recently "News 1130" did a phone interview about the weird and wacky things people like to do for and too their dog. While it was heavily edited the jist was the same.
I LOVE my dogs...every one that i have ever had but I still maintain that dogs are not children and while they should be treated with the utmost kindness and respect part of that is knowing that dogs are animals that have differing social behaviours that need addressing and we MUST accommodate their needs in being essentially working animals who crave discipline and structure to give them a "safe" sense of being and not always looking for what their purpose IS within the home and placement within the family structure whether that is one owner or a whole family. Whew! that's a mouthful.
Now, my partner Cameron and I own the gayest, cutest, most emasculating dog on the planet......or she would be if we treated her like a wee purse dog who got away with everything....we dont! (though I have caught Cam taking better care of her diet needs and times than he does ours!!...more on that some other time....can you say braised lamb anyone?)
No, Pippi is made to walk, socialize and respect her surroundings like you would ask of a well behaved big dog. I have said it b4 in blogs that a dog, no matter what size, is not cute if it growls and snaps!
Pippi would never do this.......she is trained to the point that she can almost make coffee. haha
anywho....here was the interview transcript:
Is your pet your Valentine?
Store owner says average owner he sees spends $5
"People will definitely take a little time and buy a little treat for their pet," said Darren Monette with Woofles and Meowz, who figures the average person will spend $5 or so.
There are also folks who may go a tad overboard. Monette said he has seen a lot of things at his shop:
"A blinged-out collar, I have seen a real diamond collar, but it's usually for a smaller dog," he said. "Bigger dogs will lose or break such items."
If you can dream it, it is available for your pet.
Monette has heard of doggie wigs, and real fur coats for those cold winter days.
"My guess is when somebody spends that much money it is an extension of their own identity," he said.
I went on to say:
"They want the recognition within their OWN pack while the dog is oblivious to the fact that collar is a Coach one or something is blinged or not. While a nicely made coat is super for a short haired dog that is asked to walk in the winter snow for a long period....or a rain coat for cold wet days is really important.......the dogs just want the exercise, care, nutrition and work that is provided..........and THEN the love and nurturing. Sometime we mix up those and the pooch is left wondering what is his role"
sooooo that sit for now....WOOF!!!!