It's a healthy segment, no question about it. These are folks with a little more disposable income and they are looking to make sure their pets are well taken care of.

The boomers' kids have gone off to college, and they are looking for somebody to fill the void in the house, ... It's also the young professionals who are putting off having families, and are looking for companionship.

you don't have to send a dog to college. You could buy him a $10,000 doghouse and still come out ahead.

It's nice to have a pet that offers unconditional love, someone who doesn't talk back. I love cats, but cats take you on their terms. My golden retriever could have a broken leg, and his teeth could be falling out, but if I walk in the door, he'll wag his tail until it hurts.

As a human, to just buy him a dirty old tennis ball is just not enough, even though he doesn't care. I feel better because I've given him something more than just a tennis ball.

More people are discovering the many therapeutic health benefits associated with aquarium fish, ... An increasing number of offices, classrooms and homes are being equipped with aquariums, as additional studies show watching fish contributes to stress and anxiety reduction, relaxation and even leads to enhanced creativity and learning environments.