Whilst playing in the park with my friends the other day I got to thinking about where we all came from and how much we are loved. I am reliably informed that as a nation of animal lovers 40% of homes have a pet with just under 1 in 4 households having a dog and 1 in 5 having a cat and last year £6bn was spent on us!

More than ever we are seen as members of the family we are a huge responsibility both in time and cost, with a dog or cat costing an average of £17,000 during its lifetime.

The biggest one off cost of a dog (ignoring vets bills) is likely to be the original purchase price so if you are planning on buying a puppy from a breeder do make sure that you get your puppy from a reputable source by visiting the breeder and are not unwittingly funding puppy farms. Check out the RSPCAs guide to buying a puppy for more information www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/puppy

Many of my friends have been rescued and this is a cheaper options with payment usually in the form of a donation. Lots of organisations, such as Allsorts dog rescue (http://www.allsortsdogrescue.org.uk/) foster in people homes so the fear that “you don’t know what you are getting” does not have to be a worry.

Whatever route you choose always welcome your dog into your home with lots of affection and be prepared to fall in love with us!