There’s an old expression that refers to “living a dog’s life”. Dating back to the 16th century, it refers to leading a miserable, unhappy life. While this expression may have been true long ago, things have clearly changed since then. These days, most dogs lead a charmed life that most of us would love to have!
When I was growing up in the early 80s, we had a little white dog named Buttons. Despite what my kids think, this was well after the 16th century. By then, things were much better for dogs, but nothing compared to today!
We loved Buttons and treated her well. She had a nice life, and rarely complained. But then again, she had no idea how things would improve over the next 30 years!
Buttons didn’t have any clothes. No sweaters, no booties, and no rain jacket to keep her dry. The only accessory she had was a white plastic flea collar which she wore during the summer.
These days there are holiday sweaters, quilted vests and fan apparel for your dog’s favorite team. At Halloween, you can dress up your dogs as a pirate, a taco or even Yoda! I’ve never seen a dog who looked particularly thrilled to be wearing a costume. It’s the owners who seem highly amused – especially when they have a matching costume.
Buttons ate plain old dog Chow that we bought at the grocery store. There were two choices: Dog Chow and Puppy Clow. These days, there are hundreds of brands and lines of dog food made with fish, chicken, beef, tofu, you name it! There are varieties for sensitive stomachs, itchy skin, senior dogs, overweight dogs, big dogs, little dogs.
You will find these endless choices at the grocery store, but also huge stores dedicated only to dogs and cats! Here you’ll find treats for picky eaters, games for hyper pets, bones for aggressive chewers, and beds for dogs with bad backs. You’ll find ointments, specialty shampoos and conditioners and even meat flavored toothpaste.
Speaking of dental care, the other day I drove by a new Dog Dental practice. Really? We certainly never worried about Buttons’ oral hygiene. Do the offer orthodontics as well, or just basic cleaning and whitening? I wonder if any dog might be a candidate for Invisalign or a gold tooth?
We also never worried about Buttons getting bored or needing to improve her social skills. When no one was home, she stayed by herself. We never hired a dog sitter or dog walker.
When we went out of town, she stayed at our vet’s office. There were no doggy day cares, or dog camps or pet hotels.
There was certainly not Puppy Kindergarten, or Dog School or K9 Academy. Buttons had no diploma, but that was ok.
We used to get Buttons groomed every now and then. Usually at Christmas time, plus any time or she rolled in goose poop or a patch of burrs.
These days they have salons and even spas for dogs. Dog washing and grooming has been re-branded. Now you can add a specialty shampoo or a blow-out. How about a nail trim and file? I’m sure you could request color for an added fee. How about a massage for your stressed or overworked dog or maybe a facial for those under eye bags?
Speaking of dogs and work, there’s another expression that refers to “working like a dog”. This implies that you have been working long and hard. Granted, some dogs do work hard. We love therapy dogs, guide dogs, service dogs and police and military dogs.
My two dogs, however, are happily unemployed. They do gobble up all the food and crumbs that we drop on the floor. Who needs a Roomba? But they also gather under my feet when I’m preparing any sort of food. I’ve accidentally kicked, tripped over and stepped on them, but they still shadow my every move waiting for anything to drop!
Other than that, our dogs pretty much sleep on the couch or in the sun all day long. When we’re outside, they’ll occasionally chase a squirrel or dig a hole, but usually right through the flowers.
In terms of a good work/life balance, my dogs have figured it out!
Over the years, things have certainly gotten better for dogs. The old saying “It’s a dog’s life” does not apply, unless you’re suggesting that someone is living like royalty. These days, most royals envy the life of dogs.
Speaking of the royal family, the Queen of England recently launched her own line of dog accessories featuring engraved leather collars and leashes, jeweled food bowls, and tartan patterned hunting jackets. Now every dog can live and look like a royal. Come to think of it, I guess they already do.
