When gas prices are high, (or there are other economic strains), most people feel the pinch in other areas of their lives. Newscasts report that fewer people take long road trips during vacation times, and air travel also becomes less affordable as fuel costs continue to skyrocket.
Studies show that during times of (any type of) economic strain, many people turn their attention to lower cost hobbies such as their pets, rather than higher costs interests such as boating or vacations. In fact, studies of past recessions have revealed that the pet industry tends to hold steady or even go up as families focus more on things they can enjoy at home.
Whether gas prices have you changing your summer vacation plans or not, having a pet can be a fun hobby that can be enjoyed with relatively little expense. Of course, dog food, vet bills, and other expenses do exist when caring for a pet, but in comparison to many other activities, enjoying a pet can be a fun, affordable thing to do.
Perhaps you find that you don’t enjoy your dog as much as you’d like… maybe an inexpensive dog training class might be both a fun thing to do as well as providing an education for your pet. If your dog is already well-behaved, perhaps you would enjoy attending a beginner’s agility class with your pooch.
If your dog doesn’t necessarily need training, there are many other things you can do with your dog that provide fun without much expense. It might be fun to teach your dog to play Frisbee, fetch, or hide-and-seek. Consider planning family picnics that include taking your dog to the park with you.
Having a dog with you is also a great way to meet people. Pet owners will often get to chatting and many people end up setting up “dog play dates” with others. Many singles have even met the right person through their dog!
With a little creativity, spending time with your dog can be a fun way to enjoy your time with very little expense!
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