Dog ownership is often presented as an ennobling thing, a sign that the owner is not merely associating with but actually shares the honest qualities of his furry companion. It's the same reason kids buy Air Jordans. Anyone who doubts that the average dog is primarily a fashion accessory need only visit different parts of town and note the makeup of the local canine population. There's a new upscale supermarket in Vancouver's Yaletown district where they set up little dog-watering posts outside. The canine crowd that hangs around that water hole resembles nothing so much as the array of luxury autos you'll find valet parked in front of the hot restaurant du jour.
Management probably keeps a couple of spare Bernese mountain dogs on hand for slow periods.
Meanwhile over on boho Commercial Drive, which may boast the highest per capita dog population in the city, anti-fashion rules. Big, unpretentious dogs here, the kind that go great with a hand-knit wool sweater and a canvas backpack with a flute in it. All rights reserved.