Ups and downs for pet owners.

I've been reading in the news about two very different realities for pet owners. One in which people are having to give up their pets due to money issues or losing their homes and second the reports from the pet industry that indicates that sales are still very good for pet treats, toys and new collars, etc. During my radio show interview with PAWS Chicago, we heard that the numbers of pets being given up are increasing. (By the way, check out on their website, the program they have to help people with pets whose homes are being foreclosed). It also makes sense that even if we are financially somewhat strapped, if we consider our pets family members, we are going to spend everything we can on them. What are your thoughts and experience regarding your pets?