When I was growing up, I insisted on having cats. I pouted until I had not just one, but two cats in my mom's house (and another for when I went to visit my dad). My dad's house quickly grew into a menagerie. 
He currently has five cats and a huge Doberman pincher, Stella, or as he likes to call her "Sister" (as in MY sister). Now having all these pets can be fun if you like animals, but I know that it is not cheap.
Sister has a dog kennel, dog food and a dog bed to name a few things. And yes, she even has designer collars and a few outfits (even though dressing up animals goes against everything I stand for). But I am not in charge of what sister wears. She has quickly escalated her status to people status, so why shouldn't she have insurance and trendy clothing too?
As I have gotten older, I am less interested in pets than I used to be. I don't know if it is just because I am not as into animals or because I know about the costs and care required for them. I guess you have to weigh the benefits of having a pet with the costs and decide if your love for them is really worth it ... Yes, my dad still has Sister, I just did not realize how expensive she was ;)
What else do you buy for your pet? Try searching for pet supplies on AOL Search. You can also check out AOL's Animal Hubbub for more pet info.
Top Searched Things People Spend on Pets:
1. Pet Meds
2. Pet Supplies
3. Dog Training
4. Pet Insurance
5. Dog Health
6. Pet Friendly Hotels
7. Dog Food
8. Dog Beds
9. Dog Clothes
10. Dog Kennels
See Sponsored Links For: pet supplies, pet insurance, pet medications
COMMENTS
Has anyone tried the dog food, Eagle-Pack? I discovered it on line with a dog nutrition expert. She also recommends enzyme supplements, which boosts the quality and benefits of the food even more. We use both products are are very pleased. One site is www.NZYMES.COM
By samuel on Aug 18th 2007 at 10:01AM
I am a PET POET!! I have been writing personalized poetry in rhyme for over 40 years. Snapshotandrhyme is yet another way to honor your pet, and it's simple and fun too. All you need to do is tell me everything you want me to know about your pet, and I will write a poem about your pet, using YOUR OWN words and description, as if the poem were written by you. You can send a picture, and the finished poem can be superimposed on the same page as the poem. Check out my web site, Everything-Spiritual.com and click on the Poetry section and view a few of my Pet Poetry rhymes. Thanks for the opportunity to let you know that there is yet another way to give yourself and your favorite pet(s) something to always remember. Vicki
By Vicki Lawrence on Aug 18th 2007 at 10:04AM
You can now dress your dog in the same trendy styles that people wear...jeans, camouflage,and cute t-shirts! Check out www.barksandbritches.com
By Kasey on Aug 18th 2007 at 10:05AM
Health pet food is the most important item to have for your pet as well as treats & supplements. You can find food that is vet-formualted as well as made of human quality ingredients. Check out www.healthiestpetfoodever.com in order to get your FREE sample. For the best in other pet products then you need to visit the Premier Direct Seller of Pet Products by going to www.stacys.shopshurepets.com.
If you love your pet then you'll check out these grrr-eat sites!!
By stacy on Aug 18th 2007 at 10:08AM
You also for got Pet Party's, Shure Pets ! You know we are those people who have a passion for pets,and like to Paw-ty with our pets or our Hostess and her friends pets !!!
www.catalog.shopshurepets.com
By Sharon on Aug 18th 2007 at 10:10AM
The perfect pet lover GIFT? Go to www.mypetsculpture.com
Amazing
By samuel on Aug 18th 2007 at 10:10AM
The toys, clothes and fun are great, but these replicas are right on, and for the cost- they also last. I'm sold! Has anyone checked it out: www.mypetsculpture.com
I ordered a Lab as a gift last year and my friends are still talking about it.
By samuel on Aug 18th 2007 at 10:14AM
I have 7 cats and 4 dogs. There is expense but they are worth every penny. I just had my oldest cat to the vet for 400.00 later but he is fine now. I also had my standard poodle to the vet when she was 5 months old with a broken leg and that was 3500.00 but you cant even tell she ever broke it. Other than that it is all routine visits and I feed them Canidae dog food and the cats like Nutro max gourmet classics. Check out canidae. it is all natural. www.canidae.com
By Sandi on Aug 18th 2007 at 10:17AM
Click on the BLUE star on the front page of Puppy Love Paw Pads.That shows what the Paw Pads can do
http://puppylovepawpads.com
By Marlene on Aug 19th 2007 at 11:37AM
Yes pet's can be expensive, but fun as well. Mine are like my children. They get all dressed up, and even get to see Santa for Christmas picture's. One good thing is I make all there clothing and accessories myself. Check me out sometime at tiffanybrooksdesigns.com
By Tiffany Brooks on Aug 18th 2007 at 10:27AM
I just moved out on my own after living at my folks place...I had helped to take care of my grandmother for many years....in that time we had an older Maltese,and last year,after my car accident,I got a Maltese of my own....Now they are 15 and 1 year respectively. Murphy and Henry and the best medicine we could have ever had....Whenever my grandmother was sick,they would stay by her feet when she would sit in her chair....and when something was wrong they would always go looking for her if she wasnt there.....
