5 Reasons to Love Your Dog in a Downturn

True friends are there for you through both good times and bad, and when the chips are down, you find out that dog is indeed man’s best friend.

In a recent study of 400 Americans, a majority stated that their pets’ emotional support and non-judgmental attitude are key to helping them survive challenging times. Whether it’s financial struggles, job loss, or general anxiety, your dog’s got your back:

Provides structure: In an uncertain economy, the steady presence of your dog is invaluable. You may not have a job to be at every morning, but your dog still has to be walked and won’t let you wallow the day away in bed. Your best friend brings out the best in you. Not only will you get some exercise and possible human interaction, but you’ll be more likely to stay on track with your job search efforts…

Curbing Fido’s Financial Strain

Having a pet is a fine balance: We love our pooches, but we know that pet hair isn’t a fashion accessory. They burrow in our purses, poke out of our car windows, and try to lick our face masks away. We’ve compiled the best insider tips to help you scratch away at your pet’s expenses—you and Junior won’t remember how you coexisted without us!

Look For Veterinary Colleges. Money isn’t a reason not to bring your pet in for regular checkups, but vet visits are expensive. Do a quick Google search or refer to this list to see if there are any veterinary colleges in your area. If so, they are probably looking for new patients and likely offered reduced rates. Don’t worry about putting Mr. Fuzzy in the hands of students—they are supervised and accredited for treating animals!…

Recession Briefing 9.9: Downturn Unleashes Strays

What you need to know today to survive and thrive in the recession.

The number of stray and abandoned dogs in the U.K. jumped 11 percent in the past year — the biggest surge in a decade — possibly because of the financial crisis. (CNN)

Haunted by fewer job offers this season, recent graduates with jobs took a hit to their salaries. Those who graduated with bachelor’s degrees in 2009 received a $48,633 average starting salary offer, down 1.2% from last year. (Wall Street Journal)

Unless real reform happens soon, we face the prospect of another bubble-bust-bailout cycle that will be even more dangerous than the one we’ve just been through. (The New Republic)…

Why Pink Slips are Good for Pets (and What to Do When You Get a Job)

Sure, losing your job was stressful. For you. But for your pet, the longer you sit on the couch in a savings-sucking stupor the better.

Laura Goldstein left her post at This Old House magazine in March 2008 to become editor-in-chief of the start-up magazine Jewish Living. When Jewish Living folded six months later, Goldstein began working from home, cobbling together editorial projects while sending out resumes.

Unemployment was a shock and disappointment to her. Not so for her white-capped pionus parrot, Peewee…

Work Off Your Costs

These days it might not be easy to find the cash to pay all your monthly expenses, from rent to membership fees. Yes, you can negotiate for lower rates, but there are also ways to create your own discounts—with a little labor.

According to the Times, many landlords have started shaving hundreds off rent for tenants willing help out with tasks like changing lightbulbs and taking out the building’s trash. But these “super-tenants” aren’t the only ones getting discounts on their monthly costs. Across the country, more and more companies are letting their favorite clients handle work exchange for taking money off the dues and fees they’d otherwise be paying.

And why not? Everyone’s a winner, since the company gets a free service and the customer gets a discount on dues. Wondering what kind of businesses are up for letting you volunteer your time in exchange for a better rate? A few ideas:

Landlords
Whether you volunteer to pick up packages for other tenants or work as a weekend handyman—there’s no limit to the services you can offer to take over for your building’s landlord…

What Recession? An Airline for Your Pet

Pet Airways launched Tuesday with the tagline “Travel for your best friend.” And “where pets fly in the main cabin, NOT in cargo!”

Well, thank goodness for that. If your pet has been roughing it in this downturn, good news is that Pet Airways is here. For just $300 *each way*, you can send your pup from New York to Los Angeles and back. If you want to meet him there, you’ll have to find your own way. So far, only dogs and cats are welcome.

The pets will be treated to regular bathroom, feeding and play stops along the way, and they will each have their own carrier spot where seats usually go. Flight attendants will check on the pets en route every fifteen minutes.

The real sign that boomier times are here? Pet Airways is booked for the next two months…

Valentine’s Day ’09: Year of the Dog?

This Valentine’s Day, dogs are getting plenty of love. According to a survey by the National Retail Federation, Americans plan to spend $367 million on their pets. That’s a lot of cat toys and doggy treats.

The holiday may not be a box of chocolates for us humans. But Fido? Doing okay this year.

Read more…

Recession Concessions: Dog Food v. Daycare

Ditching: Daycare

Keeping: Gourmet dog food

Few are immune to the necessary cutbacks that come with shrinking assets. Even dogs.

Read more…