For the dog that has everything: Botox and a massage

One area of the economy that has escaped recession is pet care. Despite the credit crunch, it's booming. According to the New York Times, American consumers spent $49bn (£25bn) on pet products and services last year, up $11.5bn from 2003, with health care and cosmetic surgery the fastest growing. A pet may now be subjected to ear cropping, liposuction, Botox, eyebrow correction, a skin graft or a face peel. Analysts suggest that baby boomers whose children have fled the nest are now piling their devotion - and dollars - on their pets.