AMERICA’S DOGS

Evening Star, Issue 22720, 6 August 1937, Page 1

AMERICA’S DOGS

EXPENDITURE OH UPKEEP Every dog has its day, and -that day certainly seems to have arrived for the canine population of the U.S;A;, say* the ‘ Cape Times.’ In America at present dogs are being subjected to an amount of coddling, beautifying, and general fussing over that might seem incredible to anyone not acquainted with the energy that Americans: put info their pet enthusiasms—and no-pun is intended. ■ -'' ; ; A statistician, who must be admired for his industry, if nothing else, has estimated, that America’s .bill for attendance oh dogs last ■ th« neat little sum of £160,000,000, and this does not include the purchase pric* of the animals.,„ . .. '

How, then, was this vast sum dispersed? Well,-there- are; an estimated 15,000,000. pet dogs in the .States; some of the lucky beasts were fed entirely on special canine super-diet, supplied in refrigerated trucks by food concerns whose sole business is in such-luxuries.-The cost of this service Ranges, from, 5s to 17s 6d a week. Dog equipment, which, too, is supplied by special finqs, included leads and harnesses,. wicker beds and baskets, sweaters,, coats, fur and leather vests, blankets, and rain* coats, together with all the usual feeding and cleaning accessories. Luxuries which only the; most pampered pets enjoy are the attentions of special canine beauty-salons, a New York dog bath club—£2 membership fee, all services extra—and exclusive dog hospitals, where any sort of operation from , the clipping of, a broken nail to a complete face lifting can be undertaken. ’ ! Nor do the privileges of-the venerated pets cease , with their lives. Many of those who gave faithful or muchloved service rest? often beneath elaborate monuments- in one or ■ other of the half-dozen cemeteries specially devoted to household pets, ~