Global Pet Expo Glam

                  Photo courtesy of The New York Times

For those of us not fortunate enough to attend the Global Pet Expo in Orlando last week, we think this article in The New York Times does a great job of setting the scene and diving into some of the niftiest new pet products on display (among the 3,000 featured at the show).

The American Pet Products Association, who sponsors this massive event, says that last year alone, Americans spent 55.7 billion on their pets-and spending is only expected to increase. So with all that spending going on, why not introduce a few (thousand) new products...say, for example, hand-smocked dog dresses' rain coats with "detachable, awning-like hoods, and hundreds of toys and "enrichment products" for not only your dog, but maybe your gerbil, too.

It sounds like the Global Pet Expo was a raging success this year, and would love to hear if any of our readers managed to go. For those of us who didn't make it, enjoy the slides how that accompanies the article and let us know your favorite products!

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Top Ten Hollywood Hounds...And Pet Spending Goes Through The Roof!

Photo of Lassie courtesy of  Cesar's Way

We were entranced by this list of "The 10 Top Hollywood Dogs" on Cesar Millan's website, and the scoop on how they made it big-can you guess which canine is number one? Yep, I'm sure you all shouted "Lassie" in unison! Of course, Rin Tin Tin made the top ten, too, but I'll bet you'll be surprised at a few of the others. We don't know who compiled this list, but it sure is a fun read.

And speaking of pampered pooches (and that means you), we ran across this piece on the Huffington Post, announcing the latest figures for what Americans spend on their pets. Get this: in 2011, it crossed the $50 billion threshold! Although food and vet costs accounted for about 65% of the spending, the "service category" like grooming boarding and day care is what grew the most-to a whopping $3.79 billion.  And the president of the American Pet Products Association expects this type of spending to only increase.

Although Parental Unit buys me very high quality food that's pretty darn expensive, I've yet to go to a groomer or doggie day care-I'm pretty low maintenance. How about you? Have you blown your budget on your pets? Let us know.

                 

                      We look low maintenance, don't we?

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