Must Love Dogs

Diane — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 20:20:12 +0000

A remarkable trend is developing across America and Houston is on top of the wave. We’ve become a country of pet lovers. Yes, yes, we know — most people like animals, but it’s gone well beyond that. Statistics report that the number of households with pets has grown dramatically in recent years, and we are spending much more on them.

According to the National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), in 1988, 56 percent of all U.S. households owned a pet. In 2009, the APPA reported that 62 percent of U.S. households own a pet.

Today, 77 million dogs and 94 million cats live with Americans and more than half of these pet owners identify their pets as members of the family.

Read the full article:

Must Love Dogs Greater Houston Weekly Top Of The Week Archives Houston Community Newspapers Online – News Around Town.

Natural burials, home funerals gain fans

admin — Sun, 31 May 2009 17:38:10 +0000

Bob Butz is going to build his own coffin. It may double as a coffee table or bookshelves until he needs it. Butz, 38, is a Lake Ann author whose newest book, “Going Out Green: One Man’s Adventure Planning His Own Natural Burial” will be published July 1. While he was researching the book, he visited a burial preserve, talked to death midwives and even visited his father’s grave for the first time in more than 20 years. And, yes, he bought plans for a coffin, but says they’re also available for free. “Green burial to me,” Butz said, “was more than just picking the things I needed. It was about reclaiming a ritual we lost.” (Record Eagle, Michigan)

Read on…

Diane Dyer: Certified Funeral and Memorial Celebrant » News

Must Love Dogs

Natural burials, home funerals gain fans