After reading the passage, explain Bilger’s argument and discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with his analysis. Support your position by providing reasons and examples from your own experience, observations, or reading.

Americans now spend $19 billion a year on veterinary care for their
pets, up from $11 billion just seven years ago. Add to that the cost of
pet food and other supplies, and the number rises to $47 billion, nearly
three times as much as the federal government spends on welfare grants.
Poodles get root canals, cats undergo chemotherapy, rabbits are treated
with radiation, and prairie dogs get oxygen therapy in intensive-care
units. People spend enormous amounts to pay for special diets for their
pets while cities create parks for off-leash puppy play dates. For a price,
we can take our dogs for day care or psychotherapy and buy them $200
cashmere sweaters and leopard-skin beds. Clearly, our love affair with
our pets has gotten out of control.
Adapted from Burkhard Bilger’s “The Last Meow” published in The
New Yorker Sept. 8, 2003.