Copyright 2006 Cari Haus
Should I get a dog, or should I not? This is a question that so
many people are asking themselves. Do I really want to get a
dog? The pleasures of dog ownership are numerous, but along with
the pleasures, there are also responsibilities.
Gone are the days when a dog just "hangs around", and you
occasionally throw him a bone. Gone are the days of just feeding
the dog each day and forgetting about it. Many people are now
opting to share their homes with their dogs, inviting them to be
part of their family. Some people are opting for dog ownership
in lieu of a family or in lieu of having children.
Obviously the role of dog ownership has certainly
changed......and what about the role of the dog? This role has
also changed. There are mixed breeds and purebreds just like
there always has been, and now there are "designer" dogs. This
is an intentional breeding of two different kinds of purebred
dogs hoping to pull the better traits from each breed. The cost
of a "designer" dog often exceeds the cost of a purebred dog,
and their popularity is on the rise.
As people become more health conscious, they are interested in
healthy options for their dogs as well. There are nearly as many
health choices for dogs as there are for people. Although there
are still good ole' milk bone biscuits available, many owners
only serve their canine companions gourmet treats that are made
from all natural ingredients. There are the standard beef,
chicken, and lamb flavors as well as the more gourmet flavors.
How about sweet potato biscotti or pumpkin muffins? There's even
doggie ice cream now.
An abundance of clothing and accessories is also available. From
trendy "Yorkie" carriers, a small carrier to enable your
companion to travel with you, to orthopedic beds for easing
joint discomfort for your dogs, to doggie boots for keeping paws
dry, and hats and coats and p.j.'s, and the list goes on and on.
Doggie spas are here to supply canine massages and pedicures
complete with nail polish. For the working moms and dads, there
are doggie day cares or dog walkers who actually come to your
house to walk your dog. Yes, the role of "the dog" has certainly
changed, as well as the role of the owner.
Most dogs are now very pampered family members, and yes, there
is responsibility in dog ownership. To dog or not to dog is
something that only you can answer, however; all I can say is
that the rewards from such a venture are enormous.
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