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The sign can be seen almost anywhere in Bangkok. No dog on public buses. No dog in department stores. No dog in restaurants. Ironically, it is in this place and time that dog-related busines is in its highest boom.
The Thai Farmers Bank's Research cemter stipulated that the dog and dog-related business has grown from 450 million baht in 1992 to 2,500 million baht in 2001. The number of dog farms has increased 30% during the past five years. The dog feed business, worth 2,000 million baht, is growing at an impressive rate of 10 to 15 % per year while other enterprises struggle to stay afloat during the economic humdrum.
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What make dogs such a special pet? That they stick to us even if we are not successful in work? That they adore us when no-one does? That their love is unconditional?
Perhaps all of the above reasons are true. Dogs are said to be our best friend _ they make us feel loved, safe and warm. They make us laugh.
That is perhaps one reason why there are people _ about 50,000 ones or 5% of about one million dog owners _ who regard dogs as members of their family. These people are willing to pay 5,000 to 9,000 baht per month to care for their pets. No surprise there is a business opportunity for such high-end pet shop as Doggie Bag. The shop serves as a restaurant, portrait studio, salon and spa and beauty parlour as well. All for dogs.
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When did dogs first get into our home? According to a study on the history of dog keeping in England, dogs were transformed from beasts of burden into pets during the 18th century. During the late 19th century, dog associations were created. Contests popped up and pedigree became an important issue. In that age, dogs were regarded as a merchandise, a decor and indicator of the owner's status. It is during the latter half of the century when English people began to raise dogs as friends.
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While there are those who love dogs and would like to invest a fortune for their health and love life, there are also people who are willing to dump their pets into the streets. From an estimated 120,000 stray dogs in Bangkok, about 10,000 are left by their owners. The main reason for the abandonment is these owners do not understand the nature and bahaviour of dogs. Perhaps they have forgotten that before becoming our pets, dogs used to be as wild as any animals in the jungle out there.
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