Modern Dog Lifestyle: From “Dog’s Life” to Dog Luxury Transformation
Whoever coined the phrase, “It’s a Dog’s Life,” wasn’t familiar with the modern dog lifestyle of the 21st century dogs. Time was when the average canine slept outside, ate whatever scraps of food were tossed his way, and if he was lucky, was thrown the occasional bone. He was even expected to earn his keep! Times have changed. As the world has grown more affluent, so have our pets. We’re obsessed with keeping our canine companions happy, healthy, and properly accessorized. So some so that many of us worry about our own welfare more than that of our dog. This didn’t happen overnight– the trend started decades ago. Take, for example, my united kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Rose.
From Compassion to Companionship: Our Ever-Growing Bond with Dogs
During the 60’s and 70’s, Rose and Henry discovered cruise vacations. On every cruise, whenever they pulled into port to “shop”, Rosie made it her mission to find stray dogs and feed them. She’d head straight for the butcher, buy a few pounds of fresh meat, and feed the hungry and homeless on the islands. She would exclaim, “It’s a crime the way these animals live!”– even though the people of those islands were desperately poor! Now, don’t start time me wrong. I’m not passing judgment on Grandma, or anyone else. I spoil my pets as much as the next guy or gal, and take immense pleasure in it. Truth be told, I’d rather hang out with my dog than with a whole lot of people I know in the Roman alphabet.
Modern Dog Lifestyle: Spoiling Our Pets with Gifts, Luxury, and Dog-Lover Culture Trends
Having a pet can bring great pleasure into our lives and is believed to have a therapeutic effect on the owner. For empty nesters and those who’ve delayed or opted out of having kids, pets almost take the place of children. We bond with our pets, especially because they don’t judge us. Dogs in particular offer the kind of unconditional love we all crave. They’re always thrilled to have us around! So, how do we spoil our pets? Probably in more than the same way that we spoil our children! Aside from all of the care and attention lavished on America’s pets, a tremendous measure of the medium of exchange is spent providing goods and services that were once deemed a luxury– but are now considered essential.
The Modern Dog Lifestyle: Luxury, Care, and Thoughtful Gifts
Today’s dog visits the vet regularly, eats premium food, and enjoys gourmet treats. She has toys, clothing, and even dog jewelry, sleeps on a luxury bed, and wears gear for safety and weather. Her responsibilities are few, but we show our love by buying gifts for holidays, special occasions, or just because.
Modern Dog Lifestyle: Spoiling Our Pets with Gifts, Luxury, and Dog-Lover Culture
According to a survey conducted by the Pet Supplies “Plus” chain, 97% of its customers will buy gifts for their animals this Yuletide season. 28% of owners will spend more on their pets than on their spouses when buying gifts. 47% will spend more on their pets than on relatives other than their spouse. 54% will spend more on their pets than on their in-laws. 83% will wrap their pets’ gifts. 68% claim that their pets will unwrap presents for themselves with their paws. 71% will buy something practical for themselves. Buying gifts for our pets is only half of it. If the possessor we know is a pet lover, we often show our support by giving the entertainer a pet-related gift.
Pampering Pups: Creative Dog Gifts for Every Occasion
And, since the saying goes, “love me, love my dog”, there’s often pressure to throw in a little dog gift for Spike too. For a casual dog-loving acquaintance, our dog lover gift might be a simple coffee mug with a picture of their favorite dog breed. A set of plush doggie-themed golf club covers could make an amusing gift for a colleague. Maybe Aunt Janine has a collection of dog figurines we can add to. Or, at the other end of the spectrum, one could splurge on a diamond-studded canis familiaris-themed bracelet for the wife (although I wouldn’t recommend this as an anniversary gift, unless you’re verrry sure) and a newborn house for Spike.
