Canine Coats

Dear Dog Lady,

Should I get my dog a winter coat? My Harvey is a big, shaggy mutt (some Sheepdog, some German Shepherd) and I want to dress him warmly this winter.

-Stella, Providence, RI

Stellaaaaa!!!! For Harvey, it would not be such a wonderful life if you forced him to don any apparel other than his birthday suit. Dog Lady does not believe in dressing dogs, unless the animals are small, short-haired and vulnerable to the cold, such as reed-thin Chihuahuas or Italian Greyhounds, breeds used to tropical climes, for whom it is only humane to wrap them in sweaters to face below freezing temperatures. But dogs, in general, are not supposed to be dressed up. They wear the fur coats God gave them and any other adornment makes them feel weird. Dog Lady can tell when I see dogs dressed up in outfits that the animals don’t like it one bit.

If you want to see a marvelous cartoon that sums up the whole doggie dressing issue, go to www.cartoonbank.com and search for a Gahan Wilson New Yorker magazine cover from December 9, 1991. The Wilson cover shows a dog suited up as Santa Claus. Just look at the demonic look in its eyes -- as if the creature is plotting: “I’ll get you human for making me look like this.” That’s what Dog Lady imagines dogs think about wearing clothes.

Posted by Dog Lady at March 11, 2003 12:00 PM