals need care and concern as well as money. If your priority is there, you will manage the cost.

When everything is thought out, I appreciate and enjoy what I decide on so much more. And when a mistake is made, I know it is just that - a mistake that I try not to make again. Less likely to feel like a victim.

Cathleen

Personally, I would not get rid of my precious dogs just to save some money. But it doesn't sound like you have the attachment to your dog since you took him only as a favor. So find him a good home and save the extra money. Just make sure the extra money is put to good use and not just "used" or you might end up regretting your decision.

nope.
i couldnt' fathom giving an animal that i love away in order to save money.....it might be stupid to some, but i'd probably go homeless before that happened.....i love them that much.

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Chopey

Is there any family members that would take him in? We moved our dog next door to my in-laws' house because it wasn't working out with her here (list of reasons). DS can go over and play with her and she is loved and cared for.

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We do have a couple people who are interested in taking him in. So we would know where he is. DH and I are going to take a week or so to make a final decision that way we won't regret it either way.

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Married to DH since 2003, Mom to Tanner (3) and
Braden (2) Baby #3 due 3/13/09

I think that is a substantial savings and if you wouldn't be too sad giving him up then go for it. It all depends on your priorities and how important the dog is to your family.

BTW I find it odd that an English bulldog is on the bad list.

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Proud mommy to adorable Kinsley

MY BLOG!

I love animals as well but I would find him a good home and save the money if you really need the money. I would check with the insurance company first to see which kind of dog you can have and take your kids and let them pick one from the shelter.

There are lots of no kill shelters that will help you find him a good home.

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