CANUS LUPUS UNFAMILIARIS

 

The OG

Dogs are not surrogate babies. Dogs are not toys. Dogs are not fashion accessories. 

All dogs originate from the Grey Wolf, yes, all dogs from Chihuahas to great Danes  and from St Bernards to Shih Tzus, yet more and more we are seeing these animals treated as if they were somehow created to serve human vanity.

Dogs are great, they make superb companions, are loyal to a fault and have a lot of love to give. Dogs like to run and exercise, they like to play, fetch and generally burn off their energy in fun ways that we as humans find very appealing. Most of all they are faithful.

So when I saw an advert at my local Picturehouse cinema advertising 'Doggy Screenings' I have to say I was aghast. The actress portraying a customer exclaimed "When I found out I could take my baby to the cinema..." as she sat clutching her small pet to her bosom. I have seen doggie handbags clutched under the arms of a variety of wannabe 'It' girls with their pooch's head poking out. I have witnessed dogs in pushchairs and dogs in rucksacks. Iv'e been appalled, in Montmarte Paris, to see a dog wearing trainers. Iv'e been had to do a double take on seeing a dog being forced to wear sunglasses.

Dog clothing is big business as is dog Haute Cuisine. Dog perfume, bubble bath and yoga are also de rigueur in some circles.

The thing about all this is that the owners are missing the point. Dogs, as domesticated as they might be, are at heart wild animals. They don't need clothes, they don't need the cinema, yoga or other stimuli if they are happy. They don't need fine dinning, they just need food. They don't need trainers, they have paws and they definitely don't need to be carried around as they have legs.

Who's got the most expensive collar?, who has the best grooming?, who's bag is more niche?, who's kennel is the most lavish? The dog as a status symbol is the new black.

All they need is the love of their owner and when I see the current type of owner with their Plus One accessory I don't think that they understand what that means. I wish they would stop the infantilisation of the humble dog. I wish they would see their companions for what they are.