Well I've officially decided it's okay to talk about pets (or animals most Americans wouldn't typically think of eating) on this blog.

Here's a New York Times story on the evolving role of the family pet as, well, one of the family. The reporter interviews people who become hyper-attached to their pets and insist on bringing them everywhere, including to the homes of friends and family where they are not welcome.

I was trying to think of some interesting insight or provocative question to share with you, but really, it's just a funny article. Read it.

This is Helen's puppy Tesla,
whom Helen does not take
everywhere!

Okay, I know this is a real stretch for this blog, but I couldn't resist the urge to share it. There's an article in today's New York Times Style Section about Dogster, a facebook-like social networking site for, you guessed it, dogs. Now I'm an animal lover (proud owner of 2 ferrets) and also a member of Generation Facebook, but I think this is utterly ridiculous.

According to the article, Dogster's popularity (there are approximately 350,000 (!) members) has already resulted in the creation of Catster, which has about 145,000 members. The article also quotes Ted Rheingold, the founder of Dogster, as promising a similar site soon for horses, dogs and fish. I don't know about you, but I can't wait for the day I can get a real-time newsfeed on my cell phone of my fish friends' musical tastes, relationship status and movie ratings.

This is a cute Thanksgiving story... a week late, I know. I just found it today.