That a sizeable and expanding chunk of economic activity is generated by the consumption of goods and services related to caring for animal companions is well understood. That animal companions can bring pleasures that enrich the lives of their human companions is understood. That the relationship between companion animals and humans is an important prism through which humans come to define themselves, express their identity to others, and otherwise make their life meaningful is gaining recognition. That the companionship between humans and animals is a potentially rich consumption context by means of which to advance consumer culture theory is not that well understood. As this commentary discusses, a close reading of Mosteller's (2007) paper raises all those points and more.
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