An animal kept as a pet distinguishes itself from other animals confined within certain human boundaries. Livestock serves a specific purpose, as do laboratory animals, sport animals and working animals such as plow horses. But what purpose do pet animals actually serve?It is not uncommon to see stars and the rich and famous at some red carpet event or some televised gala carrying something in the palm of their hand, something with bulging eyes that makes this little yelping sound that some say is a bark.

Then you take a closer look, and lo and behold, it is a dog, or a kind of dog anyway. A hairless, size-less creature with eyes much too big for its head and a 5-carat diamond bracelet-turned-collar around its neck, weighing it down. Uncommon pets can cost a pretty penny, without taking into account all the gadgets and gizmos that they seem to vitally need, you know, diamond bracelet/collars, Louis Vuitton carrying case, designer sweaters and booties, and on and on. After all, if one is to carry around scary looking animals in one´s hand, might as well try to make them look a bit more attractive.