Dog Dilemma (negotiating advice needed)

[Blarg]

I'm talking about amortizing the purchase costs out over the rest of his possible lifespan. If he only lives three more years and you pay around 3 grand for him, you could be effectively paying something like a grand a year for the privilege of owning him.

Not passing judgment on whether that's a good idea -- I spent $800 once at the vet's office for a cat I loved -- just mentioning what you might really be getting for your money. Our family had one or two shepherds last to about 12(but they were falling apart), but had far more drop off at 8.