Some of you who follow me on Twitter may have seen my annoyed tweet last week about overhearing an office conversation about dogs. The short-version of what I overheard went something like this: For all the money, time and effort put into a dog and for their lifespan, their ROI is not that much. I mean you get unconditional love, but still.
What went on in my head was something like this: Excuse me? Did I just hear someone talk about the return on investment of a dog? Really? … Really? Are you (****ing) kidding me?
Needless to say, I was doing everything in my power to bite my tongue, and not say a word, but it really annoyed me.
Between the vets bills, toys, food, accessories, grooming and everything else that comes with owning a dog, yes, they can be expensive. But, if you’ve ever owned a dog, you would clearly see how they “pay off.”
Once I calmed down, the situation became somewhat of a joke with my family when I told them the story, and since last week, I’ve been keeping track of all the times Toby’s ROI has come up — and it’s pretty much all the time. (minus having to go out and pee in the snow at 3 a.m. over the weekend)
First off, if it weren’t for my DOG I:
– wouldn’t be writing My Tail Hurts From Wagging So Much.
– wouldn’t have gone to BlogPaws.
– wouldn’t have met some of the most amazing people who are in my life now.
– wouldn’t have gotten the experience in social media I needed for my current job.
– wouldn’t have found something I love to do.
– wouldn’t have traveled to several of the places I did.
– wouldn’t have survived my previous job.
Toby’s ROI is pretty good so far if you look at the list above. Not to mention, the happy face that greets me every time I walk in the door, the ball of fur that curls up next to me when I don’t feel good, the tail that wags like crazy when I pick up a Kong to play or the smile he brings to my Mom’s face and others, when we visit her in the nursing home.
That’s a 110 percent ROI, if you ask me.
What’s your dog’s ROI?
to me the ONLY "ROI" that even matters is the UNCONDITIONAL LOVE that my dog gives to me!!
You need to show your co-workers this blog…I am NOT kidding!!
Cat Chat http://opcatchat.blogspot.com
My dog's ROI is at least 110%! I work at home with my new job and if I didn't have my furry little Daisy to hang with all day, I don't know what I'd do! She brings me so much joy and love I couldn't ask for a better pup.
That is the most ridiculous conversation I have ever heard. If anyone thinks that a pet's ROI is low then they don't deserve the pet they own. In fact, they should never have gotten one in the first place.
My dog's "ROI" is unlimited; she gives back more and more every day. My dog saved my life. She is the rescuer, not me. All I did was fill out a form.
I agree, Kristine! They absolutely don't deserve a dog!
I'll bet that was a cathartic blog for you to write! Thanx for saying it so well. If you've loved a pet, the only logical definition of ROI is the R eally O bnoxious I ndividual you overheard in the 1st place!
People who don't own dogs will never understand the bond that we have with them. The Unconditional Love that all my dog give is crazy!