In what is either a groundbreaking or ridiculous article by the BC SPCA, they advise that dogs should not wear clothing because it inhibits their ability to communicate with other dogs and humans. Personally, I'm going with ridiculous. I had to look at my calendar to make sure it was June 1st and not April 1st.
Here's a quote from the BC SPCA's general manager of humane education, Craig Naherniak:
"Unless you have a working service dog required to wear a uniform, or a hairless or short-haired breed needing protection from the cold, it's unnecessary and unfair to put clothing on your dog," says Naherniak. "You are instantly putting your dog at a disadvantage for communicating to other dogs and potentially putting yours and other dogs at risk - why would anyone want to do that?"
Why? Could it be perhaps because you have exactly zero evidence to support your far-fetched claim? (Yes, the pun was intended. You might also say I'm barking mad.)
"...it's easy to see how an apparently harmless argyle dog sweater with matching hat could be the catalyst for a fight," Naherniak says. No, it sure as heck isn't easy to see that! Now I realize that I've only been involved with dogs for 15 years, and have had a Web site about them since then, and have e-mailed and met people in many countries to talk about dogs, but I have never, ever heard of anyone claiming a dog fight started because one of the combatants objected to the garments worn by the other. Not even argyle.
In closing, I have to say that this will NOT affect our support for the BC SPCA. I recognize that every organization is going to have a few boneheads (yep, that pun was intended, too), but their hearts are in the right place and they are helping animals that have few other hopes. Please don't let it reduce your support, either.
Read the BC SPCA's idiotic article if you like hearing from crackpots
