Lonely and Funds aren’t funding? Buy a plant, not a dog.
Considered a "pandemic puppy," the dog was bought because of loneliness throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and unfortunately, being broke and having a dog don't mix. COVID-19 proved impactful, leaving 14 million Americans out of a job, and in 2026, with the unemployment rate currently at 4.3% and gas prices at $4.20, $6 in California, everyone is feeling the economic pressure. With the uncertainty of the future, it's essential to make cost-effective decisions now more than ever and cultivate your mental health.
Before you get up in arms about your beloved Sophie, I'm a proud dog owner. But I also love plants. So this article is for those interested in dogs, but may need to consider a plant instead.
Dogs are great companions. I rescued my Swedish Smaland Hound six years ago. He's lived all over the US and loves his grandma's house (he's spoiled). Unfortunately, he also comes with a heap of responsibilities. When I first rescued him, I knew nothing about dogs. But I knew I wanted some form of protection and companionship. He does just that. Coming home after a long day of work and hanging out with your buddy is welcoming. Dogs are a person's best friend, like the bougie person's best friend. I spend about $ 3,500 or more a year on my dog. His bills can be expensive, from food to grooming to vet check-ups, toys, dental cleaning, and the occasional doggie mishap.
He's worth it, but I recommend a plant for those just starting out and low on funds.
Plants provide a sense of responsibility, care, and nurture, but they're also good for you! I remember walking into my grandmother's home as a child and seeing plants everywhere.
Augusta Ward, a medical secretary at Cornbrook Medical Practice in the UK, offers, "Having something to care for brings so many benefits to people – especially for those who may not have a garden or be able to have pets." Plants, to me, are the answer. Here are four reasons why you should invest in a plant today!
Clean Air! Plants provide oxygen and fresh air! They can undoubtedly help to breathe in fresh air when we're feeling down and alone.
Endless beauty! No one plant is the same. They have infinite beauty, from the green leaves to the stringy roots to a new bud. And just monitoring your plant's growth can keep you engaged in a small project that you can call your own.
Many plants, not multiple mouths to feed - I spend $100/month on a bag of dog food for my pup. I buy plants that I only need to water 2x a month and don't require much attention. So "yay" to fewer mouths to feed.
Community-building. The planting community is dope and inclusive. I walked into Fancy-Free Nursery and talked with the store worker about how my plant was caught up in an entanglement, but she was doing better with me. (I got the plant from someone who was going to throw it away - she was doing terribly, but now she's coming back to life) Yay to no entanglements! But seriously, knowing that others are just as interested in plants serves as a means of connection-- an unlikely benefit.
I encourage you to find a low-maintenance plant or buy that bougie plant. Give the plant a name, save those coins to beef up your emergency savings, and breathe clean, entanglement-free air. You deserve it!
Follow Lavie Nay or Hilton Carter, for planting tips!