As a human, to just buy him a dirty old tennis ball is just not enough, even though he doesn't care. I feel better because I've given him something more than just a tennis ball.

It's nice to have a pet that offers unconditional love, someone who doesn't talk back. I love cats, but cats take you on their terms. My golden retriever could have a broken leg, and his teeth could be falling out, but if I walk in the door, he'll wag his tail until it hurts.

Consumer demand for pet products and services is expanding into almost every corner of what has typically been reserved for human consumption.

The boomers' kids have gone off to college, and they are looking for somebody to fill the void in the house, ... It's also the young professionals who are putting off having families, and are looking for companionship.

You don't have to send a dog to college. You could buy him a $10,000 doghouse and still come out ahead.

It's a healthy segment, no question about it. These are folks with a little more disposable income and they are looking to make sure their pets are well taken care of.

Baby boomers are turning to pets because it fills the empty house, as kids have gone off to college. Young professionals who aren't starting families right away are still looking for some kind of companionship.

Not only are boutiques surviving, they are running with success. About 70 percent of them are start-up companies. Entrepreneurs who are savvy enough to eye the market and assess their community's demo are very successful.

Maybe 60 to 70 percent of them are new or start-up companies. These numbers continue to grow.