|
Author: Carolyn Schweitzer Article source: http://www.doggienews.com/. Used with author's permission.
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 offer the kind of unconditional love we all crave. They're always thrilled to have us around!
So, how do we spoil our pets?
Probably in much the same way that we spoil our children! Aside from all of the care attention lavished on America's pets, a tremendous amount of money is spent providing goods and services that were once deemed a luxury-- but are now considered essential.
Today's dog sees the vet for regular checkups. She eats premium dog food and munches on gourmet doggie treats, is enrolled in obedience classes, and runs agility courses. She has her own collections of toys, clothing, and possibly even dog jewelry and canine cologne. She sleeps indoors on a luxury orthopedic bed and takes shelter outdoors in her cedar dog house. She wears a safety harness when riding in the family car, a reflective vest on hunting trips, and rain gear in foul weather. She can even dodge UV rays with a pair of doggie sunglasses. Her responsibilities are few.
I could go on (don't worry, at some point I will!). But one of the most notable signs that we regard our dogs as members of our family is the fact that we buy them gifts. A dog gift for the holidays, a dog gift for a special occasion, or a dog gift to show our appreciation for how much our dogs appreciate us. Any reason will do. Heck, we even wrap our dog gifts!
Here are some very interesting statistics regarding gifts for pets:
* More than half of U.S. households have pets, and many of them are including their "best friends" in holiday plans.
* According to a survey conducted by the Pet Supplies "Plus" chain, 97% of its customers will buy gifts for their animals this Yuletide season.
* 28% of owners will spend more on their pets than on their spouses when buying gifts.
* 47% will spend more on their pets than on relatives other than their spouse.
* 54% will spend more on their pets than on their in-laws.
* 83% will wrap their pets' gifts.
* 68% claim that their pets will unwrap presents themselves with their paws.
* 71% will buy something practical for them.
Buying gifts for our pets is only the half it. If someone we know is a pet lover, we often show our support by giving the person a pet-related gift. And, since the saying goes, "love me, love my dog", there's often pressure to throw in a little dog gift for Spike too. For a casual dog-loving aquaintance, our dog lover gift might be a simple coffee mug with a picture of their favorite dog breed. A set of plush doggie-themed golf club covers could make an amusing gift for a colleague. Maybe Aunt Janine has a collection of dog figurines we can add to. Or, at the other end of the spectrum, one could splurge on a diamond-studded doggie themed bracelet for the wife (although I wouldn't recommend this as an anniversary gift. Unless you're verrry sure.) and a new house for Spike.
The good news is, there's no shortage of goods and services to inspire even the most rabid of dog lovers and dog gift shoppers. And dog lover gift shoppers. Whether the names on your gift list are human or canine, you'll never run out of things to buy and places to shop. If you're one of those gifted gift givers who's never at a loss for what to get and where to find it I envy you. If you're more like the rest of us, and you need a little help, you'll find plenty of ideas online (Ahem!). You can also look for future articles in this series, in which I'll hone in on various ways you can pamper and reward the dogs and dog lovers in your life.
So go ahead, spoil your furry friends. Celebrate your love for your dog, and your sister in law's love for her dog. Shower them with goodies and gifts. It's a dog's life. And if I get to come back for another round, I want it to be as one of those lucky dogs!! © 2004, Carolyn Schweitzer. Lifelong dog-lover, power-shopper, and former family dentist Carolyn Schweitzer is owner and editor of http://www.great-dog-gift.com. The site offers a wide range of choices for dog gift shoppers, plus shopping and gift-giving tips. (Plus advise on care and feeding. Especially dental care.) She's always looking for new dog gift ideas and dog stories to share with her readers. You can reach her by email at netbrainer@verizon.net
How Slimming Down Can Add More Cash in Your Wallets
Did you know that your wealth can increase dramatically as your weight goes down? Find out how your weight and your wealth are related, and how you can use thi...
Available Tuxedo Styles
Tuxedos - Why would anyone rent a tuxedo when they can purchase their own tuxedo ensemble for about the same price as two rentals.
The Health Care Crisis - and a Solution
We are presently facing a health care crisis that is getting more dire every day. Health care costs are increasing so rapidly that many companies who offered fr...
Your Words Affect Your Weight Loss - Stop the Struggle
Telling yourself you have to "struggle with this weight issue for the rest of my life," is as good as telling yourself there's no point in trying. "Why bother? ...
How to Overcome a Bad First Impression
Saying the wrong thing at the wrong time can tarnish your image and close doors. Learn how to recover from life's embarrassing moments.
The Seven Cs: Partnership Danger Signs - Competitive, Not Complementary Action
A series of articles exploring the seven critical areas that can indicate a partnership is in trouble. Competitive, Not Complementary Action James Carville and ...
Creative Writing - business principles produce more quality work, faster
Maximization methodologies have long been used in business to produce quantities of quality ideas, faster. Creative writers who want to rapidly produce quantiti...
How to Fight Spyware
If you are wondering if you can win the battle against spyware for safe web surfing again this Internet privacy article will enlighten you.
Dont Fall For A Scheme When Trying To Rebuild Your Credit History
For people with a spotty credit history or bad credit, getting approved for a standard credit card can be difficult, if not impossible.
Obesity – The Underlying Historic Causes
One must understand the underlying historic causes and trends that have brought about obesity to combat it effectively individually as a society.
Time Management—Successfully Harnessing Your Natural Abilities
A universal approach to time management rarely works. Consider using this individualized method of meeting your time management challenges.
Make Way For A New Diversity Training Book
Tips on how to use this anthology, as an innovative diversity training tool.
Parenting: The Road I Chose
A night of walking over hot wheels and leggos has special meaning for me, and I doubt I will ever forget the night of the little tykes tractor story, but life d...
Choosing The Right Digital Camera
If you're looking to buy a new digital camera, you don't really have to be an expert in pixels and mega pixels and all that kind of stuff. If you expect to find...
Real Estate for Beginners: Residential Property Taxes
Whenever you own a piece of land, you will be taxed for it. Whether it is commercial property or residential property, there is still a tax to pay, whether it i...
Pressure Washing Aircraft Hangers at the Airport
If you are looking for a way to own your own business using a pressure washer or expand your current pressure washing business you might consider cleaning Aircr...
Why Mobile Homes?
Is it possible that there are good reasons to buy a mobile home, even if you can afford a stick-built? Find out what the advantages are...
Christmas Gift Ideas for Hikers
Christmas gift ideas can be hard to come by. If you're buying for a hiker, here are a few hiking gift ideas to consider.
Amazing Mind Control Secret... Your Key to Ultimate Success
Understand and apply this one secret to your own life, and watch how fast and profoundly success will start chasing you....
Mortgage Broker or Assassin? A Banker Who Offers You This Loan May be Trying to Kill You!
What if a banker or mortgage broker told you he's loan you 25 percent above the value of your home? You might think it sounds great, but I sure hope you'd say ...
Hiking Trails Mt. Washington Valley NH - Trekking trails USA
Mt. Washington, the highest of the Northeast USA peaks in New Hampshire, and home to the the worst weather in the world; a record 231 mph was recorded in 1934! ...
Mays Featured Holidays and Recipes
A brief history and delicious recipes for three great holidays in May...
Risk and Stock Trading Fees: The Two Barriers To Overcome If You Want A Successful Trading Career
You can mange both risk and stock trading fees with planning, and by making good choices. But exactly just where do you start?
When Your Childs Adoption Story Changes: Nothing But the Facts or is It Nothing are the Facts?
Adopting internationally used to mean there was no 'birth family'information and answering questions for adoptees. Not the case today, when adoptive families ar...
|
Print this page