It's a Dog's Life !!!

Do you believe that after we depart this world we come back as something else??............then I suggest you think about coming back as a dog in Japan. Seriously these must be the most pampered pets in the world.

After a jaunt out on the bikes the other day we decided to head down Motomachi Street, a very fashionable street just across the canal, to grab some bread. Unbeknown to us there was a special event for dogs occurring. What a crack up!! There were dogs dressed in all kinds of outfits and their owners were proudly strutting around with these 'designer pooches' on the end of  leads or in specially designed pushers or prams. Many pooches also sported underwear, peaked caps and tips in their hair. On the whole they were a very well behaved group and there was little trouble.You couldn't help but be amused by this very lovable group of canines! I suspect these very pretty and well cared for pets could be a little neurotic and, maybe just a little, spoilt!!

Hey!!! Wait for me..........wait for me! Let me go! I just saw this really cute chick! I want her....I want her now....Let me go!!!

"Oh I say mummy look at that gorgeous outfit...quick follow her!!"

"Hey you guys......just because you're bigger than me doesn't mean I can't look."

"Get me out of this pram...I have problems to solve.....like......which good looking chick I am going to crack on to ?!!!"

The owner of this dog was very proud that an American friend had given her a Spiderman outfit, perfect for that special day out.

SMILE.......YOU'RE ON DOGGY CAMERA!!!!!!!!!!!! 

There is a huge business in 'doggy' products and many big department stores devote a whole floor, or certainly part of, to supplying all the things a pampered pooch could ever want. Your beloved pet can select between a variety of styles, from jeans and windcheater, frilly dress, tracksuit and, of course, there is pyjamas for evening wear! In one store they were even selling doggy pools complete with water slides. On my gosh...how extreme!!!

Just the other day I saw this girl with her dog on her lap. This is the first time I have ever seen a dog on a train. I have been aware of dogs being carried in their special carry bags but believed that dogs were not allowed on the trains, the same as bikes. Upon investigating this issue I have found that pets  under 10 kg  which can fit in a case of up to 70 x 90 x 90cm can be taken as “hand luggage”. Heavier pets, or pets that cannot fit in the designated case, are not permitted (with the exception of guide dogs and other assisting animals that meet the Japanese Railway definitions).

So these dogs will grow up and eventually be able to travel on the trains. Small compensation for such a responsible job....that of a Seeing Eye Dog!!

It's must be very humiliating for these pampered pooches to see signs like these......but...

.......some things don't change. Even designer dogs have to go to the 'loo'!!! There is a 'trade off' though....someone is always there to wipe your bottom!

So to all you pet owners out there...just ask yourselves this.... 
IS THERE MORE I COULD BE DOING TO MAKE MY PET'S LIFE MORE COMFORTABLE????