By Jon Dunkerley

Breaking the bank is popular business

Most people when asked how much they spend on their pets, will not even think about the actual amount and will usually blurt out some number that is rediculously less than the actual price. We don't usually stop to think of all those times we picked up a treat here and there from the grocery store for our beloved pets, and rarely do we include birthday and christmas into our equation. Couple these facts with trips to the vet, dog food, and the multiple dog household, and the final tally can be quite scary, which is maybe the reason why we usually do not sit down and actually think about it.

Studies in the US indicate that for the year of 2006, a projected dollar total of over $38.4 billion will be spent on all areas of pet wel-being, from food and supplies, to daycare and luxury accessories. Couples feeling the emptiness of the empty nest, fork out their money on their pets instead of their children, thus the huge growth in the pet care industry.

Is there anything wrong with spoiling our pets? Course not! It is true that 9 times out of ten, our pets have no clue what the heck is going on, maybe they would respect us a little more if they knew what lengths we went too, to fulfill every one of their needs and beyond. Some people believe that pet owners view their pets as their children, thus the need to lavish them with attention and expensive items of luxury:
"To me, he is really like a human being," said Carmen Rowland of her 10-pound dog, Goliath. Rowland is just one example of today's doting dog owner, forking out $360 a month on her dog's grooming, and doggy daycare visits:
"It's my peace of mind to make sure my little son is OK."

While it is more than ok to spend lavishly on your own dog, try to remember that there are many many dogs that are less fortunate and are one stop short of the gas chamber. Sponsoring (donating) to animal shelters, is a great way of putting your money to good use and will go a long way to helping those less fortunate to also maybe have the kind of life that your own beloved pet enjoys.