These are items that I couldn’t very well put into an Amazon Wishlist (or other sites). This may be for few reasons, but the number of items here are limited, and will be detailed in great deal of why I will want to have such things.
Medical Expenses for the Dogs
I have two dogs, and while I take care of them, they like people needs to be assured that they have medical attention to live a long and healthy life. Mosquitoes transmit heartworm which is a special concern in the summer or where there is a severe population of these pests. Intestinal worms can also be found, and then there are issues such as vaccination from Parvo and other serious ailments that can lead to death.
My intention is to use the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society for all of my general medical needs. However, I do consider myself behind on their needs. I still want to activate their micro-chip as a lines of information if they should get lost. I also need to get them tested for heartworm as well. Once they are shown negative, I will need to invest in prevention medicine.
There is also preventative measures like flea/tick medicine, and any vaccinations that is needed. Also, considering that Talisa may have skin conditions (due to her breed), I will want to invest in good quality shampoo rather than use what I use. All of this will cost money, and all of this will need to be addressed.
Republic Wireless Phone
This may seem odd especially for those that know me. I have a GSM service with a phone that is a dual core 1Ghz CPU, 4″ screen, and a few other bells and whistles. So, why will I want at best a low end phone on a CDMA network?
Well, let’s look a little deeper. For what ever the reason, I don’t always get good reception in my apartment with regards to my carrier. This meant from the beginning, I wanted to get a good and reliable means of having a phone line that can work in the apartment. This will mean wifi is best. However, i have not found a perfect app that will integrate my lines in one system. This is where Republic Wireless will come in. The phone is $200 a month (no contract), and will be $20/month. I will get a new cellular number, but needless to say – I won’t be giving it out. Instead, the phone will have Google Voice installed, and be used to make phone calls.
Now, I can select which people rings which phones. While I am in wifi, Republic Wireless doesn’t care how many minutes I am on the phone. This phone will likely not leave my home unless I will be somewhere else where I might have poor cellular coverage, but good wifi covereage. This phone will also function if the primary phone is out of battery which sometimes happens.
This will allow me to have the two phones without having to jump through hoops – each supporting Google Voice. It will also offer an emergency or back up cellular phone if the need arose. And if my income should take a turn for the worst, or T-Mobile goes under (acquired by AT&T), I will at least have a phone option until I can make a decision on how to best address the consequences.
Training for the Dogs
I love my dogs. I will have to with the effort I put into them. However, Talisa is overly hyper, and while I see that she tries, she doesn’t always listen to where she needs too. And Malak has a few problems of his own. I will also want to get them both to walk on the treadmill. Malak seems fearful of the treadmill, while Talisa will go on it, but seems a little hesitant to walk on it. I will also want to get them qualified as therapy dogs and eventually be a contribution to society. This perk will also allow them on buses too.
However, training cost money. An average class with the Humane Society is about $75, and goes up from there. This is more than 10% of my income, and considering I live below the poverty line, this is not a realistic solution for me. It will be nice though, and of course will be willing to receive donations for their training.