When I was growing up we always had dogs. Life as a dog owner was simple then, consisting of the joy of just having them around, making sure you had a secure fence, keeping them watered and fed and current on their shots. I’m sure there were dog toys and treats back then, but I don’t ever remember our family buying them. But we were all happy, be it four and two legged, we just enjoyed being around each other.
In the 21st century, the dog world has “ramped-up” quite a bit. Pet industry growth demonstrates that the human/animal bond is as strong as ever. According to many studies, we have doubled the amount that we spend on our pets in the last decade and the pet retailers are happy to supply us with ample choices.
A friend who knows I’m “dog crazy” gave me a catalogue she received. It’s called In the Company of Dogs with the subtitle of “Great Gifts and Gear for Dogs & the People Who Share Their Lives.” As I thumbed through it I was absolutely amazed at the plethora of products all made to enhance the life of our dogs, or at least make us think it will.
Some of the things featured seemed ridiculous to me such as a corset that wraps around the middle of your male dog covering his “private part” to catch the mess when the temptation of inappropriate leg-lifting strikes. This product is called the “Wizzer Belly Band” and thank goodness it is machine washable. There are no words…
But I have to admit, some of the products were fabulous like The Perfect Leash which is designed with a comfort-grip handle and a made with a proprietary polyurethane material that stretches to alleviate the shock to the dog’s neck and shoulders as well to the handler’s hand and body. I’d love to have one but am not keen on the $32.95 price — plus shipping and handling.
Another useful product is an assortment of belly slings and back harnesses used to help the geriatric dog, dogs with hip dysplasia, arthritis or spinal trauma as well as dogs recovering from back or hip surgery. Quite humane and helpful I thought.
One thing that really caught my eye was and assortment of designer crates. They were really beautiful and I get so tired of looking at Baxter’s ugly tarnished wire crate that stays out in our bedroom. These gorgeous crates were all wire but in stylish designs and colors. One of them even looks like wicker.
Perhaps the most decadent thing on offer is a service called Canine Heritage. This is a DNA-based diagnostic test that for $79.95 can genetically determine the breed composition of your dog. The test is non-invasive and painless as you just collect cheek cells with a soft-bristled nylon brush and send them for analysis. As the owner of two mix-breeds I would be very tempted by this were it more affordable, but for now I’ll just continue to call them designer breeds.
I could go on an on, but suffice it to say that if you are a dog owner, especially with deep pockets, there are endless ways to pamper your pooch. If you are lucky enough to be owned by a dog, you’ll know their gift to you is unconditional love.
u
Denise Cook is a freelance writer/photographer for the Weatherford Democrat, co-founder of Parker Paws, a non-profit in support of the Weatherford/Parker County Animal Shelter, and a lifetime pet owner. Contact Denise at denise@parkerpaws.org, call (817) 597-5784, or visit parkerpaws.org.
Lifestyles
Pet industry is unleashed
Denise Cook, Democrat Columnist
- Lifestyles
-
-
Hiatt, Duckworth announce plans to marry June 29
Some are granted the blessing of loving deeply only once in a lifetime. For a few, that blessing happens twice.
-
Weaver, Benefiel tie the knot in Grapevine
Rikki Leigh Weaver and Brandon Joe Benefiel united in marriage the evening of May 4, 2013, at Delaney Vineyards in Grapevine.
-
From daughter to mother: a special Mother’s Day reflection
For this Mother’s Day I thought I would say something special about my mom. I rarely say anything, I guess because I take a lot of what she does for granted, because she is mom to me. But there is more to this woman than I could ever have hoped for.
-
Audet, Richardson plan October nuptials
Michele and Jim Audet, of Weatherford, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Nicole Rene Audet, to Scott Maclean Richardson, of Washington, D.C.
-
Richards celebrate 60 years of marriage
Celebrating 60 years of love and marriage, David and Jewell Richards of Weatherford are happy to announce their anniversary this May.
-
Bunns to celebrate 25th anniversary
Spending a quarter of a century in love with one person is to be celebrated.
-
WB, Totsie Cook celebrate 70 years of marriage
William Burton Cook and Totsie Dean Grisham celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on April 24. They were married at Shep, Taylor County, Texas, the evening of April 24, 1943, in the home of Rev. Willie Brown, the local Baptist pastor, with Mrs. Brown as the witness.
-
White, Rigacci unite in marriage
Brittany White and Fernando Rigacci were united in marriage March 23, 2013, in the Rotunda at the Dallas Petroleum Club.
-
Horton, Williams engaged
Eddie and Kathryn Horton are pleased to announce the engagament of their daughter, Kathryn Renee Horton to Nathan Douglas Williams, son of Michael and Charla Williams of Amarillo.
-
Stowe-Coronado engaged
Roy and Leslie Stowe, of Azle, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Megan Nicole Stowe, to David Michael Coronado, son of Dave and Debbie Coronado, of Comanche.
- More Lifestyles Headlines
-
Jodi Arias: Death Penalty Would Cause More Pain
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion
Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God'
Slow Pokes: Acupuncture Helps Sick Turtles
Moore, Okla. City of Reunions, Tears After Storm
Former IRS Chief: Can't Say How List Happened
Gov. Fallin: Okla. Facing Horrific Disaster
Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting
AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out
Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado
Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado
OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded
Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
