I’m turning forty this summer (heaven help me) and my family’s throwing me a luau birthday bash to celebrate the event—and to keep me from spending the whole day crying. So, I’ve been busy hunting for party goods and decorations, when I spotted a luau outfit for a dog: a flower lei and a grass skirt. Hilarious! I put it on my watch list on ebay.
But I’m not sure yet if I’m really going to deck out Hershey for the birthday bash. I don’t know if we’re a dress-up-your-dog kind of family. I think there are two kinds of pet owners—those who dress up their furry friends and treat them like little kids, and those who don’t. I’m not sure which camp I fall into yet. Am I going to buy Hershey Halloween costumes? Reindeer antlers for Christmas? Will we throw her a birthday party of her own, complete with a doggie cake and guests? Will the cat and dog have their own Christmas stockings? It sure would all make for cute pictures. I’m just not sure, though.
My neighbor has two little dogs with their own outfits, sweaters, rain jackets and booties. The other day he rode by on his bike with the two dogs in tow, riding in a covered wagon meant for kids. Obviously, these dogs are his children. Granted, he’s retired and has lots of time to enjoy every moment with his dogs. (In fact, he offered to walk mine each morning! I’m a little too proud to say yes.) I wonder what other luxuries his little buddies enjoy. Doggie massages? Gourmet food? Oh, to have lived the life of one of Leona Helmsley’s dogs. I wonder how they’re spending their inheritance? Yes, some people certainly spoil their pets.
So how pampered is Hershey going to be? She’s got her fair share of toys, and gets lots of treats each day. Her big doggie bed takes up quite a bit of real estate in the family room. I’d say she’s doing alright.
But clothes? Would she even want them? It’s quite possible Hershey wouldn’t tolerate wearing any clothing, hats or shoes. We tried to dress up our first cats for Halloween years ago and they promptly clawed the outfits off each other as if they knew it just wasn’t right. Are animals embarrassed when they’re dressed up? Do pooches hang their heads when they approach their friends wearing plaid sweaters? Is a bandana acceptable but a floppy hat just wrong?
Yep, I’ve got some decisions to make. I’m sure my Boston-born husband would love to deck out Hershey in Red Sox gear. There are so many gadgets, trinkets and toys you can buy for your pet, a person could go crazy. So, the luau outfit stays on the watch list for now. The truth is, Hershey might not be invited to the party, not unless she learns some manners, fast. We just might need to indulge in a doggie sitter that day. Or maybe a trip to the doggie spa…..
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Have you missed any of the articles in this series?
If so, you can find them at:
The Bringing Up Puppy Series page.
Related posts:
- Bringing Up Puppy Series – Hello Stranger
- Bringing Up Puppy Series – The Worst Lab
- Bringing Up Puppy Series – Who is the Boss?
- Bringing Up Puppy Series – Holding Tight
- Bringing Up Puppy Series – Fairy Dog Mother – Part 2
