Friends of mine who don’t have dogs are always teasing me about the latest outrageous indulgence we “dog people” are up to—things like canine massages and dog-centered camps. And I patiently explain that while these may not be strictly essential to a happy, healthy life—they are probably welcome additions.
Then, along comes a $52,000 diamond dog collar. Like something Leona Helmsley would have had in every color of the rainbow, the diamond dog collar strikes me as well, excessive. (OK, I admit I like the fact a portion of the sale is donated to the North Shore Animal Shelter. If it’s like, say, $30,000, I could seriously get behind this thing.) But I’m heading out for a weekend with dog-skeptics and I just know this is going to come up—and honestly, there’s nothing I can say, except it’s not about whether you love your dog or not. It's just that even in a recession some people just really want to burn through their cash.
What do you think is too much when it comes to your pets?
I've been thinking about this for a day since reading your post. Here's my conclusion that works for me. I would gently set a boundary with my friends/family that my decisions are mine and I am not looking for their input. If they persist, I would patiently decline to be engaged in that conversation. Unless I solicit their opinion, how I spend my money [on any thing] isn't up for discussion.
This post also got me to thinking about what I do spend on my dog:what I consider necessities versus extravagances. But even among dog people, that definition will vary. The last two dogs I've had were cremated and I scattered their ashes. Some people I know would not have spent the money on it, but I had the means and the ritual was important to me. I don't explain that decision to any one nor do I expect any one else to do what I do. I am aware that my mother and brother don't get my attachment to animals but I don't encourage a conversation around it.
Very good topic to think about. I have had conversations about it with people who are open and nonjudgmental.
I tease my brother about the umpteen millions of toys he buys his dogs; he teases me because my dog, yes, I admit it, wears a hand-crocheted sweater once in awhile (she's little and cold sensitive, ok).
I tell him, hey, we all spoil our dogs in our own ways!