Dogs are one of America’s top pets. Every year billions of dollars are spent on dog supplies, health, comfort and entertainment for dogs. There are even stories of owners who have put their health care second to their dog’s health care…

In today’s world, some couples have chosen not to have children, instead taking on the responsibility of a pet as a surrogate child. A few years ago, pets were not as important to their owners as they are now. People now consider them children. They dress them up: they celebrate their birthdays; All of these things indicate how high a place our animals occupy in our lives.

Older people live longer and can; they have lost their life partner but have the companionship and entertainment of a dog or a cat.

Pets can be quite entertaining, as I can attest. One summer in Montana, where we don’t have a television, we spent hours watching our dogs roll a ball that handed out food. The toy was not only a source of food and entertainment, but also of exercise. Our dogs were constantly on the go trying to get their treats.

Dogs are being used for their owner’s eyes and ears and now also to sniff out cancer. Some dogs are used with law enforcement and go home with the officer to be a part of their family. Search and rescue dogs live with their owners and love to go places and have people talk to them and pet them. In some situations, dog owners who take their dogs into the water opt for wetsuits that help keep the dog afloat and protect it from hypothermia.

That’s right “Dogs are man’s best friend” and humans are willing to spend millions to protect, dress and entertain them.