Clothing/care for pets?

[Tacky]

Just watching a show about the pet industry, and that the amount of money being spent on things like clothing for dogs is a growing market. And the good point made was 'owners aren't buying these things for their pets, they arent interested, they are buying these things for themselves'.

Its on BBC2 just now, and its a good point; are we humanising our pets?

Like, the woman on that show - cant mind what its called, dog is out of control and she shows the owners how to manage their dogs...on channel 4 - she was saying that owners who dress up their dogs arent really showing respect and are degrading their pets.

Its a really interesting topic; discuss?

[Foxglove]

Watching too. I am absolutely astounded by some of this. I would never judge anyone for how they treat their pet if it does not harm them but it does seem some people are substituting animals for children which, for me, whilst it is not necessarily harmful to the animal I think it is a very strange way to treat a pet.

[Tacky]

See, its supposed to be the 'man's best friend'; like, where i have the image in my head of a farmer and his dog; like the unspoken language/connection that they have.

And then you have these pictures in the glossy mags of some person with a wee dog popping its head out of the bag. I mean, is that healthy for the dog; are you treating your pet or treating yourself? Is it a pet, or is it an accessory?

...ok, that wumman is cradling that wee thing like a baby..'has spent 5000pounds on her dog so far this year'

If you have the money, fine, but thats NUTS! I mean, if someone cared that much and spent that much, maybe she does give money to charity, but surely you would want basics for other dogs than spend that much money on one dog? Then again, does that not just like in to the humanism of pets and link to how greedy we are getting in this generation?

[Foxglove]

I think to some people it is an accessory to have a toy dog. Celebrities don't help at all in that respect. The pet trainer lady was spot on. However, it is hard to be too critical if an animal is content. I am bewildered by people who treat their pets as substitute children or accessories but if the animal is content do I have the right to say it is wrong?

[cupotea]

Hmm see I like it when you see the wee dogs with their elderly owners out for a winters walk with their wee tartan jackets on - but I think thats more for warmth. i don't really agree with actual dog 'outfits', I think its a bit ridiculous and a mite disrespectful.

[Tacky]

Aaaaah - see, therein lies the rub. You are more than right to your opinion; what would actually be wrong is putting a dog in pvc; poor wee thing would roast like an oven!

Its made me think; like, on one hand you have people who might have a dog and give it the bare necessities along with the life they lead, and you have these people who live in cotton candy land with their pampered to hell pooch.

Its like 'the haves' and the 'have nots'; its made me think on the bigger scale that these people are wrapped in their world, spending their money on a dog when they could be donating to charity or doing something more worthwhile with their money. Then again, if that is somethign to feel guilty for then i too am guilty for being greedy and spending too much money on myslef.

I think it all links into the generation of having everything and being greedy; and having higher expectations and so wanting more and more....or have i taken it too far?

[russianfaerie]

Like, the woman on that show - cant mind what its called, dog is out of control and she shows the owners how to manage their dogs...on channel 4 - she was saying that owners who dress up their dogs arent really showing respect and are degrading their pets.

you meaning 'its me or the dog'?

i have no problem with owners dressing their dogs up, but what i do have a problem is when they do that and treat it like a baby and not a dog!

you'll find that all these dogs are pretty much all small ones, whens the last time you seen a great big dog in a pink fluffy jacket...? yeah right never. its when this happens these owners do not train the 'cute little innocent fluffy' right, and turns into a 'nasty little ankle snapper from hell'.

when i was younger i used to dress out collie up. even put the occasional antlers on the german shepard at xmas. and ok a bit of red ribbon every now and then - she's cute.

[Devastator]

Wee tiny dogs need jackets to keep them warm! They don't NEED to have pawprints on them, or be Vivienne Westwood, but if it's not doing them any harm, I really don't see the problem.

After Chara got the anti-puppy operation () she had a t-shirt on - as the vet reccomended - so she couldn't pick her scar. Good lord, it was the best thing I've ever seen. It is a universal fact that animals acting like humans is funny.

To be honest, I think folk smothering their pets should be of far less concern than the millions of pets being neglected. Get your priorities sorted, world.

[faerie_child]

my parents got a coat for one of thier dogs a while back. but he's a greyhound so feels the cold a lot cos he has little to no body fat. *shrug*

i detest the idea of pets as fashion items. animals are not pets. fucking paris hilton.

[Bunnylingus]

Was this the one where the doggy had a gold chain?

I with Amy on this, neglect is far worse.

So long as these dogs are happy its like most things in life - who are we really to judge how folk spend their money?

[Fenntastic]

i dont see anything wrong with a dog jacket to keep them warm. but i think buying them actualy outfits is a bit stupid. i hate seeing dogs in pink tracksuit or teeshirts and shorts. its stupid, it makes them look daft and its probably uncomfortable for them.

[Devastator]

I doubt they actually care how they look to other animals btw, they're not people.

Also, stop blaming Paris Hilton for everything. Have you met her and personally asked her about her pets? Didn't think so.

[Tacky]

Aye, but she's a prime example of one of the many celebs with a little pooch's head poking out of their 'birka'....or whatever bag

[Fenntastic]

I doubt they actually care how they look to other animals btw, they're not people.

Also, stop blaming Paris Hilton for everything. Have you met her and personally asked her about her pets? Didn't think so.

so, doesnt mean its not uncomfortable for them. and theres no need to be so defensive about paris hilton. the girl is in the public eye. im sure shes big enough to defend herself.

[Devastator]

It's called a Birkin.

And Fenn, I wasn't talking about that, at all. I don't know if it's comfortable for them, that's a whole different kettle of fish.

As for sticking up for Paris Hilton, it's not very nice to have everyone bad-mouthing you behind your back, whether your famous or not. Especially when it's folk just putting their two cents in when they know nothing about you.