Americans and their Pampered Pets

01 September 2011

Old Towne Pet Resort in Springfield, Virginia

BOB DOUGHTY: Welcome to AMERICAN MOSAIC in VOA Special English. I’m Bob Doughty.

Today, we play new music by Malaysian singer and songwriter Zee Avi.

We also answer a question about the U.S. Open tennis championships.

But first we have a report about a business that specializes in caring for animals.

(MUSIC)

Americans love their pets a lot --- especially their cats and dogs.

In fact, many Americans consider pets to be as much a part of their family as human family members. So says a two thousand nine report from the Associated Press and the petside.com website. Fifty percent of pet owners questioned said they considered their pets to be full members of the family. And forty three percent admitted to feeding the animals people food. After all, a dog is said to be man’s best friend. But what happens when a pet owner has to go away? Jim Tedder has more about a business that cares for pets.

JIM TEDDER: Sadaf Atashbarghi is with Olde Towne Pet Resort in Springfield, Virginia. This well-to-do hotel for animals has become popular among the Washington area’s pet owners.

Ms. Atashbarghi is herself a pet owner. She says her dog is very much a part of her family. And she says she too has been guilty of what some might call puppy love.