by Dori Kenny

Created on: November 02, 2008   Last Updated: November 24, 2008

Free to good home: 2 year old male and 4 year old female, house trained and very playful. We can no longer care for our kids, we need to feed the dog.

Can you imagine? Surely you think of Rover and Spot as part of your family. When money is tight we all have to make choices. Is letting go of your family members one by one the right way to go? I don't think so.

Take a look at your spending. Just what are you spending your money on? If it's sweaters and collars and squeaky toys, as much as we all love to be pampered, does Rover really care about all these things? Probably not. He'd much rather spend some quality time with you. A walk in the park to show off that fancy collar is free, fun and good for the both of you. And what about your own accessories? Another pair of black high heels?

You say money is already tight and the economy has already got you down. Well, who better to cheer you up than your BFF, Spot? If you've already cut back as much as you can, how about a way to increase your income? Finding a part time job can be a challenge in a tough economy. Maybe a trade is a better idea. Approach a local pet food supplier, delivery service, or gourmet pet food shop. Their budgets are tight too so perhaps they would be willing to trade you labor for pet supplies. It's a win-win situation, everybody gets what they need.

Learn more about this author, Dori Kenny.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.