Dogs of War

The Detroit News says that yearly spending on pets is about 40 billion, about enough to pay for half the Iraq war's yearly cost.

Pets become bigger part of family budget
Life of luxury is going to the dogs
By Doug Guthrie / The Detroit News
Pampering your pet?
Expensive surgeries, pedicures, designer fashions,

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Friends have gotten past teasing Tyson and Camilla Davis about spending $500 a month on day care for their dog. Now, the couple bumps into those friends during drop-off and pickup at the Yuppie Puppy in Troy.
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Huge advancements in veterinary science in the past decade have mirrored human medical technologies, like drug therapies, CAT scans, radiology and advanced cancer treatments. Lifesaving tools also have escalated costs. An estimated $8.3 billion will be spent this year on veterinary care in the United States, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association.
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"The pet's needs have to be considered along with the college fund and grandma's medical needs in mind," Elie said.