[Taxacom] spoiled humans and spoiled pets

[Ken Kinman]

Hi All,     PETA seems to be in an uproar about some supermodel dying her dog pink and purple.  Not sure if doing this is a severe health risk to the dog, compared to the fact that these little lap dogs are already so interbred in the first place that they can die relatively young from genetic problems.  But such dogs, especially of the rich, have access to health care that many people don't have, so it may even outlive some of them.                          In any case, millions of women (and men) in the western world now constantly subject their scalps to hair dyes and other chemicals with some regularity these days.  Many may thus develop brain problems, premature dementia, various cancers. etc., but those with lots of money can afford medical care to fight against them when they develop.  In any case, I can't imagine that being dyed any color is going to improve the health or prospects of any dog or human in the long run.  Lap dogs in general have increasingly been spoiled dogs owned by spoiled humans, neither of whom could survive on their own for long without the cushion of civilization and moneyed assets (in one extreme case, I wonder if Leona Helmsley's dog is still living with all the millions she left to its care).  And even many dogs and cats are falling victims to the obesity epidemic that shows no signs of levelling off among them or many humans. People from third world countries are amazed when they see western supermarkets with whole isles just devoted to pet food.                    ----------------Ken