Japanese High on Style for Dogs

I recently returned from Japan – my old stomping
grounds. Now I haven’t been to France lately so
can’t say, but I would definitely rank the dogs
of Japan as amongst the best dressed! Louis Vuitton,
Gucci, Fendi and Burberry dog accessories and apparel
were in evidence everywhere!

It wasn’t always like that. When I was growing up
in Japan, dogs were guard dogs and lived in the
dog house just at the entrance to the family
home. I remember our first dog. Dad brought him
home from the country as a pup. Tooziek was a
black dog, had a curly tail, pointy ears and a
great disposition. All us kids loved him dearly.
He was always part of our adventures!

Unlike today’s well dressed and pampered dog,
there were no dog clothes then. A good leather
collar and a leash to match meant you and your
dog were stepping out in style. A shiny coat
meant that the dog was well cared for – fed
properly and brushed! A sturdy dog house provided
shelter from the cold, the heat and the rain. Of
course mom made sure that Tooziek’s floor was
always lined with a soft and dry bed to sleep on.
Between meals there was always a bowl of fresh
water.

Affluence and changing lifestyles go hand in hand
and obviously this goes not only for people but
for pet parents and their dogs as well. The
basics are always there. Ensure that your dog is
always well cared for … and if you can add a bit
of fashion and flare, well why not?