ANIMAL CRACKERS

People love their pets. After all, they are part of the family: they grow with you and, when they are gone, it feels like a part of you is missing (well, not fish or hamsters, perhaps; I'm thinking about cats and dogs, mainly). Pets are good for your health: they lower your blood pressure, cholesterol and trygliceride levels; they keep you company and can increase your opportunities to go out, exercise and socialise. According to studies, pet owners have better health than non pet owners. Pet is even a term of affection, just like honey, or darling.

It's no wonder, then, that people pamper their pets and try to give them the best they can afford. Sometimes this pampering is excessive, though. You have probably heard about Leona Helmsley, who left $12 million to her dog when she died... and nothing to two of her grandchildren . According to an article in Business Week, Americans spend $41 billion a year on their pets —more than the gross domestic product of all but 64 countries in the world. That's more than what they spend on the movies ($10.8 billion), playing video games ($11.6 billion), and listening to recorded music ($10.6 billion) combined. I don't have information about other countries in the first world, but I have the impression that it's not just Americans who spend so much.

Click on the dog to see a slide show with sound, giving you the main facts of the article; read the whole article (only for the bravest! - advanced level); or download this associated mp3 file (self-extracting zip file, 9 MB, 16 minutes long).

There's a wide range of services available to pet owners, apart from food. Veterinary care can be very expensive, so why not take out an insurance policy? It can save you lots of money. If you want your pet to look extra cool or give them a special present, click on the pooch to find plenty of ideas, including classical music.

Is your pet misbehaving? You might need a pet psychologist, or rather, a 'companion animal behaviour counsellor' (not to be confused with just a pet trainer: you need a university degree to become one). Click on the picture to learn about Dr Mugford's job.

Sadly, your pet has passed away. You can ease your loss with a virtual memorial to honor the memory of your pet, complete with tributes, pictures and condolences from other owners. Immortal pets is a good example, and it happens to host a celebrity.

Finally, an example of why people love their pets. Click on Fergus and discover his unique skill.