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Owners spend big bucks spoiling pets
By Michelle Koetters
mkoetters@pantagraph.com
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BLOOMINGTON — During a typical trip to the store, Kari Bigger buys food, treats, toys and clothes — for her dogs.

The Pontiac woman doesn’t spare much expense when it comes to her greyhound, Nide, and Italian greyhound, Vinny. Monthly bills for basics and perks can reach $200 to $300.

“My dogs are really spoiled,” Bigger said. “I don’t have kids, so they’re kind of like my kids. They’re great companions for me.”

Bigger was one of many shoppers who contributed to the $38.5 billion people spent on pets in 2006, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association. National spending is almost double the $21 billion pet owners spent 10 years earlier.

Pet owners increasingly treat their four-legged friends like family, and businesses are responding in kind with high quality pet food, gourmet treats, elaborate toys, clothes — even jewelry.

“There’s a growing trend for people to spoil their pets,” said Mike Harpest, owner of Premium Pet Supply in Bloomington. “It’s increasing every year.”

Biscuits to bling

Reasons for the indulgence vary.

On the one hand, more Americans own pets today. Fifty-six percent of U.S. households owned a pet in 1988, compared to 63 percent today, according to the APPMA.

But the trend is especially evident with empty nesters or adults without children. It’s more acceptable for people to be single today, so they might have pets instead of children, Harpest said. Some married couples opt for a dog or cat instead of having children right away.

In addition, people are more concerned about their health today, and that transfers to their pets, too, Harpest said.

The result is an increasing number of today’s pet owners shop for their dogs and cats much like they would for themselves.

At Harpest’s store, pet owners want top quality pet food. Higher quality food is more expensive, but “you get what you pay for,” Harpest said.

Pet lovers can also pick up fresh-baked dog treats at Dog Lover’s Delight in Bloomington.

If that’s not enough, owner Dana Hoback has plenty of extras, ranging from a $5 sweatshirt to a $35 sweater.

The Pet Supply Center in Normal recently added bling — in the form of jeweled “pawbands” for pets.

“They went off the shelf in a day,” said manager Jennifer Murphy.

Love of animals

Dog owner Laura Williams of Bloomington will only buy her two golden retrievers treats from Hoback’s store. She doesn’t mind paying more because she likes the ingredients and the fact that they have no preservatives.

“I’m very concerned about what goes in their bodies,” Williams said. “They’re part of our family.”

Bigger, meanwhile, takes her dogs camping and to the hair salon she owns. She likes to dress them up in clothes, especially her little Italian greyhound.

“He has a cute little Hawaiian shirt. … We call it his Jimmy Buffet shirt,” Bigger said.

She buys them organic or all-natural raw foods, and oatmeal- and cheese-flavored treats. She had professional pictures taken of them for Christmas cards the past two years.

She knows what she wants to find next: a basket for her bike so Vinny can join her on rides.

“If something pleases you, like animals do, you want to give back to them,” Bigger said.

Take a look
Tripper, a 1-year-old golden retriever, is surrounded by homemade dog treats at Dog Lover’s Delight in Bloomington. The treats are among the many ways Twin City residents pamper their four-legged friends. Nationwide, pet owners spent $38.5 billion on their pets in 2006, up from $21 billion a decade earlier. (Pantagraph file photo)
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Reader comments on this story - 8 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

Holy Cow People wrote on Mar 27, 2007 7:16 AM:

" I've got a dog, I love him to death but he's an animal.... He gets Purina Dog Chow and some Milk Bones when he's good, fresh water and a nice place to get out of the weather. I spend about 20.00 a month on him TOTAL. There are hungry people out there, people w/o homes. I think some people take pets a little too seriously these days. "

Linda wrote on Mar 26, 2007 11:31 AM:

" Please consider a shelter pet! I got mine from a shelter and she lets me pay the bills and rent for her. I'm lucky she lets me live here. She is very spoiled and she came from a home where no one wanted her(7 months old). She had been adopted by an elderly couple and they brought her back in two days. Boy did they lose out because she is a fantastic dog. She is a fat 8 lbs. and but we don't care, (suppose to be 7) because she is a happy dog. Please folks don't hit your pet and they will love you forever. My little girl gets scolded but not hit, this makes them love you and oh such a happy dog. You can tell a happy dog by just watching the demeanor of them. Spay or neuter your pet too, they are much calmer and happier. Consider the expense before you get a pet too, they can be costly. Most of all, LOVE YOUR PET!!! "

Consider Adopting Pets too!! wrote on Mar 26, 2007 11:15 AM:

" Please when thinking about getting another pet to pamper, consider visiting the rescue groups. The Humane Society, Central Illinois Small Animal Rescue, or others. To find a specific breed visit www.petfinder.com. Way to many animals are put to sleep due to neglect and would love being part of your families. "

SpadeandClubbie wrote on Mar 26, 2007 10:18 AM:

" Very cool Kari! Nide and Vinny are lucky to have you (as was Echo!)! "

Right on, Barb! wrote on Mar 26, 2007 9:37 AM:

" I have 2 cats who rule the roost, that's just how it is!! Happy animal loving!!! :) "

big bucks wrote on Mar 26, 2007 9:17 AM:

" It's not just that owners are spending a lot of money on their pets. Veterinarians, in the never-ending quest for higher profits, have jacked up prices and found ways to charge you for procedures you never knew existed. Our clinic used to provide room and board for pets whose owners were on vacation but that wasn't profitable enough so they dropped the service. "

Barb wrote on Mar 26, 2007 8:41 AM:

" my opinion is if you have pets, please take care of them and don't neglect them. as you can tell I am an animal lover. I can't stand to see a pet being abused. If you can't care for them in the right way, please find them a good home. My pets are all spoiled rotten. that is the only way to have a pet. spolied!!!!!!!!! "

TO Kare wrote on Mar 26, 2007 7:35 AM:

" Hi Kari, I use to live in Pontiac, you do have charming dogs. They are always well behaved when I see them. Great dogs and always looking cute. Couldn't agree with you more, they are special creatures "
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