Recently there have been a lot of programmes about dogs and how they are presented at dog shows. I know a lot of people like their pets to have the best of everything, but in my opinion dogs and cats should not be treated as toys and dressing them up.
This included dyeing poodle’s fur and clipping it into incredible shapes. There were even a couple of dogs getting married for goodness sake.
The poor dogs don’t understand and it is the owners who get pleasure from winning rosettes at shows.
But this fad for dressing dogs in ridiculous clothes is spreading like wildfire. It is mostly small breeds such as Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers and Bichon Frises.
The list goes on and so does the bling!
I blame Paris Hilton who started the craze of putting dogs wearing diamante collars into her handbags. For heaven’s sake their dogs have legs and need exercise instead of being carried around all the time.
I recently moved and needing some food for my Jack Russell I went to the nearest pet shop and was just amazed by the size of it. They have a grooming parlour which is always busy. There is nothing wrong with a quick cut and blow dry and the dogs looked happy.
However, I was aghast when I saw the enormous range of clothes and accessories they have for dogs. I mean does a dog want a waterproof jacket? If it’s chilly they could have nice cosy sweaters.
The collars and leads for small dogs are covered with diamante although they do have a range of plain ones for bigger dogs as well. They have a huge range of shampoos and many homeopathic medicines for fleas and ticks and other nasties our dogs pick up.
There are also toothbrushes and toothpaste, combs, brushes and shampoo. The poo bags they sell are biodegradable, which is great news for responsible owners.
They have all kinds of different dog food, food bowls and portable water containers. The treats section is huge and has all manner of bones, chews catering for all tastes. Perfect presents for your pooch.
At the end of that aisle are beds of all sizes and colours and even a small stair case so that smaller dogs can get up onto a bed or sofa.
My eye was caught by a beautiful pink armchair for only £189.99, but sadly it is too small for most dogs, however,I am sure that Katie Price would just love it!
Before you think that many people will laugh at their wide range of doggy ‘bling’ remember that this pet shop are simply catering for dogs of all sizes and breeds plus a myriad of other animals, cats, bunnies even snakes!
The staff are so helpful, you can ask any questions and they will answer your queries suggesting products that will solve your problems. I go there all the time and bought a rather fetching padded coat for my Jack Russell last winter. She hated it and whenever I put it on her she would refuse to walk. So that’s in the back of the cupboard!
I have yet to find another pet shop like this with such a range of products and as I have two dogs with different needs I go there regularly.
It is certainly a one stop shop for pets.
By Jane Buckle
