>
>With so many of us owning a pet these days it's natural for us to
>understand someone's loss of their beloved animal.
>Hallmark one of the leading Pet sympathy card publishers has been
>printing these cards since 1984. One of their releases states that
>"Almost six in 10 American households include a pet, compared to one
>in three that includes a child. No wonder that dogs and cats are more
>than mere companions - they're part of the family"
>They go on further to comment.. "According to research by the Animal
>Hospital Association, 79 percent of pet owners give holiday or
>birthday presents to their pets. More than half of dog owners (55
>percent) view themselves as the parents of their pets, and some 62
>percent sign cards and letters from themselves and the pet". It's
>little wonder then they rose to the challenge of creating a special
>category to enable friends and relatives to send their condolences on
>the loss of such a beloved 'family member'. The Pet Sympathy Card
>category has reached new heights of interest....
>
>http://groups.google.com/group/dogfoodmave