AmericanPets.doc

American Pets
Americans love pets. And it's not just puppy love. Many pet owners treat their furry friends as part of the family. Sometimes they spice up their pets' lives with entertaining videos and amusing toys. If they have an eye for fashion, pet owners can dress their pets in stylish clothes. For special occasions, they can use perfume to make their dogs smell good. You might say Americans treat their pets like they treat their children --- sometimes even better.

In America, there are more households with pets than those with children. At least 43 percent of US homes have pets of some sort. Even animals like monkeys, snakes and wolves, find a home with some Americans. More common pets include tropical fish, mice and birds, but the all-time favorites are cats and dogs.

Leading a dog’s life in America isn’t such a bad thing. Many grocery stores sell all kinds of pet foods to owners eager to please their pets .In Houston, Texas, dogs can have their dinner delivered to their homes, just like pizza. They can attend doggy daycare centers while their owners work. Pets can even accompany their owners on vacation. People may think Americans are doing too much for their pets. However, there lies a basic belief: Pets have a right to be treated well. There are at least 75 animal welfare organizations in America providing care and adoption services for homeless and ill-treated animals. Pet owners can even buy health insurance for their pets. And when it’s time to say good-bye, owners can bury their pets in a respectable place.

The average American enjoys having pets around. Researchers have discovered that communicating with animals lowers a person's blood pressure. Dogs can offer protection from burglars and unwelcome visitors. Little creatures of all shapes and sizes can provide companionship and love. In many cases, having a pet prepares a young couple for the responsibilities of parenthood. Pets even encourage social relationships: They give their owners an appearance of friendliness, and they provide a good topic of conversation.

Pets are as basic to American culture as hot dogs or apple pie. To Americans, pets are not just property, but a part of the family. After all, pets are people, too.