A poll by Cats Protection in the U.K. found that 44% of people enjoy a better night’s sleep with their cat on their bed than with their human partner: cats take up less space; cats don’t harass you at sleep time (although they often do in the morning); and purring is far preferable to snoring! Nearly half the respondents said their cat is a better companion than their current or last partner, citing lack of conflict with feline friends, and noted that the cat is more fun to be around, is not judgmental, and is more loving. Also, 90% said their cat had increased their ability to relax and de-stress after work, and more than half thought their cat had given them a more positive outlook on life.43

Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea.

--Robert A. Heinlein

Pampered pets: 54% of owners buy Christmas presents for their dogs; 26% buy them birthday gifts; 9% bought clothing for their dogs in 2002, while 7% bought doggy fragrances or cologne (e.g., Timmy Holedigger and Pucci); 60% spent $200 or more on catnip toys. The latest trends? Try yoga for dogs, doggy diapers for puppies, and strap-on baby carriers for little dogs. At the top of the pampering pecking order are luxury services offered at the Springfield, VA, Olde Towne Pet Resort, including limo service, sports or senior massage, cuddle time, five-star luxury suites with TV, window and Webcam, and, of course, a personal shopper.44

The love of one’s pet can transcend death, as documented by studies that show that between 12-27% of pet owners include their pets in their wills. For example, Dusty Springfield’s will made extensive provisions for her cat, Nicholas, instructing that his bed be lined with her nightgown, her recordings be played each night at bedtime, and that Nicholas be fed imported baby food. Actress Betty White reportedly wrote a will that left her estate, estimated at $5 million, for the benefit of her pets. And Oprah Winfrey’s will purportedly mandates that her dog live out his life in luxury.45

My goal in life is to be as good a person as my dog already thinks I am.

--Unknown

43  “Want a Good Night’s Sleep? Adopt a Cat!” Best Friends Magazine Sept/Oct 2003, p. 10.

44  “Puppy Love,” Newsweek July 21, 2003, p. 47.

45  Gerry W. Beyer, “Estate Planning for Non-Human Family Members,”