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The first year of dog ownership will see six pairs of chewed shoes, five emergency visits to the vet, and six bolts to freedom out of the front door, according to new research.
The survey asked 2,000 American dog owners about the impact their dog has had on their lives, despite the growing pains.
Respondents spent an average of $122.32 preparing their homes for the arrival of their furry friend and 11 hours a week devoted to training them.
From helping their owners through three new jobs and three new homes, 64 percent of respondents said they don’t know where they’d be without their dog’s love and support.
In fact, nearly seven in 10 respondents said their dog knows them better than they know themselves.
Respondents also shared their dog has helped them heal three broken hearts, so it’s no surprise 61 percent said their dog is a better judge of character than they are.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, 68 percent of respondents said their dog is the only reason they’ve kept their sanity during the lockdown.
Sixty-four percent of those polled also shared they’re worried about returning to their normal schedules (whenever that may be) and are concerned their dog will develop separation anxiety.
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Six in 10 of employed respondents (about 1,800) even said they wish their workplace was dog-friendly so they wouldn’t have to part ways once things return to normal.
Respondents shared their furry friend makes an appearance in four video calls a week with their office.
Sixty-seven percent of those polled working remotely said they want to provide more enrichment for their dog as the pandemic keeps them away from the office, but they just don’t know what else to do.
source: people.com
