Dog Dilemma (negotiating advice needed)

[phil_ivey_fan]

1st, sorry for the pictures of poop in my last thread. OK, so here's the story. I am finally graduating and moving out of the fraternity house into a nice place in north atlanta. I have been the care taker of our fraternity's dog since we got him 4.5 years ago. He is a fullbred german shepherd professionally trained. I have dicussed my interest in taking him with me when I graduate. Here's where the advice is needed. His total cost to the fraternity was $700 for the dog itself and $2000 for the training way back when.


So how much do I offer the fraternity for the dog? keep in mind that I am the one who took care of this dog...taking him out every morning/night, feeding him everyday, taking him home on vacations, washing him, taking him to the vet, etc. And now after almost 5 years I don't think I can leave him behind. Note that while I was the care taker of the dog, the Fraternity reimbursed me for all medical and food expenses he required so its like I got all the benefits of having a dog without any of the costs.


At first I just wanted to pay for the house to get a new dog ($700) period. But I've heard a couple people disagreeing and they feel that I should pay for the training of the new dog too. So I've gotten kinda mathematical on it. The avg lifespan of a german shepherd is 10.2 years. so he's only got about 5 more years (on average) to live. So I can't pay the full $2700 and be the bitch. So 1/2 price would be $1350. OK, but I've also talked to the vet and the 2nd half of a dogs life is definitely more expensive than the first half. So I feel that a reasonable price is $1000. Also if I leave him here, he will be miserable w/out me. I studied abroad 2 summers ago and left him with someone else incharge and he was seriously depressed. I came home and he'd lost around 15lbs.


OK, so I have to write up a motion to be passed by the fraternity and I'm gong to have to put a price on it. There will be discussion/questions etc. What do I say to the ppl who want me to pay the full price ([censored] you that's absurd, for $3k I might as well get a new dog that will live for 10yrs?).


What would you offer the fraternity given the circumstances and why?