Fran on Friday –

Owning a pet supplies business, we see a lot of products that manufacturers want us to carry in the shop. Much of it is reasonable – dog bowls, fences, ramps, carriers, collars, leashes, toys, treats, food, and on and on. We consider every addition to our product line very carefully. New products have to serve a purpose, they have to be attractive (reasonably), and affordably priced. Some items that we carry are, admittedly, frivolous (like the bow tie – but Booker looks so cute in it!). But most do serve a purpose.

But, I will never understand why people put dresses on their dogs. Dogs are not little people. Dresses on dogs do not serve any purpose. The cuteness factor? Well, perhaps, but I don’t see it. There’s one company that we know of that produces tutus for dogs. I don’t even understand tutus on prima ballerinas. (I love the dance, but don’t get the costume. One day I”ll have to research its origin.) When we were first starting out, Hope and I were at a trade convention and saw one vendor’s wedding dresses and tuxedos for dogs laid out on their table. We looked at each other, said, “No!” and walked on.

The furthest I will go is to leave Tango’s bandana on until I take his picture after I get him back from the groomer’s.