Some people spare no expense on their pets

Pet owners are expected to spend $43.4 billion on pleasing their pets in 2008, despite what is being deemed lackluster economic times.

According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association Inc., 63 percent of U.S. households own a pet and spend serious cash on them.

That equates to 71.1 million homes with animals, and breaks down to about $16.9 billion being spent on food and $10.9 billion spent taking them to the veterinarian.

Linda Dennis, who owns two cats and a Chihuahua puppy named Blubelle, said she spares no expense on them.

“The first weekend we had Blubelle, she swallowed something,” Dennis said. “We had to drive to Columbia and pay $500 to get her some help, but she was choking and we really thought we’d lose her.”

Dennis — who said the Pee Dee has everything a pet could want or need, with the exception of a 24-hour veterinary emergency room — will be among those who are expected to spend $10.3 billion on miscellaneous supplies and over-the-counter medicine for pets this year, along with $3.2 billion spent on such pet services as grooming and boarding.

Wesley Ann Wakeman, who co-owns Woofers in Florence with her mother, Ann Todd, said the bad economy hasn’t affected sales at her store.

“In our business, pets are part of the family,” Wakeman said. “Everybody can enjoy the family pet, and we are seeing families come in and pick out stuff for the family pet together.”

Woofers is a specialty all natural holistic pet food-supply store. It sells everything from pet strollers and playpens to pet clothes made out of high-end fabric, such as Louis Vuitton, Kenneth Cole and Chanel.

“We have a little bit of everything to make a happy pet,” Wakeman said. “We have spa baths, grooming, day care, training and all natural food made with the right things to keep them healthy.”

Scot Carnell owns Planet Arf, located at 423 S. Cashua Drive in Florence. He said he recently opened the store because he saw the demand for premium animal food constantly increasing.

“Several years ago, I had a cat die of cancer and I was convinced it was the food” that caused it, he said. “My cat’s cancer was so advanced that we couldn’t do much but make him comfortable and, eventually, we had to have him put to sleep.

“This store is a result of the loss, so hopefully there will be some healthy, happy pets out there.”

Planet Arf has a do-it-yourself pet bath station for pet owners, along with an inventory of natural food and treats for dogs and cats.

On the flip side, the economy also has many people foreclosing on homes and surrendering their pets.

Wakeman said that’s the difference between having a pet and having a family member.

“Some dogs are dogs to their owners and some dogs are children,” she said. “Unfortunately, during these economic times, pets are the first to go.”

Judy Baker, president of For the Love of Cats Inc., a cat adoption resource, said the summer season has been rough for adoptions.

“The price of food and the cost of care aren’t the only variables as to why people don’t adopt or decide to give up their pet,” she said.

According to www.Foreclosuredataonline.com, as more people lose their homes or jobs, they are forced into situations where they have to chose between having a place to stay and keeping their pet.

“Times are hard and the high cost of foods and taking care of a pet has to be affecting adoption,” Baker said. “It’s having an effect on me.”

Baker said she makes about 18 stops every night to put food out at feline recovery locations. She said it amounts to 60 18- to 22-pound bags each month. With food costs increasing by $2 per bag, it adds up.

“Animal lovers will continue to care for their pets,” she said. “I’m still rescuing cats. There are a lot of variables when it comes to taking care of animals and adopting, but when you care, you can’t do anything but help.”