A TOY DOG PARADISE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1121, 12 July 1913, Page 4

A TOY DOG PARADISE.

WOMEN’S PAMPERED PETS.

The way in which some wealthy women squander money and lavish affection upon dogs is a thing which arouses nothing but disgust in the minds of most people. An extreme example of the fashionable devotion to dogs is displayed in a large country house in the suburbs of New York. It is enclosed by trees, which shelter from the sun grassy lawns and exercising grounds, all made gay with tubs of bright-hued flowers, striped awnings, snowy white tents, and quaint little summer-houses. It is a delightful spot, and it is inhabited by the pet dogs of wealthy New York women. Its verandahs are covered with straw matting and pretty cushions for the use of the pets when the days are too warm to allow of much exercise. The larger dogs sleep in the drawing-room, which has windows from ceiling to floor. In another room across the hall the smaller pets reside. Soft rugs cover the floor, flowers and growing plants decorate it, and the whbe enamel “cages” with their cushions, give a cool and dainty appearance to the room. Here are sleeping baskets, upholstered in satin and furnished with embroidered sheets of the finest linen and covers of the softest silk. Each morning sees the entire furnishings of the room outdoors in the summerhouses for an airing. To place them directly in the tun would fade the delicate coloms. Men attend to the daily toilet of the larger dogs, but the wife of the proprietor and an assistant take care of the little pels. This is no small task, for tiny mouths must be washed out with toothbrushes, baths must be given, and coats combed and brushed and finally polished with a square of white plush dipped in perfume. The paws receive as much attention as the finger nails of a woman of fashion.

The postman brings letters and gilts lor the pets. One little dog may get only a picture postcard, while another will, pel haps, find a box of sweets when it has broken into the package addressed to it. One toy “Pom.' 5 always gets a box of her mistress’ favourite flowers, while a companion will receive a ball or a stuffed flannel cat to play with. The Englishman who manages the “home” does not believe in medicine. He keeps the dogs in health by giving them the kind of food that agrees with them. It is not une dogs will eat anything if they are hungry,” he says.

“Some will die first. Take Garret, a prize-winner terrier from the West Highlands of Scotland, He will eat nothing but the best beefsteak. Another boarder refuses everything but chicken.” It seems the appetite can generally be tempted by poached eggs on toast, and so that eggs and poultry may be strictly fresh, a large stock of chickens, ducks and geese are kept at the kennels for the dogs of fastidious taste.