How about calling her vet, or one in her area, and get estimates for the total cost she should expect to incur during the first year. At least three visits to the vet for the parvo series, distemper and rabies vaccinations as well as neutering and microchipping. Those last two may be considered "optional" by some people, but are especially important for a dog living out on a farm. Also factor in collar, id tag, bowls, bed, toys, chew toys, bully sticks, etc (since she has never had a dog she won't have any of that stuff). Next add in the cost of a year's worth of quality food and maybe one "extra" trip to the vet in case of an accident ( like getting kicked by the horse that doesn't like dogs). She also may want to have dew claws removed, if haven't already been done by the breeder, since the dog will be running in the fields.
NOW, show her how much this "free" dog really going to cost her. And that is only the first year. And if the dog doesn't have any of the typical BYB problems - ear mites, a case of kennel cough already progress, fleas, worms, etc. |