I was reading up on the cost of pets and yes we do spend a lot on the little buggers. We have pet rats. My boys came home with them one day, rats-2.50 each (we have four), cages-100.00 each (we have two) ,food-6.99 every two weeks, bedding was 20.00 every two weeks, I have since switched to shredded paper, treats (they beg so cutely) 2.40 a week. I also have a dog, he seems to be much cheaper than rats, 100.00 a year for shots and 10.00 for food every two weeks. He begs cutely too, but we give him human treats. Of coarse the cost of begging someone to care for all these pets while on vacation...well lets say if someone does it's priceless. I have not added in corn cob for squirrels, thistle seed for the finches.