Privileged pets
By KRYSTLE CHOW
Published in the March/April 2006 edition (Vol. 6, Issue 2) of Ottawa Insight.
March 2006
Gillian Pearlstone says she spends about $1,800 a year on each of her dogs.OTTAWA - Gillian Pearlstone buys bottled water and natural foods for her pets, and occasionally brings them in to the Natural Pet Foods store in Ottawa’s Westboro community for massage or reiki therapy.
Pearlstone, who is the proud owner of two cats and a dog, says she spends about $1,800 a year on her dog and about half that amount a year per cat. Along with her own pets, she also pays for the upkeep of the two or three dogs she fosters every couple of months.
“They’re my children,” she says. “I’d rather spend a lot on food than on vet bills.”
Pearlstone is one of a growing number of pet owners who spend thousands of dollars each year on their furry companions. (more…)
