Pampered pets ignore recession

(Australia)Luxury goods may have lost their luster for many people due to the recession, but some Aussie pets are still living the good life.

Online luxury pet store Pets Palace was launched eight weeks ago as the economy was taking a battering from the global credit crisis and unemployment rose.

And, according to its managers, business is booming.

Marketing director Diana Costa is reluctant to give out sales figures, but says the site started out with one order every two days and now fill outs at least 15 orders a day.

"We've been inundated. People are looking for ways to make themselves feel good that doesn't cost very much and our items don't cost a lot," Costa told Reuters. MORE>>

"Australians love their animals, they're becoming more a part the of the family, so I think that's why they don't mind spending on their pets during this time."