The other day I saw a man sitting in the park with a baby carrier attached to his front. I could see a cute little sailor's hat popping over the top and I was struck by the picturesque scene of a man and his son enjoying a brief Seattle sun break. As he walked by, though, I realized his "baby" was a rat terrier!
I hadn’t realized just how pervasive this phenomenon had become until I adopted Barley about two months ago. I used to be able to walk through that park with just a polite nod and smile to those I passed, but now I’m forced to engage in conversation. “What a beautiful dog! What breed is he? Oh, you’re not sure? You know there’s DNA testing for that sort of thing, you really should find out so you know what you’re dealing with. Which trainer are you using? Our dog walker is amazing; you should give her a call. Have you switched to a grain-free diet? We did, and you would not believe the difference it’s made in Princess Pooch’s stool. So regular and firm! Oh, there she goes now! What a sweetie.”
We were also recently invited to "Bone-Chewer's Birthday Bash." I haven't yet been to the canine party, but I imagine it will consist of junk food, big messes, and an overall underappreciation for the host's hard work--much like childrens' birthday parties. But what kind of present does one give the hound of honor?
The number of products available for pets is staggering. Who was the first person to think a dog needed a car seat, a memory foam sleeping pad, or a filtration water bowl? When did it become normal to see a dog in a Coach collar and Jimmy Choo booties being walked on a Louis Vuitton leash? Would Bone-Chewer like a Puppy Einstein DVD?
Don’t get me wrong. I love my dog. But I think that it's important to remember that dogs are dogs and humans are humans. A puppy and a baby are not the same thing and should not be treated as if they were!
Now you must excuse me; I have to get Barley ready for his portrait session.
