Pampered Dogs

It is approaching that time of year when the leaves start falling, the weather starts cooling down, and we start deciding what to dress our dogs up like for Halloween.  Millions of Americans every year choose to dress their dogs up in their favorite costume of the year.  Some of our favorites this year are a football costume for those manly pooches, equipped with a face mask and helmet and a cheerleader costume for the dainty ladies.  Some others that we found pretty cute were the dog/alligator costume, the dog dinosaur, or the quintessential "hot dog"!

Besides being just plain fun, dog psychologists have actually shown these types of bonding experiences between owner and pooch to be therapeutic.  It is not only great for dog and human interaction, but great for dogs to get out and interact with their doggy friends.

Just like with kids if you are trick-or-treating make sure to check all of the treats you receive and make sure that they look okay prior to giving them to your dog.  And of course, if your pooch doesn't actually get any treats, you can always find a good bully stick here!

In light of the election being less than a month away, I thought it prudent to look at the history of some of the most beloved inhabitants of the White House – the Presidential Dogs. While living the life of luxury in DC has its perks (lots of space to run around in and dog treats that are checked by the Secret Service), there is a certain dignity and air of sophistication that a Presidential Pooch must project. Here's a look back at the First Dogs since our country began.

George Washington

As our first President, George Washington was also the first to have a First Pet. While his dogs didn't get to live in the White House, one can assume they had plenty of time to run around. George Washington had seven dogs – three Staghounds (Sweet Lips, Scentwell, and Vulcan), and four Black and Tan Coonhounds (Taster, Tipler, Tipsy, and Drunkard). It's safe to assume that his Coonhounds liked to get into the Presidential liquor.

John Adams

Continuing the tradition of the First Dog, John Adams only had two dogs while President, though they were the first to stay in the White House. While the breeds have been lost to time, we're sure that he loved his two dogs (Juno and Satan) despite their naming.

Thomas Jefferson

We know that Thomas Jefferson had two Briards, and while one's name has been lost to time, the other, Buzzy, probably got to enjoy his time at Monticello.

James Monroe

Picking up where Thomas Jefferson left off, James Monroe Read more

 There's a certain satisfaction in eating at a nice dining room table. It makes you feel sophisticated, cultured, and human. My dog eats out of a simple plastic bowl I picked up at the local pet store for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that he's a dog. I can understand having a dog bowl that's raised a bit for taller dogs that have a hard time really leaning down as they get older, but spending $129 on said dog bowl seems a bit…excessive.  Your dog certainly isn't going to notice the difference, and when it really comes down to it, it's not like you're placing filet mignon in there for them either.  I know we like to personify our pets, but having their eating arrangements outstrip our own seems more like putting them in the Trump Towers while we're scraping by in a studio apartment.

Your Dog Travels Better Than You Do

Not that I've ever flown first class, but even when I'm flying in the back of the plane, I expect a certain level of service (at least I used to).  With that in mind, it confuses me that some people would spend more on a carrier for their dog than most of us spend on plane tickets…to Europe.  $690 might seem a bit excessive for a dog carrier to you, but you have to remember that this particular one is made from leather, has numerous flaps for their dog treats, and is stylish beyond measure.  This bag screams "my dog lives better than I do" to anybody that sees the two of you together.  Sure you're driving around in a minivan that's older than your kids, but as far as your dog is concerned, he's in a Bentley the entire time.

Your Dog Dresses Better Than You Do

I want my dog to look good.  This usually means regular grooming, getting his nails clipped, and brushing him.  This does not include buying my dog a mink coat.  Yes…you read that correctly.  People have been known to buy their dogs mink coats.  I don't own a mink coat.  I don't even own anything approaching a mink coat in my closet.  The idea of a mink coat for dogs is strange since dogs are, at least typically, covered in fur.  And yet, for only $70, you too can get your dog a pink mink coat that will confirm that you love your dog more than you love yourself.

Like I've said, we all love to pamper our dogs, but there comes a certain point when all of us have to be careful about crossing over into excess.  Dogs don't care about mink coats and $300 beds.They want bully sticks, lamb treats for dogs, and somebody to scratch their bellies.  Keep that in mind the next time you see that diamond encrusted dog collar that you've been wanting to buy your dog.