CreativeJournal.net

Gatsby Publishing has just released it’s first issue of The New York Dog Magazine. A glossy, 108 page full-color magazine for the metrosexual dog and owner. Published by two Irishmen, the charter issue features three pages filled entirely of dog obituaries submitted by owners. “These are not death notices or part of the classified section,” publisher Gregg Oehler said in a statement. “They are actual obituaries: beautifully written, incredibly moving pieces, paying tribute to dogs that have died in the last month from all over America.”

The magazine also boasts such helpful articles like: how to win your dog in a custody battle, canine haute couture, advice from an animal behaviorist, and a close look at dogs on the Atkins diet. Yes… dogs on the atkins diet… a close look.

Is this over the top? I also ran across the New York Dog Spa and Hotel. Do dogs really need spa treatments? Normal, regular grooming is one thing, but a spa? Their full grooming service takes a minimum of four hours, and that doesn’t even include the optional massage treatment!

As a dog owner who loves his dog immensely, I can’t help but think that there is something wrong with this scenario. Loving, respecting and caring for your canine is all well and good, but when you start spending thousands of dollars a week to pamper and spoil your pet it’s time to re-evaluate your value structure. I can’t imaging being wealthy enough to have disposable income, but if I did, I still wouldn’t be able to justify these canine accoutrements.

Let me leave you with one more scary tidbit:

A recent survey by the American Pet Association showed 30 percent of those polled said they were as attached to their dog as they were to a best friend, 14 percent said they were as attached to their dog as to their children, and 10 percent felt as attached to their dog as to their spouses.

God help us all.

Sources: Washington Times & New York Times (registration required)