Bulldogish on the Pet Business

If you get a chance, pick up last week's Business Week (Aug. 6) with a bulldog wearing a tiara and plenty of other bling. The cover headline, "The Pet Economy/Americans now spend $41 billion on their pets. And a lot of humans are getting rich."

My favorite facts from the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association and this story:

* 42 percent of dogs now sleep in the same bed as their owners, up from 34 percent in 1998. (Petey, my old mutt, always slept with me and slept as long as I did. Her head right next to mine on the pillow.)

* 77 percent of dogs and 52 percent of cats have been medicated in the past year -- a 20 percentage-point increase since 1996.

* After consumer electronics, pet care is the fastest-growing category in retail, expanding about 6 percent a year. (Good to know, right, stock market players?)

* Americans spend $9.8 billion on vet services, which doesn't include the medications and other supplies.

* Half of all dog owners say they consider their pets when buying a new car.

* Almost a third of dog owners buy their pooches gifts for their birthdays (and I'm sure Christmas, too).

What do you think? Do people spend too much on their pets? Not enough, or just the right amount. Or is it all the owner's business and everyone else can just butt out?