The gifts we give our dogs
Times have changed since dogs slept outside, ate table
scraps, and worked for a living. Read about dogs today are pampered
in luxury.
Distribution Source : Article Warehouse
Date : Tuesday - November 23, 2004
Carolyn Schweitzer (Article Warehouse - Nov 23, 2004) -- Whoever coined
the phrase, "It's a Dog's Life" wasn't familiar with 21st
century dogs. Time was when the average canine slept outside, ate whatever
scraps of food were tossed his way, and if he was lucky, was thrown
the occasional bone.
He was even expected to earn his keep! Times have changed. As the world
has grown more affluent, so have our pets. We're obsessed with keeping
our canine companions happy, healthy, and properly accessorized. So
much so that many of us worry about our own welfare less than that of
our dog.
This didn't happen overnight-- the trend started decades ago. Take,
for example, my grandmother Rose. During the 60's and 70's, Rose and
Henry discovered cruise vacations. On every cruise, whenever they pulled
into port to "shop", Rosie made it her mission to find stray
dogs and feed them.
She'd head straight for the butcher, buy a few pounds of fresh meat,
and comb the islands for the hungry and homeless. She would exclaim,
"It's a crime the way these animals live!"-- in spite of the
fact that the people of those islands were desperately poor!
Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not passing judgment on Grandma, or anyone
else. I spoil my pets as much as the next guy or gal, and take immense
pleasure in it. Truth be told, I'd rather hang out with my dog than
with a whole lot of people I know. We share a special bond, my best
friend and I. Hey, admit it... lots of you feel the same way!
The fact is, man has always had a close relationship with animals,
and has enjoyed having pets around for companionship. Having a pet can
bring great pleasure into our lives, and is believed to have a therapeutic
effect on the owner. For empty nesters and those who've delayed or opted
out of having kids, pets almost take the place of children. We bond
with our pets especially because they don't judge us. Dogs in particular