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A fool and his money are soon parted. My dog gets dog food that costs about $15 per month; she sleeps at my feet on the couch; and she plays with toys that cost less than $3 each. Her pet bowls aren't pretty because she doesn't care what they look like - she only cares if they have food or water in them. She doesn't wear little outfits, and would probably chew them off if I tried to put them on her. (I do, however, understand why some smaller dogs need to wear sweaters when it's cold out.)

Despite the fact that she doesn't have the $200 doghouse with the extra thick bedding, that what she eats looks like dog food, and that her collar is her only accessory, my dog is happy, and healthy, and thinks we are the best humans ever!

Well, I can give you a couple of reasons. First, I feel sometimes and animal shows more appreciation for what hyou do for them, Second, the unconditional love thing. Third, an animal doesn't talk back, doesn't ask for more and seems to know their place. However, I am very concerned for my fellow human beings too.

I give to charities and volunteer for several organizations. I also have a mutt who loves me unconditionally. In my case it's not either/or. My mutt doesn't have clothes (PLEASE) or fancy collars, but he does have a comfy bed in my house, toys, and gets good veterinary care. I owe him no less than that.

Let me knock this particular straw man sideways.

There is nothing about owning and caring for a pet that precludes caring about people. For many people who own pets, their pets are members of their family and they love them just as much as they love other members of their family. The idea that people who enjoy spending money on their pets can't feel anything for people is ridiculous.

Paris Hilton dresses her chihuahua up in cute clothes that probably cost more than I make in a year. So what? She probably spends more eating out in one restaurant on one night than I make in a month. So what?

There are people who enjoy babying their dogs or cats, and most children that get the chance will try to dress up the family pet at least once. It doesn't matter if people enjoy buying pricey outfits and accessories for their dogs or if they like to collect and restore old cars or if they want to climb Mt Everest. Different strokes for different folks.

I spend a fortune on my dogs. I bought the house I am in because it was a good location to have dogs. I spent more money on fencing than you want to know. I cook for my dogs because I do it better than the dog food companies and I could make a whole other thread about what you are feeding to your dogs if you buy supermarket dog food. Let me give you a hint. Read your dog food label. If you see the term "animal fat" you could be feeding fat rendered from the carcasses of euthanized dogs and cats from shelters or veterinarians. And that is just for starters.

People who spoil their pets do so because it makes them feel good to do it, not because they are more concerned with pets than with people.

As Collie said, people will spend what they can afford on what is important to them and brings them joy. The Paris Hilton's of the world are few. You won't see the thousands of normal pets and their owners on TV or on the Internet, but believe it or not ... they do exist!

I'm with Kelly, although I have cats instead of dogs. They get plenty of food (dry) and water, fresh litter, inexpensive toys (although they prefer knocking pens and other small items off tables and playing with them until I can't find them) and lots of love. Occasional cat treats. Again, lots of love and attention. No expensive stuff. However, I did learn something about pets this past week. I work with people who have lots more money than I and I heard one of them talking about her dog going to play group. PLAY GROUP FOR DOGS??!!

Yep, play group for dogs. For families where no one is home during the day, it can be very lonely and boring for a single dog. Some people take their dogs to "day care" facilities, one or more days a week so that the dog can get some mental stimulation and socialization and be a happier better adjusted dog.

If my mom could afford it, she might consider doggy day care for her dog, Sammy. Before my dad died in February, someone was home with Sammy most of the time. Now Mom works three days a week and is gone most of the day or really busy at home the rest of the time and she feels guilty that he doesn't get as much attention as he was used to.

I absolutely understand, Kelly. After my husband died, I adopted another dog to keep my dog company while I worked. My husband used to take our dog to work with him and she was his constant companion.

Some of us are people people, some of us get along better with animals. I personally love all animals, wild or domestic. They are beautiful, all of them, and perfectly attuned to their particular environment. I am a lousy gardener and not great at cooking, but aces when it comes to relating to fur persons. I have two cats and a dog but do not go to extremes when it comes to their food or amenities. They get good vet care and help me keep my blood pressure down (this is a scientific fact). People are okay up to a point, but I never get tired of my animals.