PHOTO FROM THE DRESS UP YOUR PET DAY FACEBOOK PAGE
Hollywood, MD – January 14 has been proclaimed Dress Up Your Pet Day. It should be a day for celebrating, right? Except this year a pall has been cast on the festivities due to a sad, bizarre incident that occurred earlier this month. In Florida, a dog attacked its owners when they tried to dress it in a sweater. Tampa police said the female owner tried to put the sweater on the family dog named Scarface. The woman’s husband reportedly ran outside to get help and was also attacked by Scarface. The couple’s son stabbed the animal in the head and neck. As a result of the dog’s behavior and injuries sustained, local animal control officials decided to euthanize the family’s pet.
Are animals rebelling against the bad sweaters and hats their fashion-challenged owners are cladding them in? Are things going to be different in 2017 for Fido and friends? Time will tell. Nevertheless, Dress Up Your Pet Day is on as scheduled.
A web page devoted to the special day recommends several ways to mark the occasion. They suggest you adopt your pet from a local shelter or rescue. If you dress your pet, make sure you are doing so with a “comfortable and safe” costume or clothing. Be sure to take pictures. The advocates also recommend you donate blankets, food and toys to animal welfare organizations in honor of your pet. Your local shelter is always looking for volunteers. You can aid them by cleaning cages, litter boxes and large animal stalls. Also suggested as writing to your elected officials and ask them to support the banning of puppy and kitten mills.
A web site called Pet MD has a “top ten list” of reasons to celebrate Dress Up Your Pet Day. They include “what pet wouldn’t want to be the center of attention?” Another reason—“worse comes to worse, the new outfit makes a good chew toy.” The site also declares “wacky holidays can be a bonding experience.” And other reason in their top ten—“you can get matching outfits.”
Healthy Paws writer Colleen Williams stated,” if your pet hates to wear clothes or costumes, don’t push it. And try to avoid any garments that can cause overheating or choking. Other than that, you’re ready to play dress up.”
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
Dedicated to the memory of Scarface (? – 2017)