Most would agree that the pandemic has few upsides, with the exception of one notable group: dogs. After all, their people are home all day. There’s more petting, playing, walking and treats than ever. What a howl! It’s these up-close-and-personal-with-your-dog months that may have led to an increasing trend. Pet owners are dressing like their dogs, or conversely, dogs are starting to dress like their people.
"If you told me five years ago I’d be dressing up like my dog, I’d have thought you were crazy," says Laura Burkart, 40, who with her partner, Donal Sheridan, 44, regularly dresses up in matching outfits with Hendrik, her dog. "I haven’t been spending any money on my own clothes this year. I’m not buying anything and I don’t have kids, so I’m spending my disposable income on things you would normally buy for a kid. He’s an extension of me and it’s a way to show we’re a family," says Burkart, who believes that Hendrik loves to get dressed up.
"Everybody is obsessing over their dogs these days," says Cassie Cole, 51, the owner of dog clothing and accessory brand Fab Dog. In April, when people were flipping out because of COVID, they were ordering loads of toys and clothes for their dogs, because it made them happy."
Amusement may be at the heart of the trend when there hasn’t been that much to amuse, says Gina Davis, 32, who owns a human/dog clothing company where business has "snowballed" during the pandemic. Burkart, too, says that during dark times, a little dog and family matching can bring on happy moments. "People laugh as soon as they notice us. I don’t know if they’re laughing with us or at us, but either way, they get a kick out of it."
It may all sound like a lot of fun, but pay attention: “If an owner wants to dress their dog that’s generally fine,” says Rachael Rudman, kennel manager of the North Shore Animal League America. But, it’s important, “to read your dog’s body language … If it looks like they’re stressing out, don’t do it.”
For smaller dogs, an extra layer may be a necessity, says Rudman. Rudman adds: “Make sure the garment is not too tight or loose; watch for the danger if a garment is too long.”
【小题1】Why do Burkart and Sheridan regularly dress up in matching outfits with their dog?| A．They have no child. | B．They want to spend more money on it. |
| C．Their dog likes getting dressed up. | D．They want to show they are a family. |
| A．People want to spend money in dressing up their dogs. |
| B．The human/dog clothing companies are increasing. |
| C．There are more petting and treats during pandemic. |
| D．Dogs are starting to dress like their owners. |
| A．Be embarrassed. | B．Be happy. |
| C．Be surprised. | D．Be depressed. |
| A．Dressing up is a lot of fun. | B．Don’t dress your dogs to be stressed. |
| C．Put cloths for smaller dogs. | D．How to choose suitable garments for dogs. |
