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| Saturday, 19 February 2005 |
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Canines the stars in Big Apple: A dogged love affair with dogs by Manjula Fernando It is a passion beyond comprehension. A passion which makes an outsider marvel and wonder, as to what drives them so madly in love with this particular breed. True, they are adorable, affectionate and sometimes big time companions apart from being the 'man's-best-friend' title winner. But copying the canine friends' bushy coat for one's own hairstyle is a bit too much I presume.
New Yorkers are famous for their eccentric passion for dogs. Apart from extravagant accessories and expensive saloons, the city is famously known as a lucrative place for 'dog-business'. It is a common fact that New Yorkers spend lavishly on their dogs to the extent of upbringing dogs instead of children. The city boasts everything a dog wants from special restaurants, saloons that offer spa treatment, dog magazines and catalogues selling everything from top to bottom, dog portrait services, orphanages for estranged dogs to a special police to nab ill-treating owners. (Never mind the fact that a Third World bloke can only dream of such extravaganzas). Visiting New York for the first time on a rare assignment, I was told
that New Yorkers have an unusual obsession with dogs. I soon realised that
this goes without saying. According to unofficial sources, the total dog
population in NY is nearly half of its human population. If you roam in the closely and squarely knitted streets of Manhattan marked by its many skyscrapers, for every five persons you pass there will be at least two dog-walkers, displaying hairstyles that closely matches their dogs' coats. A queer sight for a visitor. You will also not miss the close resemblance between the owner and his dog in their outer appearance - the first thing that struck me as I took a stroll down busy streets of NY one early morning. There was a white woman with hip-long golden hair walking a very respectable looking collie, with its coat cascading to the ground like the Niagara falls. A bald headed hefty looking man walked his well fed bull dog behind a petite short curly haired girl. She was walking a puppy - a cocker spaniel. There was one tall black woman with short hair walking a dark poodle. Adjoining the hotel where I stayed was a posh day care centre for these pampered pooches. On their way to office the owners usher their dogs and leave them in the able hands of the Care Lady, in this instance a black woman assisted by several helpers. Adorably groomed different kinds of terrier, poodle, labrador, spaniel, shepherd, collie, bull and many more are escorted here in the morning. Its interior, visible through a huge red-rimmed glass window, shows only the front shop area that displays numerous accessories for pets. As the owner departs he is given a loving embrace by the dog and a sad look that pleads for his early return. Even the daycare centres for children in some countries are yet to acquire the modern amenities offered by these places. A request for a photo opportunity inside the day care centre was politely rejected by the owner who thought it best not to upset her 'clientele' let alone offend their owners. In spite of the craze, there are New Yorkers who ill treat their once adored companions. Social service groups maintain a close watch over them and these unfortunate animals are reclaimed from their owners. After medical and mental care to mend their broken hearts they will be put up for adoption. Buying dogs from adoption services are much more cheaper than the pet shops. You will be amazed to see how big an area in every superstore is dedicated for pet care products, food and accessories such as quilted beds, squeaky toys, hand made collars, swimwear, outdoor jackets, bath products, tooth brushes and greeting cards, some of which are even edible. I learned that some people go to the extent of buying their canine friends' designer clothes from Ralph Lauren for extra special occasions and throw grand parties on their birthdays. Taking dog portraits for their owners is a lucrative business in this island city. A large number of magazines dedicated for dogs carry tips on best walking sites, tricks and good habits training, balanced diet recipes and even counselling for your distressed mutt. A special obituaries column is dedicated to announce the passing away of your dog. Dogs and humans do have a special relationship; nowhere else in the world exemplifies it in the manner New York does. Pictures by Kavindra Perera. |
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