For the Dog Lovers

As Dana will tell you, dogs are EVERYWHERE here.  (I almost convinced her to stay just because of it : )  Really it's an accessory kind of thing because most people's yards are not big enough to be dog friendly, although I guess the REALLY teeny tiny dogs might get in more than four steps each way.  But anyway as I was saying, we found it really odd that when we looked for a hotel in Arizona they'd ask us how many pets?  Huh?  That's standard in the West?  In L.A. dogs are in the restaurants, in the stores, at the beach, in purses... you get it.  Therefore we have lots of doggie boutiques such as 'Barks & Bitches,' Urban Tails, and Chrome Bones.  We have doggie daycare/hotels (Chateau Marmutt), doggie spas, doggie psychics... you get it.  I KNOW other places have some of these same types of things but I guarantee you nothing compares to the excess and prevalence of it here.  I trust that if Calvin and Cleo (our two mutts at home) walked into any of these places they'd receive the Pretty Woman Treatment a la Julia Roberts on Rodeo Drive.  

I would like to take this opportunity to solemnly swear that when I do get my own dog it will be big and furry and will not wear any jewelry, will not match my outfit and will not be visiting any spas with the exception of the occasional grooming van visit.  Doesn't mean I dont love my dogs, just means I wont pamper them more than I pamper myself!  You may feel free to disagree, as I know I have several family members who are much nicer to their pets than I am : )  To that I say what my parents always told me when they were meaner/stricter/more neglectful (hehe) than everyone else's parents "It's because we love you more." 

With so many dogs come dog walkers and so almost everyday I observe gaggles of dogs being walked by some poor struggling actress with this side job who is desperately trying to look calm, cool, and collected and obviously did her hair and makeup before she ventured out on her day of dog walking.  Hey at least here it IS true you never know who you'll run into I guess...

My favorite that I've seen was a little wiener dog jogging far in front of the pack and leashless.  I was trying to understand why the big dogs behind him weren't keeping up... until I saw the elaborate mini wheelchair his hind legs were sitting on.  (Don't worry dog lovers, he did not look the least bit concerned or in pain, rather I think he was a little smug with his speed.)

Also just for reference, the standard reward for a lost dog around here is $1000.  I'm pretty sure back home it's more like $50 or $100 but perhaps the reward here also includes the jewels or designer clothing the lost dog may be wearing?!  : )