With all the economic turmoil lately, there is no doubt that times are tough for a lot of people. If you think it’s bad for you, just think about the pets!  Every week, more dogs and cats are dumped in neighborhoods or left in abandoned homes. Maybe it’s just because I’m a rescue myself, but I think you should consider your situation from a canine perspective. Here are five long-term investment tips to help you when things get ruff:

1. Capitalize on the bond market. If you’re looking for a great investment with a high return rate, rescue a dog. There is nothing like the unconditional love and acceptance of a canine companion. This is one bond that will appreciate on a daily basis.

2. Create your own stimulus package. If you feel like you can’t afford to adopt a dog, volunteer to foster a pet or work at a shelter. The stimulation you receive from playing with a furry friend will take your mind off your shrinking 401K. In fact, the pet will never even mention it!

3. Invest in creature comforts. It doesn’t have to be something you bought from the store. Without much coaching your dog will cuddle next to you and lick your face.  Just petting your dog can lower your blood pressure. You won’t get that from the Dow Jones!

4. Get easy credit. Your dog already thinks you’re the greatest person in the world. Just give him a little attention and you’ll be very rich indeed. He’ll even let you win at Monopoly!

5. Profit from the fallout. If you act fast, you can get a great pet right now. With so many abandoned animals, shelters are full of healthy, adoptable pets from purebreds to mixed breeds. There is nothing more rewarding than giving a dog or cat a second chance at life.

Even with all the recent publicity, pets are still being left in foreclosed homes at an alarming rate. Sure, you may be scared, but just imagine how scared a pet would be to be left in an empty house. As I say in Maxim #1 of my book, “Worrying about it won’t change anything. Trust that you’ll get through it.” Instead of running away, take your dog for a run. It will take your mind off it for a while and it will ease the stress for both of you. And that’s something you can bank on!