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Original poster

What are ‘luxury’ have you given up to afford another?

4 replies

NowWhatUsernameShallIHave · 11/02/2024 19:26

I really want a dog but it means giving something else up.
I’ve just gone through an excruciating divorce process and now can see the light.
I’ve always wanted a dog but financially it’s not feasible.
I have a teen who is on the spectrum but masks it quite well but at home it can be a challenge.
im considering giving up holidays (which we don’t do much anyway because we were not able to financially)
Now my financial situation is slightly clearer I know if I got a dog I would have to make sacrifices elsewhere.
My health is not great and I have depression, and I’m often on my own especially weekday and some weekends.

Any thoughts?

OP posts:
MaloneMeadow · 11/02/2024 20:09

We got a golden retriever last year. There’s nothing specific that we gave up but we have had to cut down a lot on eating out, buying unnecessary clothes and what little holidays that we had (especially now with having to get a dog sitter etc). Like you finances are tight as I’m in the middle of a divorce. She was expensive to buy and certainly not cheap to keep (she eats better than most humans!) but I really can’t imagine life without her now.

I’ve grown to really enjoy walking and it’s lovely to have some quality time with teen DD and DDog out in the fresh air at beaches, forests etc. Mental and physical health wise it’s been hugely beneficial for both of us. We actually have found that we save a bit of money as weekends and time off often mean days out with the dog rather than shopping or eating out to entertain ourselves

thenewaveragebear1983 · 11/02/2024 20:15

I gave up my gym membership to get my puppy 4 months ago. Not for financial reasons but because of time really. I used to go to 6am classes but now I get up with my pup at 6 am to give her breakfast and take her out before work. If I want to workout I have to do it with her eyeballing me now. I guess I have given up lie-ins too as she gets up at 6 every single day.

Original poster
NowWhatUsernameShallIHave · 11/02/2024 23:25

MaloneMeadow · 11/02/2024 20:09

We got a golden retriever last year. There’s nothing specific that we gave up but we have had to cut down a lot on eating out, buying unnecessary clothes and what little holidays that we had (especially now with having to get a dog sitter etc). Like you finances are tight as I’m in the middle of a divorce. She was expensive to buy and certainly not cheap to keep (she eats better than most humans!) but I really can’t imagine life without her now.

I’ve grown to really enjoy walking and it’s lovely to have some quality time with teen DD and DDog out in the fresh air at beaches, forests etc. Mental and physical health wise it’s been hugely beneficial for both of us. We actually have found that we save a bit of money as weekends and time off often mean days out with the dog rather than shopping or eating out to entertain ourselves

Thank you so much 😍
im looking at a GR too and I’ve looked after them as I volunteer so I have some understanding but it’s been brilliant when I have had one as it’s great to get me out and about

OP posts:
MaloneMeadow · 11/02/2024 23:51

GRs are fabulous, DDog is my fourth! I hadn’t owned one in about 10 years and definitely missed having one in my life. Just can’t beat them - such a lovely natured breed. They are notoriously difficult puppies though so be prepared! Our girl is turning 1 in a few weeks and life only seems to be getting back to some sort of normality now. The first few months were very hard and tiring but all worth it in the long run, couldn’t live without her now ❤️

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