If you think Marley’s cuter than Owen, raise your hand

Dear Ruby,
We’re watching the family budget pretty closely these days and it’s getting mighty boring. I’d like to add a 2nd dog to the family to spice things up a bit, but my husband’s against it because of the added expense. I say it will add some fun to the kids’ lives and ours, especially since we’ve discontinued most other outside entertainment that involves money. At least, it will get us away from the TV. What do you think?

Sincerely, Not an Empty Nest

Dear Empty,

You’re not an empty-nester yet, but you can smell it, can’t you? It smells like puppy feet.

Something happens to certain women of a certain age — they start looking at cute mutts like they used to look at babies, and before that at Chippendales, and before that at Leif Garrett ^[1]. They really, really want one. Before they know it, they’re emotionally fraught, cutting pictures out of magazines, haunting the Petfinder site, pulling over to look at other people’s dogs . . . Way. Too. Long. It’s the damnedest thing. Who knows which hormones can be blamed for dog lust?

When you think about it, though, it’s really a pretty practical and serious commitment. You only have a baby for a few sweet months. Husbands aren’t always forever, either. And, these days, what would you do with Leif Garrett or a Chippendale if you had them — besides update your Hepatitis vaccine?

No, dogs are the real deal. Let’s figure out how to get you one.

There are a lot of factors that should be weighed in a decision like this. Can you spend the money on extra dog food, plus the one-time expenses of purchasing the dog and all his accoutrements — bowls, toys, bed, leash, treats? Will a veterinary emergency make you miss a mortgage payment?

If you think you can swing it (maybe by cancelling cable?), extol to your husband the benefits a dog can bring — more walking for you, more exercise for your current dog, you can even let him sleep with you and turn down the thermostat at night.

But, before you pull out your wallet, there is another option that animal shelters would like you to know about. The recession is creating demand for animal foster care — people or families like yours willing to take in a pet until a permanent home is found. In this economy, a foster pet might stay with you for a weekend or several months before it can be either be returned to its family (which may have needed time to resettle) or permanently place in a new home. There are many upsides to these fostering arrangements:

• usually the shelter covers any medical expenses that arise, including shots and neutering if needed;
• you can pick and choose the most suitable pet for your family, including exotic pets;
• you provide a safe home for an animal that needs it and reduce the burden on shelters.

So, Empty, this could be a good way to find out if you’re really ready for a new dog — and if your current dog is really ready for a new dog. Then, if you do find the right one, you’re first in line to adopt and fill the yawning void in your soul — I mean, “add some fun” to your non-empty nest.

For more information about general pet fostering, visit www.petfoster.org ^[2]. To find out about helping pets of people in the military and armed services, visit www.alphataxservices.com/military/classifieds/petfostercare.asp ^[3] or www.guardianangelsforsoldierspet.org ^[4].

For anything else you could possibly need to know, ask Ruby ^[5].