Have We Upgraded From The Dog Purse To The Dog Stroller?
There was a time when carrying your dog around in a purse was considered the height of pet-parent fashion. Your tiny dog would poke its little head out while you strutted through the store like you were carrying the world’s cutest designer accessory. Fast-forward a few years, and apparently, we have decided that simply carrying our dogs is no longer enough. Now, we have dog strollers.
Yes, you read that correctly. Dog. Strollers.
And honestly? We have questions. Mostly: How did we get here?
From Purse Puppies to Push-Along Princes
The dog purse was basically the gateway drug to full-blown dog transportation. First, you carry your Chihuahua in a cute little bag because their legs are approximately the length of a french fry. Then someone introduces you to a dog stroller, and suddenly your pup is being chauffeured around the neighborhood like they have an appointment at the spa.
The difference is that a purse says, “My dog is tiny and adorable.”
A stroller says, “My dog has places to be.”
And apparently, those places include the farmer's market, the park, the coffee shop, and possibly a very important meeting with the neighborhood squirrels.
But Are Dog Strollers Actually Useful?
As ridiculous as they may look at first, dog strollers can actually be incredibly practical.
Small dogs can tire easily during long outings, especially if they're older or have mobility limitations. Senior dogs may still want to enjoy walks and outdoor adventures even when their legs aren't quite cooperating anymore. Dogs recovering from certain injuries or procedures may also benefit from being safely transported instead of walking long distances.
And then there are dogs who simply don't enjoy walking as much as their humans think they should.
You know the type.
You get three houses down and suddenly your dog sits on the sidewalk like they have just completed a 14-mile marathon through the Sahara.
A stroller solves that problem rather quickly.
The Stroller Life
Dog strollers can also be helpful for crowded events, outdoor shopping areas, festivals, and other places where a small dog might accidentally become someone's footrest.
Instead of worrying about your little pup getting stepped on, they can safely ride along beside you.
Of course, you may experience some interesting reactions.
People might stop and ask, “Is that a dog?”
Yes.
“Is he comfortable?”
Very.
“Does he like it?”
Judging by the expression on his face, he has decided he is now royalty.
At this point, you may as well start referring to yourself as the chauffeur.
And Then There Are the Spoiled Dogs
Let's be honest. Some dogs don't need a stroller.
They simply want one.
These are the dogs who have perfectly good legs, plenty of energy, and absolutely no medical reason to be pushed around.
But why walk when you can ride?
Why chase squirrels when you can observe them from a climate-controlled rolling throne?
Why get your paws dirty when Mom or Dad can do all the work?
We can't even blame them. If someone offered us a comfortable little carriage, snacks, and a scenic tour of the neighborhood, we'd probably consider it too.
Have We Officially Upgraded?
So, have we upgraded from the dog purse to the dog stroller?
It certainly seems that way.
The dog purse was cute. The dog stroller is basically first-class transportation.
And honestly, there is something pretty wonderful about finding ways to include your dog in adventures they might otherwise miss. Whether your pup is a tiny breed, a senior, recovering from an injury, or simply the kind of dog who believes walking is beneath them, a stroller can make getting out and about easier.
Just remember that your dog should be comfortable and safe, and they should never be forced into a stroller if they clearly hate the experience.
Because at the end of the day, our dogs already run the household.
Apparently, now they have transportation privileges too.
The dog purse walked so the dog stroller could roll.
