In the last 5 years, pet furnishings and toy products have increased exponentially. It’s perfectly understandable. There are more house pets than ever round the world. And we have come ever so far from the days when aristocrats of the middle ages kept pets as much for companionship as to attract fleas away from themselves. As for the popularity of modern pets, we have all read cliché statements like: “Pets are starter children.” “Cats are the new dog.” “Large dogs are the new pony.”
Of course none of this is really true. Pets are more cooperative than children. Cats and dogs are radically different. Your 5 year old should never ride the Malamute.
I think pet products have increased as a reflection of the fact that the world is getting to be a kinder and more playful place in the lucky pockets here and there on the globe where people have basic needs met so they can be generous to pets. This is good. Let’s hope these pockets of calm and prosperity spread all over the earth.
Back to product. Some catalogs approach pets as accessories. If you like minimalist décor, buy biomorphic, but not species specific, plush toys. If you are eco conscious, buy pet beds from recycled soft drink bottles. Urban East Coast dogs, LA dogs, Francophile dogs, Country dogs and Japanese kawaii-so dogs are styled differently. Hunting dogs like decoys printed on things. The dog and the décor and the cultural orientation should all match, according to what I’m seeing. Since that is the case, Beanie Babies with chewed faces represent the style icon of this house.
No cynicism here. Pets need soft beds and clean, safe, toys to chase or chew or roll about. They need fitting, comfortable, sturdy harnesses and leashes that will restrain them from wandering into traffic. And these things need replacing, because they will wear out. Beds sprouting stuffing or plush with loose eyes and split seams have to be repaired and washed in non-toxic soap, or discarded and replaced. Whatever’s safer. Raja and I recommend repair whenever possible. It’s eco-best. Plus, as we’ve all discovered, dogs get used to things and don’t prefer change.
There is indeed a lot of dog product out there. None of it stylistically really fits what I’d call my décor, but that’s OK. He’s got what he likes and I’ve got what I like, somewhere underneath all the stuff he likes.
We invite readers to send us a jpeg you’d like posted in this segment of your dog with his or her favorite old toy or bed or mystery item. Write to us at [email protected].
Next week, we’re interviewing a dedicated rescuer of Shih Tzus, responsible for homing hundreds of great dogs nationally. Some people think dog rescue is a business, but our interview reveals the ways that many people give so much in time, services and medical care to save and re-home abandoned and hopelessly lost pets.
Of course none of this is really true. Pets are more cooperative than children. Cats and dogs are radically different. Your 5 year old should never ride the Malamute.
I think pet products have increased as a reflection of the fact that the world is getting to be a kinder and more playful place in the lucky pockets here and there on the globe where people have basic needs met so they can be generous to pets. This is good. Let’s hope these pockets of calm and prosperity spread all over the earth.
Back to product. Some catalogs approach pets as accessories. If you like minimalist décor, buy biomorphic, but not species specific, plush toys. If you are eco conscious, buy pet beds from recycled soft drink bottles. Urban East Coast dogs, LA dogs, Francophile dogs, Country dogs and Japanese kawaii-so dogs are styled differently. Hunting dogs like decoys printed on things. The dog and the décor and the cultural orientation should all match, according to what I’m seeing. Since that is the case, Beanie Babies with chewed faces represent the style icon of this house.
No cynicism here. Pets need soft beds and clean, safe, toys to chase or chew or roll about. They need fitting, comfortable, sturdy harnesses and leashes that will restrain them from wandering into traffic. And these things need replacing, because they will wear out. Beds sprouting stuffing or plush with loose eyes and split seams have to be repaired and washed in non-toxic soap, or discarded and replaced. Whatever’s safer. Raja and I recommend repair whenever possible. It’s eco-best. Plus, as we’ve all discovered, dogs get used to things and don’t prefer change.
There is indeed a lot of dog product out there. None of it stylistically really fits what I’d call my décor, but that’s OK. He’s got what he likes and I’ve got what I like, somewhere underneath all the stuff he likes.
We invite readers to send us a jpeg you’d like posted in this segment of your dog with his or her favorite old toy or bed or mystery item. Write to us at [email protected].
Next week, we’re interviewing a dedicated rescuer of Shih Tzus, responsible for homing hundreds of great dogs nationally. Some people think dog rescue is a business, but our interview reveals the ways that many people give so much in time, services and medical care to save and re-home abandoned and hopelessly lost pets.
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