[TeeJay942]

Getting a dog is a great idea (especially from a shelter), but I just want to set realistic cost expectations here.

My fiance volunteers for PAWS and it is typically a minimum of $350 in fees to leave with a dog. Also, dog food can add up (the dog we recently adopted needs grain-free food due to an allergy) so it's about $750 a year for a 28 lb dog (I would say minimum of $300 for cheaper food). Then you should take your pet in once a year to the vet and get heartworm, flea & tick medicine, etc (another min. $350 a year). And you'll probably want to get your dog a doggy bed, collar, leash, treats, etc. Obviously anyone can cut out or short cut some of these expenses, but this should be the minimum spend expectation in my fiance's opinion.

[dmitripopov]

Well, obviously there are some reasons to live in Russia :) Every animal shelter is more than willing to give you a dog for free, dog food (a really good one) is around 50USD per month for a 55 lbs dog, annual vaccine is 12USD and rabies vaccine is free (government-sponsored). Heartworm, flea & tick medicine - 10USD every 3 months.