DOG ALMIGHTY - Humanization of Dogs

I do think its rediculous that some people may put mascara on the dog.... or force it to wear clothing for most of its life... but in general I dont see any harm in treating your pet like your kid...

That's a really interesting article....to me it illustrates that as with everything, dressing up a dog can be taken too far.  I am perfectly willing to concede that with some dogs, it is necessary sometimes.  Small lap dogs that don't have a lot of fur may not be able to keep themselves warm in sub-zero temperatures (whatever that is in F, I am a Celcius girl) and a sweater may be the answer to getting them to stay outside long enough to pee.
 
Personally, I don't see the attraction, but I am not very "dressy" most of the time myself.  I tend to slouch around the house in t-shirts and linen trousers, and only wear skirts when I have to.  I don't see why my dog should be more dressed up than I am.  Then again, maybe it's easier for me, on the outside looking in.  I have only ever owned large breed, male dogs - not exactly the nail-polish and diamante studded leash wearing set.  I have no idea if I'd feel differently if I had a little female frenchie.  I can also think of better ways to spend my money than a custom made dog bed when I am pretty certain Ben wouldn't be able to tell the difference between it and the soft old blanket he sleeps quite happily on now.  Given that he wouldn't have the foggiest idea of, or appreciation for, some thousand-dollar bed, I'd rather make a donation in his name to an animal welfare charity.  But that's just me. 
 
What does concern me about all of this is the blatant commercialism of it, and the keeping-up-with-the-Joneses trend it will undoubtedly create.  Going into debt to cover emergency vet bills is one thing - doing it so that your pooch is not fashionably outdone by the dog across the street is quite another.  What happens when your dog really does need vet treatment, but your credit cards are maxed from buying it silk dresses it cannot possibly appreciate?  That, to me, is not the ultimate expression of love for a pet.  As I said, though, maybe it's easier for me, since I am not about to give a male labrador a french manicure.  The odd sweater, fine...I even think sunglasses look cute, but fully dressed up is a totally different kettle of fish, to me.
 
Paris Hilton has a lot to answer for...
 
[/soapbox]
 
Kate
 
 

I think it depends on the extent.  A dog with painted nails that is well socialized and exercised is no big deal.  (I don't do it with my own dogs, but don't feel I can judge others).  I have a problem with the mascara because it can damage the eyes but the nails aren't a problem unless you have a paw licker.

FWIW - I don't dress my dogs up, but am tempted to incorporate them into my wedding next year.  They would wear fancy collars and leashes, but not clothes.  But I don't like dogs in clothes.  I have friends that dress their dogs up for fun, but they don't think that they HAVE to be dressed up.  I think that's the vital difference.

I would like to add:
 
I think most people who do this (hope not offending anyone) such as Paris Hilton use it as more of a status symbol for themselves.  Just another way to show the world how much money you have along with the facny clothing and cars... *I* can afford a diamond necklace for my dog... that sort of thing.  Like they are compensating for something with their money, flashing it around like that makes them a legitimate person.  Sad really.
 
Im only talking about the extreme here, not everyone who spoils their dog, because mine are extremely spoiled, but no mascara, jewelry... etc...
 
Oh this reminds me, the other day a lady brought in her dog and its ears were pierced with little stud earrings in them. 

I think the wedding thing and the dress is a great idea, I also think sweaters are a great thing... and pinted nail are fine too if you have the time or whatever... I just mean when its an every day thing taken to the extreme.  Hope thats clear because I think most of it is cute... but the mention of Paris Hilton... and that sort of thing is to me like what I posted above...

Oh this reminds me, the other day a lady brought in her dog and its ears were pierced with little stud earrings in them.

  That is sad! Now that is excessive and NOT necessary to pierce a dog's ears.. IMHO, That is over the top and exactly what this article states.
 
I am guilty of dressing mine up with sweaters, shades and even the hat's or cap's. But only on special days and theme parties.

I confess.  Sioux gets dressed - but only for her therapy dog visits, and it's usually just a fancy sequined collar ruffle or maybe a bandana and ball cap.  The elders love it, and she doesn't seem to mind.  In fact, when the sequins come out, she knows we are going to some place where there will be frail old hands full of liver treats for her to take gently out of their hands.
But, would I dress dogs to make them look like children?  Heck no - if I had wanted to dress kids, I'd have had a few.  I prefer to spend my life with my dogs and my doggie friends.  And, while we call ourselves dog moms, we do know the difference between loving dogs as dogs, and trying to make them into something else to fill some psychobabble void in life. 
 

Sioux, You an AWESOME lady yourself!
 
I could not agree with you more Anne....[]  And to add another  implication of " women who never bore a children always has numerous pets," garbage either. We have a respect for all creatures of the animal kingdom. Although, I do not like my species as much as I do the fur and winged beings capture my inner soul. And it is for them I live, love and laugh.

Zoe wears sweaters and shirts when it is cold.  My bf was one of those people who always felt dogs should not wear clothes.  All that changed when he saw Zoe shiver in 60 degree weather.  She has barely any belly hair and is little so she gets chilly fast.  Rather than have her shake, we put a sweater on her.  She doesn't seem to mind but is definitely much better after it is on.  My friends joke she has a larger wardrobe than me, but in actuality, it is that I got a 13 piece set for a good deal ($13.... a bandanna or sweater for each month of the year) and the sweater or shirt I have bought in addition to it have never cost more than $5 so basically... she, like I, gets clothes that are a good deal, and needed .  She may be spoiled, but frugally.  Even if I won the lottery, she would not be wearing a $50 dog sweater.

I think it's cute when dogs wear sweaters outside when it's cold, but that is the extent of it for me.
 
Boss does wear an old  T-shirt when it's really cold outside trying to keep his bad joint warmer when he goes outside, plus he has no belly fur so he gets cold really easy.
 
The extent Gracie will get anything is pretty collars and even those I don't get carried away. I love them to look cute, but I'd rather spend my money buying them nutritous food and toys THEY get enjoyment out of, clothing would only amuse ME.
 

And he looks very handsome in that T-shirt!!!!!

There is a woman who boards her standard poodle and brings her on and off to day care at the kennel where DS works.  She picks the darned thing up and carries her around like a baby.....
 
She divorced her hubby a few years back and it was an acromonious divorce, with her taking him STRAIGHT to the cleaners in a major way.  Hubby hated the dog....wife adores the dog....who now wears a collar with her NAME studded in diamonds around her neck, compliments of hubbies money.  According to the kennel owner the DOG is wearing around 30 grand in diamonds on her neck!  Can we say a VULGAR display of prosperity??

Sally has a couple of tee shirts.  She only wears them every once in a while but I highly doubt that she looks in the mirror and thinks "OMG, I look SO undignified!!!" 
 
She's a happy-go-lucky, well cared for dog, and if people think I'm silly or trendy for putting a tee shirt on my dog a couple of times a years, tough skittles.

ORIGINAL: glenmar

There is a woman who boards her standard poodle and brings her on and off to day care at the kennel where DS works.  She picks the darned thing up and carries her around like a baby.....

She divorced her hubby a few years back and it was an acromonious divorce, with her taking him STRAIGHT to the cleaners in a major way.  Hubby hated the dog....wife adores the dog....who now wears a collar with her NAME studded in diamonds around her neck, compliments of hubbies money.  According to the kennel owner the DOG is wearing around 30 grand in diamonds on her neck!  Can we say a VULGAR display of prosperity??

 
IDK, sounds like a great way to stick it to an ex to me.  Hate my dog huh?  Well look what your cash bought her buddy.....