«I NEVER MET AN ANIMAL I DIDN'T LIKE»

Darwin's speculations, too, brought to popular attention that animals might have selves and emotions similar to humans. Now, they are a middle class commodity that everyone wants. This trend is international: According to a recent CBS News report, there are now more pet dogs and cats--23 million--in Japan than there are children under 15. "We've started to celebrate the humanization of pets," says Alan Siskind, publisher of the online magazine Dog News Daily. "The lifestyle changes are dramatically influencing the products and trends." People are increasingly kissing their dogs, he says, so they stock up on the doggie mouthwash. Owners are sleeping with their animals more, so they invest in good flea medications, too. Siskind believes that we've humanized them to the point that we want them to have the same food, clothes, beds and even health care as us.

-Forbes
oct 15 2009