Every Christmas, much to the delight of the Capitol press corps, Barney and the Bush’s other terrier, Miss Beazley, release a video highlighting their escapades around the White House. This year’s version of BarneyCam features country superstar Alan Jackson and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair offering congratulations to Barney for becoming a junior park ranger. Americans spend over $41 billion annually on their dogs, with items as extravagant as private hotel rooms for boarding, organic dog food, and even fake testicles for dogs who have been neutered. Dogs in America get full wardrobes, braces for their teeth, indoor toilets, highly specialized medical procedures and even psychotherapy. One of the largest pet supply retailers, Pet Smart, has gone well beyond selling rubber balls and dry dog food and now fully caters to the lunacy of those who see nothing wrong with spending thousands of dollars on their pets. Also available is Doggy Day Camp, where owners can drop their dogs off for a day of exercise with other dogs screened for group play. read more

Tags: hypoallergenic dogs, pet, dogs, day, americans, dog