PAMPERED PETS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 144145, 15 July 1913, Page 7

PAMPERED PETS.

Probably nothing shows up in greater contrast to the poverty of London than a dog show at which the pampered pets of society women are exhibited. The money lavished on the toilet and comfort of the animals would alleviate a good deal of suffering. “Passing through the Burlington Arcade after looking at the pictures in the Royal Academy,” writes the Sydney Sun’s London correspondent, “I came across a shop whose sole reason for existence is to cater for the owners of these pets. The window was filled with soft cushions made of the most expensive materials, in the most artistic shades, of rugs of a dozen different types and weights, of coverings to bo worn in the house or to bo used out of doors, of trousers to fit their aristocratic legs, and of hoots in fabrics or in rubber, to protect their dainty foot against the common pavement.” He admits, however, that, fortunately for England, the people, for whom the shop exists represent only a negligible proportion of the wealthy classes. In Now York there is the same depressing spectacle for true dog-lovers and humanitarians. The Daily Mail’s correspondent sends a description of a home that exists in a New York suburb for the care of such pets. The dogs lie in baskets upholstered in satin, and furnished with embroidered sheets. Every day they are given an elaborate toilet- by the staff, which includes the Washing of teeth and the polishing of coats with squares of plush dipped in perfume. The food-fancies of the creatures have to be carefully studied, for one dog will eat nothing but chicken and another prefers poached eggs on toast. The postman daily brings letters and gifts lor the pets from their fond and foolish owners. One is reminded of a grim joke that appeared some years ago in a London paper. It was a dialogue between a wealthy middle-aged lady and a half-starved page. “Have you given Eido his chicken and port wine, etc., etc. ?” “Yes’m.” “Well, you can have your bread and cheese and go to bed.”