Nothing is too good -- or too expensive -- for Fido

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Now we’ve seen everything.

According to this story by the Associated Press, shoppers plan to pinch their pennies as they purchase gifts this holiday season ... except, of course, when shopping for their beloved pets.

The article sites a survey by Consumer Reports in which 59% of shoppers said they plan to cut back on gift giving -- but only 23% said they planned to spend less on pet gifts. (By comparison, 40% said they’re scaling back on buying for friends and friends’ families, 30% plan to spend less on service providers such as delivery people, hairdressers and gym instructors, and 29% aren’t giving as much to co-workers.)

The story suggests pets aren’t being affected by their owners’ budget-crunching because pet gifts aren’t as costly. ‘Most average folks aren’t spending an arm and a leg on their pet,’ said Tod Marks, senior projects editor at Consumer Reports.

When people treat themselves, on the other hand, it’s usually with something like a plasma TV or other big-ticket item for the family, he said.

Just remember: Don’t let your pet open all its gifts at once on Christmas Day; like children, you want to spread out the fun.

-- Yvonne Villareal

We’ll let the press release serve as the photo caption: Why not give your pet the same luxury and comfort....people enjoy from their Sleep Number beds? Bed retails for $189.99. Photo credit: www.sleepnumber.com