Other people handle that situation (vacation) differently. They may board with friends. They may board the dog in a facility. There are many ways to reasonably

Other people handle that situation (vacation) differently. They may board with friends. They may board the dog in a facility. There are many ways to reasonably handle that situation that doesn't cost 1000s of dollars but keep in mind I have three dogs (3x the cost), had a relatively long trip (3 weeks), was traveling internationally (needed someone who I had impeccable trust in), and I am determined to disrupt their lives as little as possible (so no boarding). We should totally encourage people to adopt dogs (adopt, not buy)! We should just be totally honest about what they are getting into and what resources are required (mostly your time) to do it properly. > It's really something that only rich people should do Not at all, you don't have to do it how I did it, I am fortunate enough to be able to choose a path which optimizes my time (hiring a walker) and their lives (hiring a home pet sitter). > so they can show off their disposable income (e.g., 3k for a house/pet sitter to go on vacation, hiring a dog walker, etc.) Honestly, that statement just offends me for reasons I can't articulate at the moment. That so misses the mark of why I have dogs and why I wrote that comment.