When she was in the hospital this last time I found the most wonderful place for them to spend some time in so they wouldnt be so alone at home... if your in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia and need a place to kennel your dogs check out Thee Dog House or www.theedoghouse.com I went in there and asked the gentleman who owns it if they could help me...now,Henry is not fixed yet...and normaly they wont take an unfixed dog in....but they said they would make sure and work something out and not to worry about it....THEY LOVED IT!!! They were able to be kept together and also with other dogs so they could have fun and play with thier new friends!
My hope is that soon I can take Henry through the proper trainining to become a Pet Therapy Dog so others can feel the joys of being around these wonderful animals..to feel thier love and get a sense of well being.
So in closing....love your pets...they will give you UNCONDITIONAL love in return!
By Kara on Aug 18th 2007 at 10:36AM
You could take pictures of your puppy with a nice camera from http://www.beachbumzbargainhut.com !
By Beachbum on Aug 18th 2007 at 10:37AM
Bit behind here, but in regards to person who mentioned buying pure bred, you can get the same if not better from a shelter, and most of the time mutts are a lot healthier, physically & mentally. What most of the public doesn't know is the terrible condition pure bred dogs come from. Puppy mills are horrendeous. All the dogs are crammed into tiny cages, amongst feces that are left to pile up. The female who is used to breed never gets a chance for a loving home, but is just used over & over again, until she is no longer needed. Then she is discarded. Wish people would think twice and really look into where there puppy comes from. Almost ALL puppies you find at a pet store are from puppy mills, not small run breeders. If you must have a pure bred, you should go to the exact place the puppy came from and see for yourself whether it is a reputable breeder or a puppy mill.
By Chris on Aug 18th 2007 at 10:42AM
Good grief. Half the comments are commercials...
By Kahvi on Aug 18th 2007 at 11:14AM
Pets are wonderful! I am currently 10 years old and i have an Affenpinscher. I dont know why but people say thats probably a mixed breed. but its not. It is from germany. Anyways we give our dog Rocco Science Diet because it is very healthy and when we bought him he had royal k9 or something and he got sick. so we bought science diet and he got better. and he has 3 beds, 2? toys, 2 collars, and 4 cats to play with. you can find science diet at your local petsmart
puppy food http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441776156&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302025961&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023689&bmUID=1187449724824&itemNo=7&Ntt=science+diet&In=All&previousText=science+diet&N=2
adult food
http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441776229&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302025950&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023689&bmUID=1187449724871&itemNo=13&Ntt=science+diet&In=All&previousText=science+diet&N=2
you can also find other great science diet things at your local petsmart
the puppy and adult wetfood are work very nice. i miix the the wet with dry and put chicken or hamburger meat in it too. my dog is stuborn but he hasent got tooth decay or anything. bye
By Dylan on Aug 18th 2007 at 11:15AM
In the link #7 under dog food..I am very pleased to see PRO PAC. This food is amazing. All natural and fairly low cost. I would recomend it to anyone..sometimes hard to find but their web site is very friendly to help us.
By Charles on Aug 18th 2007 at 11:17AM
#29: As an avid dog lover (and owner), I really appreciate all these "ads" as you call them. Pet owners need each other's advice, tip and knowledge. Keep the "ads" coming...I've already visited several sites listed.
By kathryn on Aug 18th 2007 at 11:18AM
Don't forget us PetSitters out here. Visit me at www.candyscrittercitters.com
By Candy Campanaro on Aug 18th 2007 at 5:42PM
Don't forget CATS. We cat lovers have to pay out just as much to taking care of our cats. I should know, I have four. But their such good companions. I baby my cats, they each have their own beds, toys...,
and don't forget the vet bills. The good things about cats is they can clean themselves, and they don't make as much noise as dogs do.
By Denise on Aug 18th 2007 at 11:28AM
I have two dogs one min pin and a boxer the min pin(kady) is like my child she almost has as many outfit as me(believe me thats a lot.......I spend almost all of my money on my dogs
When I die I wnat to be rencarnated a my D.O.G
By darick26 on Aug 18th 2007 at 11:25AM