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Companionable Animals

May 9, 2013

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Profile America -- Thursday, May 9th. This is a time to recognize those nonhuman friends who add a special dimension to our lives -- it's Be Kind to Animals Week and National Pet Week. While most pets are a source of companionship, many dogs provide protection and act as eyes for the blind, as well as helping other disabled owners. And it's said that while dogs have owners, cats have staff. Dogs are found in well over one-third of U.S. homes, cats in slightly less than one-third. Those favoring cats usually have more of them. Our dogs number 72 million, and cats, 82 million. Dog and cat food manufacturing is a $14.5 billion a year business in the U.S. You can find more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau, online at <www.census.gov>.

Sources: 2007 Economic Census, NAICS 311111
http://www.census.gov/econ/industry/hierarchy/i311111.htm
Statistical Abstract of the United States, t. 1241
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/cats/arts_recreation_travel.html