I’m guessing that there are public venues in which a dog on a leash would not be permitted, but a dog in a handbag might be, or could be hidden.
And yes, while the dog might prefer to be on the leash, if he’s a real tiny guy or a puppy, that would be quite dangerous if there was a lot of foot traffic. Add in the fact that little rat-dogs are often very aggressive and/or bad-tempered, and I think you have a Bad Idea to walk a little dog on a leash.
And I’ll bet the dog LOVES it! I only wish I could do it with Max (my 45 lb. Eskimo mix) or Austen (my 130 lb. Great Dane)! The worst problem for many pet dogs is boredom, particularly if your household is out of the house most of the time (such as for work). Out in the mall, whether on a leash or in a bag, there are new and interesting sights, sounds, and especially smells! What’s not to like? The dog doesn’t care that the owner is shopping.
And while I personally find fru-fru doggy haircuts and/or fancy sweaters or other decorative “clothing” to be rather nauseating, again, unless it’s interfering with his ability to move or function in some way, he really doesn’t give a shit. If dogs were concerned with their dignity, they’d find some way to convert to cathood Dogs don’t give a shit about dignity - they care about fun!
Yes, she was much more comfortable in the bag. If I put her on the floor, she would lock all four legs and freeze, trembling. (She was a pound rescue, taken from her mama too young and traumatized all to hell.) If I had her in the bag, she felt safe. She could duck inside when she felt shy, or bury her head against my side. When she felt confident enough, she’d pop her head out to be petted and fed treats by strangers. I put chew treats in there so she could gnaw on them if she got bored. I tried to make going out a fun time for her, and meeting strangers a positive experience.
Secondly, stores never seem to mind a dog in a bag. They do mind if the animal is running around, shedding on their floors and sniffing the merchandise.
Oh, and about the sweaters: My youngest, Sirius has both a little coat and a little sweater. He gets cold very easily, and shivers violently when he’s outside in the winter. It’s not a vanity thing-- it’s to keep the dog from being uncomfortable. (Though I will admit I think he looks very cute in his little hoodie.)
I suppose the doggie bags are the lesser of two evils. Without them, you would have to deal with people who’s arms smell like dog ass from toting their pets about.
Yep. Jennifer was so tiny a leash wasn’t necessary-I think she probably would have ended up getting all tangled in it. That and she was so small long walks were too much for her.
I have seen some dog clothing that’s supposed to be practical-little rain capes and warm weather type coverings so you can walk the dog in inclement weather.
Lissa, do you have any recent pics of Polaris? She sure is a cutie!
Here’s a recent one of Sirius using her as a pillow. (I wish the flash had gone off!) Here’s another.
I have yet to get the picture of those two that I so desperately want. When they nuzzle and cuddle, it’s cute enough to make your heart ache, but the motion of me grabbing the camera always makes them stop.
No, a mutt of indeterminate heritage. There could be a lot of different breeds in there. Her hair kinks when it’s damp, so she might even have some poodle stirred into the mix. Irish Setter, maybe . . . she has green eyes. Never seen a dog with green eyes before.
Fee-Fee (the name is so much more appropriate than Fifi!) is probably described as a vuitton-sniffer. " Find the bag! Find the bag! There’s a good widdle Fee-Fee!"
In Europe, at least in the Netherlands, even back in the early '80s it seemed like everyone carried a yorkybag. They were in restaurants, hair salons, grocery stores, bars, anywhere and everywhere. It seemed to be the custom. No one ever complained, and most restaurants had doggy menus. :dubious:
They’re everywhere in Tokyo. I can actually understand why small dogs are popular here, since keeping a lab-size or bigger dog in cramped conditions doesn’t seem very kind. Chihuahuas and miniature dachshunds are the most popular.
And really, doggie bags are probably the best way to get around with them on crowded city sidewalks and subway cars. On leashes, they’d get crushed by people who just couldn’t see them.
It must be spreading. While I was having my hair done in Pocaetllo Idaho a couple weeks ago some twit came in with one. It had pierced ears with diamond studs, a pink bikini and painted nails.
Here in Spain you often see little old ladies with little old dogs; often carrying the dog.
Usually when you ask you find out that the dog is as ancient as its owner and has lousy bones too.
But yeah, people who think pets, kids or cars (I know, I know, cars don’t feel) are fashion accesories should be used as accesories themselves. Oh wait. They often are - by their equally shallow “friends”.
