When people ask if I'm a dog lover, I say I'm a dog owner – it's not the same. I don't want to see photos of your dog or have conversations about them as if they were people. Dogs are pretty stupid; mine certainly is.
During the pandemic, over 3 million new pets were acquired in the UK, with puppy prices doubling to £1,900 on average. Employees now demand 'pawternity leave', and innovations like Dog TV and the DogPhone have emerged to ease the guilt of owners returning to work.
The DogPhone, a ball that calls when moved, mostly results in accidental calls – canine butt-dials. Researchers claim it's about giving dogs choice, but ownership is about restricting options: don't call me at work.
Since restrictions lifted, the Dogs Trust saw a 180% rise in traffic to its 'giving up your dog' page. People are handing in animals as 'fake strays' to avoid embarrassment. Perhaps the emotional hole dogs filled was temporary.
There are no non-selfish reasons for getting a dog that didn't need rescuing. My dog eats spills and keeps me from talking to myself, but I expect little emotional support. A dog isn't just for Covid – I hope the madness ends, but I can't see it.
