Canine couture all the rage
Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (Dec 22/00) - No-one knows -35 C better than a barefooted, naked Lab walking beside his parka-clad owner.
Just as we need protection from the drastic sub-Arctic winter, so do most dogs.
Protection is now widely available, thanks to a doggy fashion craze triggered by well-heeled childless baby boomers looking to make dog-ownership more like child-rearing.
(The trend is reflected in a change in the language of dog-ownership -- they aren't 'pets' any more, they are 'animal companions.')
One of the spinoffs of the canine fashion fad is an increase in the selection and availability of the coats, ponchos, booties and ear-warmers some dogs need to fully enjoy Northern winters.
What kind of dogs need help coping with the cold?
"Mainly short-haired dogs and smaller dogs," said Eletta Wareham, manager of the Pet Boutique.
Booties, in particular, are the most important winter accessory for dogs, said Jaime Connell of Borealis Kennels and Pet Specialties.
"(Dogs) pretty much feel the cold as soon as they step outside."
Some dogs are more comfortable with booties than others.
Wareham said her two Lahsa Apsos ripped theirs off as soon as she put them on.
(Whether or not your dog takes to them, the price of booties is worth seeing the comical way your dog will walk the first few minutes it wears booties.)
Popular purchases
The Pet Boutique no longer sells dog apparel, but Borealis Pet Supplies has a full selection of booties, sweaters, ear-warmers and ponchos.
"A couple of weeks ago, as soon as it dropped to -40 C, everybody was coming in," said Connell.
"(Store owner) Jo-Ann (Cooper), who makes booties, couldn't keep them in stock."
Wareham said one of the most dapper dressers she's seen in the city is a Frame Lake South Dalmation that sports a red and black checkered coat with matching red booties.
Neck rolls, like the mufflers teenagers use with their ball caps, and headband-like ear warmers are also necessary.
"Dogs with short coats can get frostbite on their ears really easily," said Connell.
"We have Dobermans that come in. They look really funny (wearing ear-warmers), but they get used to it."
Cuteness and funny walking aside, the main purpose of doggie clothing is to allow your dog to enjoy the outdoors with you, for as long as you do.
