If THAT's a Dog's Life...I'll Take It!

In the English language, the word 'dog' has increasingly become an adjective of sorts. Mostly of the negative variety.

"I'm dog-tired."
"He's such a dog."
"He forgot his wife's birthday? Man, is HE in the doghouse."

Then there are the nondescript uses of the word.

"Wassup, dawg?"
"Dog-gone it!"
"Who, in fact, let the dogs out?"

But, regardless of the vastness of the three-letter word, I prefer to use it in reference to the four-legged, furry companions I have ruling my house.

Many people refer to someone who is down on their luck, or leading a less-than-adequate life as one who 'lives a dog's life.' However, when I look at the two canines who hog my bed, make themselves at home on my couch, take big bites out of the walls in my house and get to go for W-A-L-Ks more often than any other dog on the planet...I have to think, "Is THAT so bad?"

Apparently, millions of people agree with me.

According to whatever waste-of-money research was done to collect doggie data, Americans spent more than $41 million last year on their cuddly critters. That's more than twice as much as was spent on them in 1996.

So, what gives?

The research notes that despite the flagging economy, more designer doggie spas, doggie clothing lines, upscale boutiques and cream-of-the-crop, homemade food products are being launched and are succeeding.

I will be the first person to admit that my husband and I undeniably spoil KoKo and Kaeli. They are our little girls and we wouldn't bat an eye at spending big bucks to the vet to determine that they have a common, everyday cold. But, a line needs to be drawn somewhere people.

If you want to dress your dog up (why? I don't know), get a t-shirt or dress from your closet or go to Goodwill - they could use the money. If you really think that buying specialty foods for your pet that has better ingredients than some PEOPLE can afford - you need a lobotomy.

I mean, I understand picky eaters and owners who want to accomodate them. Kaeli is a very picky eater. She won't eat any dry dog food that costs more than $10 a bag. She's very frugal...no Science Diet, Iams or Rachael Ray name brands for her. And KoKo? She'll eat anything you put in front of her - and still looks anorexic.

But dogs are like kids. You shouldn't spoil them with money or designer digs. Because, after all, do they REALLY appreciate it? Do they really beg for you to dress them in sunglasses or frilly tutu? No. They beg for attention. They beg for love. They beg for you to scratch them behind the ears and whisper in your most annoying doggie voice, 'who's a good girl? yes you are. You're a good girl.'

Last week, I thought we splurged when we bought KoKo a brand new, bright red, big girl leash for a whopping $6.97. Then I felt guilty because we didn't buy Kaeli one. That'll be a separate purchase. I thought we spoiled the girls when we took them to the pond and let them get in my car bringing the stink of the fish crap and moss with them. Spend time with your animals people...that's all they really want.

If you have money to throw away and you want to spend it on canine companions or furry felines, visit your local animal shelter. They'd be more than happy to spend the $41 million my fellow Americans have laying around.