$370,000,000. That's up $40,000,000 from last year

[Stinky The Clown]

That's what Americans will spend this year on pet costumes for Halloween.

I will tell you that I love my dogs and spend what is needed to care for them.

But pet costumes?

I dunno . . . . . .

http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2012/10/10/wait-how-much-will-be-spent-on-pet-halloween-costumes/

[Shrike47]

1. Frankly, I don't believe it.

[Dawson Leery]

2. Perhaps 4 million to 37 million?

[DreamGypsy]

3. Americans are stupid ... and abusive

From a 2007 article in Forbes: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21531103/ns/business-forbes_com/t/halloween-numbers-cost-scare/#.UHY_21HCaSo

Halloween by the numbers: The cost of a scare
It’s a $5 billion industry (not even counting the booze) and growing rapidly

If the growth had continued from 2007 to 2012, it would probably be around $8 billion now.

Yes, spending on candy and use-once-or-twice costumes does fuel the fires of industry...but wouldn't that money be better spent on something more healthy...or lasting.

And costumes for our canine/feline/avian/reptilian companions....don't get me started.

OK, I am not above reproach. Occasionally, as I am heading out the door, I put my sunglasses or baseball cap on my Great Pyrenees for a moment. He does look like Joe Cool. But I quickly remove the offensive item before he shakes if off...and he still looks at me in disgust.

Spending a third of a billion dollars to inflict anxiety on animal companions for amusement of family, friends, and strangers is ridiculous and cruel...though it pales in comparison to the $1 Billion or so on fireworks that are sheer terror to many cats and dogs.

But I don't feel strongly about this...

[abumbyanyothername]

4. I hate to sound like a scrooge . . .

but a couple of girls who were my friends in high school were bubbling back and forth about holiday decorations tonight.

I'm like . . . wtf. You two used to be intelligent.

I can believe $370 million. A little more than a dollar per person. And while not everyone will do it, of course, there are those who will spend 100 times more than that.

Here's a link: http://www.khou.com/community/blogs/animal-attraction/Animal-Attraction---173463221.html

[Nye Bevan]

5. Not acceptable.