Gone are the days when a dog just "hangs around", and you occasionally throw him a bone. Gone are the days of just feeding the dog each day and forgetting about it. Many people are now opting to share their homes with their dogs. Some are opting for dog ownership in lieu of a family or in lieu of having children. The role of dog ownership has certainly changed......and what about the role of the dog? This role has also changed.
Gone are the days when a dog just "hangs around", and you occasionally throw him a bone. Gone are the days of just feeding the dog each day and forgetting about it. Many people are now opting to share their homes with their dogs, inviting them to be part of their family. Some people are opting for dog ownership in lieu of a family or in lieu of having children.
Obviously the role of dog ownership has certainly changed......and what about the role of the dog? This role has also changed. There are mixed breeds and purebreds just like there always has been, and now there are "designer" dogs. This is an intentional breeding of two different kinds of purebred dogs hoping to pull the better traits from each breed. The cost of a "designer" dog often exceeds the cost of a purebred dog, and their popularity is on the rise.
As people become more health conscious, they are interested in healthy options for their dogs as well. There are nearly as many health choices for dogs as there are for people. Although there are still good ole' milk bone biscuits available, many owners only serve their canine companions gourmet treats that are made from all natural ingredients. There are the standard beef, chicken, and lamb flavors as well as the more gourmet flavors. How about sweet potato biscotti or pumpkin muffins? There's even doggie ice cream now.
An abundance of clothing and accessories is also available. From trendy "Yorkie" carriers, a small carrier to enable your companion to travel with you, to orthopedic beds for easing joint discomfort for your dogs, to doggie boots for keeping paws dry, and hats and coats and p.j.'s, and the list goes on and on.
Doggie spas are here to supply canine massages and pedicures complete with nail polish. For the working moms and dads, there are doggie day cares or dog walkers who actually come to your house to walk your dog. Yes, the role of "the dog" has certainly changed, as well as the role of the owner.
Most dogs are now very pampered family members, and yes, there is responsibility in dog ownership. To dog or not to dog is something that only you can answer, however; all I can say is that the rewards from such a venture are enormous.
Maltese Magic
My husband and I had just begun to enjoy the freedom of an "empty nest" when my son moved back home with his Maltese. We greeted the little newcomer with a bit of skepticism--but in a very short time "P.J" took over not only our home, but our hearts.
Black Hat SEO - What You Should Know
Like it or not, the search engine optimization (SEO) strategies implemented by your webmaster may impact more than your company’s keyword rankings. Black Hat SEO, as unethical search engine optimization practices are generally called, can have negative consequences for your company’s public image as well. This article gives an overview of tactics you should avoid.
The (Nearly) Lost Art of Sending Greeting Cards
In an era dominated by digital communication, the personal touch of sending greeting cards remains a cherished practice, albeit one that's becoming less common. This tradition, which combines thoughtfulness with tangible sentiment, offers a unique way to connect with loved ones, yet many of us struggle to find the time to maintain it amidst our busy lives.
