A Designer Dog Collars in a Time of Recession?

It seems that regardless of the economy, there are two places we are not totally skimping… our kids and…our dogs. Surprised? I am not. There is an interesting psychology about what makes us feel better when times are down. For the most part, our little kids are easy to please. They like to play-play-play all day-day-day. So even if we are low on cash or feeling down, it is wonderful to experience joy through their daily discoveries. This is a natural phenomenon for most parents and helps us keep our perspective. Apart from the joy of your children, who is the most excited to see you when you walk through the front door? I don’t know about you, but - it’s my big, furry, happy German Shepherd. Dogs are naturally sweet, happy, forgiving companions. It is no wonder we develop such a unique bond with our beloved dogs.

According to the associated press, Americans will spend upwards of $43 Billion on their pets despite the slow down in discretionary spending. It seems that psychologically, if you cannot remodel your kitchen or go on that vacation, it just feels better to buy a designer dog collar for your pooch. It is just more doable to buy “Daisy” a personalized dog collar than go on than to go on that cruise. During tough times, we do tend to close ranks with our families (which includes our beloved dog), and enjoy more simple pleasures together. So just surrender to the fact that you will be buying the latest Elmo doll for your child, and who doesn’t love Elmo? You will also be splurging on dog accessories. Why? Because it is the simple pleasure that make you happy.

Be aware though as the news is not all good. It is fun to post happy-puppy photos and wax poetic about our unique bond with our dogs, however animal shelters are seeing a surge in abandoned dogs. This is attributed to the economic swamp in which we find ourselves with some people losing their homes due to foreclosure. The holidays also pose a threat to dogs with an increase in dog abandonment due holiday puppy purchases.

I recommend posting animal rescue numbers on the fridge so that you can lend a hand if need-be. Just last week a local gardener was driving his truck around our neighborhood offering puppies to anyone on the street who would take one. Unfortunately I did not really hold out much hope for the fate of those pups as it was careless to be passing them out on the street like that.

Of course the news is always mixed with the positive and negative. While we cannot save the world, we can tend to our own and, we can always remain aware of those who may need our help.

Dogs are members of our families and their unconditional love is a true gift to us. They add so much to our lives! Celebrate your dogs however you wish. Cheer yourself up with an Elmo doll for your little one, or a designer dog collar for Smoochy. But definitely be aware of the dogs in the hood that may need to be routed to the rescue groups.