0 Pooches: What Are the Real Dog Essentials?

The other day E was at the store standing behind three little boys that didn't speak English. They were trying to buy a generic brand shampoo when they realized they were short 10 cents. One of the boys left to go find money, and when E realized what was going on, he gave the boys a dime so they could buy the shampoo. The boy did come back with a quarter, which he tried to pay back to E, and when E told him to keep it the boys were very excited. After they left, the cashier told E that the boys were buying the shampoo for a dog they just got, and they were happy that now they could start saving to buy a leash.

I teach in a neighborhood where pet overpopulation is a problem, and many dogs are being left homeless as people are still struggling with the effects of the economy.

My students are often telling me stories about how they want to help the dogs left behind in their alleys or how there are so many free puppies being given away in boxes that they will take one home, and it becomes their responsibility to finance it. Knowing how many dogs need homes, I do believe this is a better option to keep them safe and off the streets and avoid over-crowding the shelters.

We actually started a Dog Club at my school where we talk about how to care for our dogs, the dangers of overpopulation, and how to help dogs in our community.  The biggest question I am usually asked is what do they need to buy for a new dog. We all know how expensive dog ownership can be, but I'm often stumped trying to figure out the essentials when you're trying really hard to care for a dog, but you just don't have money to spare.

What are the essentials dogs really need to be able to live a happy life?

Also:
We usually tell new dog owners this, and this is what I used to consider the "essentials".
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