Pops is a Dachshund doggy model and online influencer with an impressive social media following. Her owner, Charlie, says they're lucky to get a lot of products including toys and dog food for free in exchange for photographs of Pops using them.
Before Pops' modelling career took off they spent around £400 per month on her. But now she's a social media star they spend about £150.
Charlie and Pops are Bought By Many customers and we work with them to help tell owners about our cover on social media.
What did you buy before you got Pops?
Before Pops came into our lives we had never owned a pooch, so we needed to get everything. We got two beds, one for upstairs one for downstairs, a collar, harness and lead set, blankets, some toys, doggy food, treats, a dog carrier, name tag, puppy pads for toilet training, a clicker to help with training, food bowls, water bowls and a sofa protector!
Before we even got Pops we had spent over £600. And we paid £300 for Pops.
How much do you spend on food and treats?
Pops is a rescue and had a terrible start In life, so she has a special diet that aids her digestion and helps with her skin and coat.
She has a fresh food delivered every month, which is fabulous but a little pricey. The usual cost is around £65 a month and I would expect to spend at least £30 on treats, sometimes more if we have been to an event or if a new product comes out.
How much do you spend on toys?
Pops isn’t destructive and treasures her toys, so we don’t need to top them up as much as some pet parents.
However, we love trying new things and have a large collection of enrichment toys such as snuffle mats and puzzle toys. We probably spend anything between £20 and £50 on toys per month.
How much do you spend on pet insurance?
Pops' insurance is £67 per month and I couldn't do without it. Dachshunds are known to have health issues, particularly with their backs and necks, and without pet insurance I wouldn’t have been able to afford surgeries she has had in the past.
What’s the most you’ve ever spent on your pet?
When Pops was 5 she had a major spinal surgery as a result of IVDD (intervertebral disc disease). The cost was astronomical, with the entire bill reaching over £8,000, which included MRI Scans, surgery, physio, medication, hydrotherapy and acupuncture.
What’s the most you’ve spent other than medical treatment?
I once spent £130 on a designer collar. Because she's worth it!
Has having a pet influenced other spending?
Yes. I spend less on myself since having Pops. I have another two pooches, so our lifestyle has changed from fancy dinners in London to finding dog-friendly pubs in the countryside. I prioritise the dogs above anything else and if they needed anything, I would make sure they get it.
Were you surprised how much you spend each month?
I think without Pops' career on Instagram I would be spending a fortune. We are so lucky that people love our doggies like we do and that we get so many amazing foods, treats, toys and accessories to try free of charge. But even if they were 'regular dogs' I would always be looking for things to make them happy, which inevitably puts a drain on the wallet.
Do you think you’ll spend more or less on your pet in the future?
The dog market is growing at a rapid rate and there are always fun and exciting products and activities to do with your doggy. I will end up spending more, as there is more choice and more things I would like them to experience.
Check out more interviews in our pet pounds series. Find out what our social media manager spends on her rescue Golden Retriever.
Would you like to share your pet money diary? We have a £50 Pets Corner voucher for any we publish. Email socialmedia@boughtbymany.com and we can tell you how to get involved.
