To Dress or Not to Dress

Summarized from Febrary 2009 postings on the KerryBlues-L newslist
By Marian Tyson

We know that Kerries look quite dignified in their natural attire (properly groomed of course.) However, there may be times that a bit of tailoring may be in order.

Sharon Ponsford suggests two of those occasions. Kerries do tend to get soaked in heavy or constant rain. Raincoats can shed the water and cut down on the time that is needed for the Kerry to completely dry out. The other occasion may depend on the terrain that your Kerry intends to explore. Sharon has Kerries that at risk for picking up stickers or, worse yet, picking up detritus from rolling in wildlife scat. To make clean-up easier, she suggests lycra zoot suits that provide a barrier between the Kerry and the unwanted elements.

Mary Elizabeth McGraw recommends booties for dogs in snow covered terrain, while Rita Landau adds that coats may be necessary for the cold. What about dressing up Kerries for fun?

Alma Lamachia and Irene Landau were two readers who weighed in with a resounding no. Rita Landau mentioned that some dogs seemed to derive satisfaction from the extra attention they receive when they are dressed for special occasions.

Whatever your opinion may be about dressing dogs, with the coming of St. Patrick’s Day next month, there are sure to be plenty of Kerries celebrating the wearing o’ the Green!

Thanks to all the people who chimmed in on this issue. To join the discussion, or the read the archives, please join the KerryBlues-L newslist. To see more pictures of "dressed up" Kerries, click on Gallery, and scroll down to "Costumes".