[graciegirl]

Not sure exactly, but suspect that people enjoy finding things for their pets to enjoy just the way people enjoyed finding things for their children to have fun with. They are small warm creatures who we have taken responsibility for, a kind of replacement for children who have left our home, maybe not. But it seems like a good thing. They bring company to us and affection.

I would say that people buy things for their pets in the same way they buy things in general. Some are just a complete waste of money and other things, like the baskets our cats sleep in seem to be something they like.

I have seen strollers used for older and infirm dogs and people have built platforms on their golf carts for dogs too. Lots of bandana's and some costumes. The dogs never look real happy to me in costumes, but who knows?

I have heard of huge, HUGE vet bills for animals and wonder how and why did they escalate so much. The answer is that people are willing to pay those fees to have their pet's life prolonged.

I still think that most vet's charge too much.