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From a reporter for the Korea Times living in Canada. On the worldwide "affluenza" epidemic and it's benefits to pets.
I have not seen in Korea the vast array and varieties of pet shops, training schools, and beauty spas that I see in Canada. While the idea of sending the family pet to a pet spa may have been considered a gimmick a decade ago, such animal beauty outlets are now a growing trend across the world.
The keyword here is "family.'' Canadians now refer to the pets as companions and family members. Many pet owners call themselves "pet parents.'' There were a few crazy people in the feudal world a few decades ago who prized their pets and lavished them with luxuries.
In our childhood we saw some period movies from Bollywood that showed feudal lords marrying-off their pets with great pomp and show. But today it is fair to say that domestic dogs and cats have gone through an evolution of status, from animal to pet and family member.
Today's pet shop is part high-end boutique, part learning center, and part community hangout. When you go away on holiday, business or perhaps into hospital ― you need not worry about your pets. While you're away pet shops provide pet sitters who take care of your pets.
A few decades back, when traveling, it used to be a hard proposition to find hotels that allowed pets. Now, pets are not just allowed in some hotels, they get royal treatment. Some hotels welcome pets with special pet pillows, toys, even a licensed doggie masseuse.
Psychologists and fortunetellers for pets are no longer bizarre thoughts. There are schools exams, which the pets have to undergo. My friend's smiling dog was disqualified for one year as he answered the question too eagerly without waiting for his turn.
For those who wish to keep their pets at home, there are even toys designed to keep them occupied and special DVDs for their entertainment.
Many owners like my friend take their pets to a doggie daycare for play and exercise and socializing. Cats are less social and hence they stay home. It is said that a dog boosts the ego of the pet owner while a cat deflates it.
There are pools to cool off when it is hot outside. You even have Reiki therapy for curing the aches and pains of pets. Burial and memorial services are available for them and for pet owners who do not like the burial of their loved pets; taxidermy is available as an alternative.
There is an explosion of luxury and designer pet products today. Staple products, such as bowls, collars, leashes, toys, beds and crates have gone through design transformations to make them more stylish, comfortable, safer or smarter. And they come with high price tags.
In today's world of affluenza, pets are having their best time.
