In film sequel 102 Dalmatians Alice Evans finds dog ownership is not without is stresses — understandable given a single pooch can cost up to €23,000 to look after BUENA VISTA INTERNATIONALWith the average dog estimated to cost an owner between €15,000 and €23,000 throughout its lifetime, acquiring a four-legged friend is a pricier business than you may suspect. More sobering is the fact that these figures from the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) do not include veterinary expenses if your dog is sick or injured. Carmel Murray, of the ISPCA, says anybody thinking of getting a dog should first contact their local animal rescue or rehoming centre. “There are thousands of healthy dogs and puppies all over Ireland who are patiently waiting for a good home,” she says. “We encourage opting for a rescue dog because they will already be microchipped, vaccinated and, if the right age, spayed/neutered.”If you…

Source: The Times May 26, 2018 23:03 UTC