SHOULD YOU LET YOUR DOG GO NAKED?

You know what I mean….you’ve seen ‘em. Those snooty looking canines with pedicured and painted nails. Fluffed, puffed and coiffed dogs sporting a sweater that looks very LaCroix. . .Gucci-ish shoes….and diamond chokers from Tiffany’s ….have you ever seen a Great Dane look so ridiculous?
Be that as it may, there does seem to be an upward trend in the occurrence of canine couture in the world at large (see A Dog’s Life in Beverly Hills on You Tube…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2TDAq9frqM). After seeing these doggie divas online and on the street, one is tempted to the question that comes to mind after seeing a film with either Ryan Reynolds or Charlize Theron….are clothes really necessary?
1) Clothes Do keep dogs warm, despite an average body temperature of about 102 fahrenheit. Imagine a short-haired pooch, like smooth Chihuahua cavorting through the snow covered streets of Chicago….to prevent this creature from becoming a furry popsicle, clothes are definitely in order.
2) Wearing a distinctive garment makes your dog stand out in that leash free park. Especially if you own a popular breed, say a black Labrador, having your dog wear a bright red sweater makes for a stand-out animal, one which is easily spotted at a distance or in a group. Keeping track of the pooch is much easier this way.
3) Having your dog wear clothing provokes the much sought after “how cute” response…a valuable tool in attracting the people you most desire.
Of course, you could go the traditional route and let your dog go naked…but think how much more attention you’d attract if you are naked as well. Just visit you local nude beach or clothing optional resort (make sure to check and make sure that they are pet friendly). Or, if you visit San Francisco, simply walk down the street.






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TRAVELING WITH YOUR DOG

Don’t.  Yeah. I’m serious.

Think about how unpleasant it is for a human to travel these days. While your dog is not likely to be mistaken for a terrorist (though such a thing is not impossible…) a small dog is likely to be uncomfortable stuck in a carrier, even if your are close by to offer comfort (do not offer comfort in the form of alcohol or chocolate though, since these are toxic for dogs...more on that in a future blog....). Larger dogs must go into the cargo hold, which is even more terrifying: cold, noisy, with all sorts of freight, boxes and other dog carriers shifting about unexpectedly.

And when you arrive at your destination, there’s the matter of adjustment. Your jet lag might impair your ability to get up and walk your dog when they need it, resulting in a stinky surprise when you wake up (your hotel won’t likely be amused by this either).

If you insist on traveling with your dog, check the airline and follow their rules in this regard to the letter (you don’t want to be barred from bordering your plane for some minor infraction). The majority of airlines require a health certificate for your pet; ask you vet for details.

Instead of traveling with your pet, consider the options:

·        Have them stay at home, while a friend (a very GOOD friend) comes by and makes sure your dog is properly exercised, fed and watered.

·        Have your dog stay at a friend’s house (see above).

·        Board your dog.

Dog boarding facilities very wildly in quality and price. DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Check the web, your friends, your vet. A boarding facility can be as simple as a storefront with some kennels in the backroom to a truly fabulous resort type setting including a pool, organized activities to yoga (yes YOGA, I AM writing this from California…). If you’re concerned about price, think of all the trouble of finding a pet friendly hotel, paying more for your stay because of your pet, not to mention the stress for the dog and yourself. Also, shop for the boarding facility well before your trip; last minute decisions have a way of being rash and might cost you more in the long run. Also, you might want to drop your dog off at the boarder’s the night before you fly, to avoid delays to your flight the morning after.

Remember, it’s either find a very good boarding facility OR cultivate some VERY good friends.

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Dogs...the new children?

For the past couple of decades, I've noticed an increasing number of people choosing to raise pets rather than children. I'm no sociologist, but there seems to me a multitude of perfectly valid reasons for this trend.

1) Clothing is truly a mere option for animals.


2) School for you dog is a choice: not compulsory. Also your dog's education via obedience school is unlikely to drive you into debt.


3) No one is going to try to hook your dog on illegal drugs. If they do, simply turn in the wrongdoer and write a Lifetime Channel teleplay about the experience.


4) If you don't want your dog to breed, you can spay or neuter them (I suppose you could to that to kids, but that would be abuse...).


5) Choosing your prospective dog's breed to match your lifestyle is perfectly acceptable.


Dogs are almost invariably glad to see you (again, unlike children, especially teenagers...a group whose disdainful behavior towards those who support them resembles the behavior of cats towards their owners).


Though many might view with some alarm the trend towards treating pets, especially dogs, as a kind of adopted offspring, I say RELAX! If someone is not able, for whatever reason, to have children, dogs are a perfectly acceptable choice as a an object of one's deep affection....a choice that, as I'll argue in future postings, is enriching to the heart and, in the long run, easier on the wallet.

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