Allie The Shih Tzu As A Cute Clown (Click to enlarge)
Break out the wigs and conjure your theme, because the dog partying season is near. Perhaps some (you know who you are little sis) scoff at the idea of dogs in costumes. Okay, I get it, but it’s not so much about the costume itself. These silly fabric, plastic and paper get-ups serve a larger purpose. No one uses them except for a photograph which will provide endless entertainment, much as a short movie. The other purpose is to provide a reason to take our dogs out to be socialized.
I know that may sound odd to some, but dog-friendly locations are few and far between. Although we love our dog folks in our homes they become cats if we never take them out the front door. Dog socialization with others of their species, while not as important as it is for some, such as horses, is still an opportunity for them to visit with other dogs…and other people as well.
Over the years we’ve adopted many dogs who have issues that prevent me from taking them to a dog parade or any event designed for dogs and their owners. A couple of years ago I adopted an 8 or 9 year old Chihuahua, Frida – Frida Kahlo, if you’re interested 
– who arrived frightened and trembly but not agressive toward anyone. We used to bring her with us to the studio and she waited patiently in her crate until we finished with a client, then she could run about the store being her cute self. Well, our situation changed and she could not longer really run about, so we stopped bringing her out. What happened? Well, she now acts pretty dang cocky…we celebrate the confidence…but…I don’t celebrate her little aggressiveness toward others. It is my belief that if we had her socializing more this would not have happened.
Where am I going with this? First, teach your dog some manners. Sit, stay might be a beginning, but walking on a leash is a necessity. Then go out to meet people and other dogs. There’s an opportunity coming right up. Zorro’s – Cool Stuff For Pets And People. Saturday, September 12th at 3:00PM there will be a Dog Walk along the North Shore Lake Ponchartrain Lakefront. Meet at Zorro’s new location, 201 Carroll St, in old Mandeville, for drinks and snacks. Want to know more? Check out Zorro’s Cool Stuff For Pets & People.
So there you have it. Some of these events are planned around the silly costumes. But you can dream up an event of your own. Go to a dog park, or the lake front, or anywhere there may be dogs and people, and have fun doing it.
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