According to recent studies, the human population growth rate in the U.S. has been steadily declining for a number of years now. That is particularly evident amongst so-called “millennials”, i.e. people born between the early 1980s to the early 2000s. Those are exactly the people one would expect to be having the most children these days. On the other hand, the pet population has been exploding. The latest figures indicate that more than $70 billion is spent annually on pet products and services…food, clothing, shelter, health spas, etc. That’s an amount which exceeds the total revenues of over 150 counties on this planet including New Zealand, Malaysia and Israel. Obviously, people in the U.S. would prefer to have dogs and cats instead of boys and girls. Why is that?

Loneliness is often cited as a primary reason. As the world has become more & more technologically connected it has become full of more & more people who are socially and emotionally disconnected. Cats and dogs are considered to be more loyal and less troublesome companions than our fellow human beings. Despite never having been especially fond of dogs in particular, I would be willing to concede that point. They probably are more loyal and less troublesome. Nevertheless, I still have a few friends left whom I relish being with…especially, my wife. She and I have a seven year old girl who, when she’s not being a PITA (pain in the ass), is an absolute joy. We have no plans for having another child and certainly no plans for acquiring a pet animal. I prefer leaving animals alone and having them leave me alone. However, it should be noted, that I am rather liberal with regard to allowing dogs into restaurants as is the case here in Cambodia…but, only if they’re on the menu. (Re: 'Dog Food' blog) Yet, talking to or hugging and kissing a dog is not in my repertoire. Fish, however, are fine by me. They’re graceful, don’t make much noise and they taste good. Generally speaking, I appreciate the same qualities in women.

Forgive me Lord but, I get such a kick out of being 'politically incorrect'! Now, with a wife and a seven year old child, there aren't that many selfish pleasures around that I'm still in a position to indulge. And, that's just hunky-dory with me!