It’s no news that Americans are crazy about their dogs. Around 50 million homes are caring for Americas almost 80 million dogs. But now one can argue that this passion has become a true obsession.

In 2009-2010 I made a documentary film in Los Angeles about pampered dogs and their owners. Because of that I have with great interest followed the dog industry ever since with my camera and on the internet and I just read a report released by Packaged Facts which says:

” Although 2010 was even tougher than 2009 due to the lingering impact of the down economy, the market is regaining traction, with advertising spending and new product activity achieving historic highs in 2009 and 2010. As a result, U.S. pet industry sales will reach $58 billion in 2011, with steady growth bringing the market to more than $74 billion in 2015.”

Sales, including everything from pet foods, clothes and toys to furniture, medicine, vet care and paying fees for fully furnished dog hotel rooms with a TV, groomers, shows, even pet therapists and life insurance.

We know that dogs give unconditional love. They don’t go to college and they never talk back or complain. You can now buy Hello Kitty Doghouse for more than $30,000, go hiking with its own pet camping gear, be trained for pet Olympics, signed up with Dog Scouts of America, or treated with botox (as far as I know only in Brazil). Dogs can have personalized bracelets, be dressed up as boys when they are girls; or vice versa. They can be your baby forever if you have it cloned. Most being advantages that human children do not share.

Man's best friend has throughout history been a loyal and comforting companion. Maybe you need to have owned a dog to fully understand the profound bond between the animal and it's owner. But today, more than ever, the lines are being blurred as to who is caring for whom?