The NFL Dog Jersey and You

We live in a world where it is not uncommon to adorn our pets in clothing and accessories. In fact, there is a seemingly infinite number of doggy accessories out there, ranging from the most practical--a simple NFL dog jersey--to the most extreme--a doggy evening gown, for example. Let's face it, some of us are just really into accessorizing out our dogs. If you are one of those types who decks your pooch out in bubble skirts or tuxedos, I simply ask that you make sure your pet appears comfortable in his/her get-up, and that you think long and hard about what the way you dress your dog says about you. After all, it is commonly believed that pets are fairly accurate reflections of the people who own them. Some animals just have a natural tendency to take on aspects of their owner's personality, as if through some sort of human-canine socialization process. Much of this process, however, is left up to the owner.

While a pet owner with a pit bull named Buster wouldn't adorn his best friend in a doggy leotard and tutu, he would probably be more apt to get Buster a spiked dog collar, or maybe some NFL dog collars. That is, of course, unless the owner enjoys bending the constraints of gender roles, or likes putting on public displays of irony via his dog. If you are relatively sane according to society's standards, but you still enjoy dressing your dog--I'll cut you a little slack. You probably dress your dog in accordance with their breed, their size, their stature, their energy level, and their sex. Coupled with these criteria are the bits and pieces you throw in that are truly aspects of your own personality.

Look how Paris Hilton dresses her dogs, and look at the pink and frilly motif in her line of doggy clothes and accessories--they are all scaled down versions of the types of things she would wear herself. Conversely, sports fans who enjoy dressing their dogs are more likely to possess an arsenal of NFL dog jerseys or NFL dog collars. And that's okay too. In fact, there's nothing wrong with dressing your dog, as long as you are making sure he/she appears physically AND emotionally comfortable.

That's right, dogs can get depressed. But it's usually for reasons like they aren't feeling well, they're getting up in age, or they're being abused or neglected. If your dog appears depressed, make sure it's not because he's a victim of poor health or a poor living environment, and then ask yourself this: are you maybe overdoing it a little with the clothing and accessories? Maybe that plastic beaded necklace isn't comfortable for your dog, and maybe that tutu is itchy as the dickens. When it comes to dressing up your dogs, I say that elaborate designer clothing is for the birds--and it costs an arm and a leg to boot. Why not send that money instead to a local animal shelter? Or if you're really dead set on using your pet as a canvas for expression, might I recommend keeping it simple. If you're a sports fan, try a comfortable NFL dog jersey for your dog. NFL dog collars make nice accessories too.