Yesterday, they had a poll on CNN. Do we think children are more spoiled today than they were ten years ago? I have forgotten the percentage - but it was something like 89% agreed.

But it made me think about our pets. Are they more spoiled today than they were ten years ago. And then I started thinking about all of the types of food available (at prices beyond description) - lite, senior, kitten, puppy etc. And ten years ago did we see so many large pet shops with more pet toys than Toys R Us. And haven't we made giant strides in the veterinarian department.

My niece is training her pit bull/terrior puppy. Her final test was to be in a large pet shop among all of the people, children, toys and other pets - and sit - stay. Bella passed with flying colors. Do you think you could get a small child to do that for very long? But pets are different because they really do want to please you - and get the treat for good behavior.

At my small niece's school - they have a board and you get a big check mark for being caught - "being good" When you get so many check marks - you get to choose a prize. I thought that was a clever approach.