The WM Pet Connection

By Heather Chadwick

Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

There's an oddity when it comes to pursuing medical careers. I've had it mentioned to me that it appears to be easier to get into medical school than it is to get into veterinary school. Apparently, we are more selective on who treats our pets than who treats us. Of course, there are not as many veterinary schools as there are medical schools, but being that so many of us have pets, one would assume that aspiring vets would be welcomed rather than shunned. And as more people tend to spend more on their pets than they do on themselves, there are plenty of things they're also picky about (as well as splurge on) as well.

In his article Barking mad: the weird world of pet ownership, Guardian writer Matt Thomas writes of grieving owners spending $50K to clone dearly departed pets, over $20 grand to put on a (could you believe it?) “pet wedding”, buying actual fur coats (this site lists a Mink coat going for $725) for their pets and some even going so far as to buy, um, appendages for their male pets after their neutered. “Neuticles”, as they are called, are meant to treat your guy to the treat of keeping his “natural charm”. Interested? They cost about $94 each. Particular on what your pet sleeps on? How about a $3,000 22-K Gold Threat Pet Mattress?

Perhaps these luxuries are best left for a cable TV special. A “Life of the Rich and Famous Pets”-type of show has probably aired already. And while these seem to be a little to luxurious for most of our tastes, us pet owners have to admit: if we could afford these things we just might get them. At least some of us. This cedarcat tree going for $425 might be something I would buy if I felt like throwing some money around. We love our babies, and why not splurge on them like we do ourselves? While most of us wouldn't buy these things, there are some things we do do to spoil our pets. I for one love to (to my own detriment) share my food. I also share my bed, as well as my limbs. Apparently, I'm very easy to fall asleep on.

We all want to lavish our pets- how do you lavish yours? Treats? Human food? Large pet beds? Let us know!

Related Posts:
A Resting Place for Pets- WM Pet Connection, Oct. 31, 2011
The Booming Business of Pet Care- WM Pet Connection, Oct. 11, 2011
Reiki for Pets and Pet Owners- WM Pet Connection, Sept. 7, 2011
Does Your Pet Need to be on Facebook?- WM Pet Connection, July 18, 2011

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