The human-canine relationship has been around for quite some time... According to Wikipedia, converging archaeological and genetic evidence indicate domestication began between 17,000 and 14,000 years ago. Below is an ancient Roman mosaic depicting a hunting dog with a collar. Originally, dogs were used for hunting, and working animals, and later became valued as companions. It used to be that having and caring for a pet was a luxury, only afforded by the wealthy. Now it seems most everyone has a household pet.
Dogs, like other domesticated animals, are not just pets anymore. They are regarded as members of the family. From the Chihuahua to the Great Dane, humans everywhere are adopting these furry creatures into their families. According to the Humane Society of the United States, there are approximately 74.8 million dogs as family pets in the United States. 39% of U.S. households own at least one dog. On average, dog owners spent $219 on veterinary visits (vaccine, well visits) annually. Even the death of a pet has now warranted the use of a Pet Cemetary or crematorium.
Pet beds, bowls, toys, clothing, accessories, special obedience classes, and doggie day care have become staples in the life of dog ownership. Pet clothing and accessories that say "Princess" or "Dutchess"... Owners can now choose natural and organic dog food, and human-grade treats like tilapia fish jerky or dog biscuits and cookies made with carob and yogurt, and handmade colorful designs. The cookies even smell like human cookies! Things have certainly come a long way since the dog house days of Charlie Brown's Snoopy, or the plain pet supplies used in Garfield or Dennis the Mennis. Granted, those are fictional depictions of reality's version of dog ownership, and I am no exception. My dog is definitely spoiled... She has a toy basket, overflowing with chew toys and stuffed animals, and rawhide bones cover her "dog bed," which she never sleeps on because she claims the couch or my bed when she needs a nap. It's all fine by me. She is a great dog, always wanting to play, but will lay by you if you don't feel well. She also knows how to high-5, and high-10. Some humans aren't as cooperative.
Certain establishments now cater to a pet-friendly clientele, inviting customers to bring their pets to coffee shops, book stores, even their work place. Even going for medical treatments can be luxurious...*note* I haven't gone this far yet... though I do give Koda (pictured above) a "puppy massage" when she gets irritable. It calms her down at night and then she goes to sleep. :o)
Veterinary Holistic Care in Bethesda, MD utilizes "Nutrition with an emphasis on Raw Diet, Acupuncture, Chinese and Western Herbs, Homeopathy, Bach Flowers, Energy Healing, Massage and a variety of other holistic modalities." Here, you can send your dog for massage therapy, acupunture, aura cleansing, chiropractic treatments, and even Qigong: an ancient Chinese methodology for health, therapy, and longevity.
Some useful links:
Clean Run Dog Toys, Treats, Agility and Training
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