It's a dog's life

Not all dogs are the same.  There are different species to match different owners with diverse income, educational levels, cultures, and views of what is appropriate care for pets.

The pampered, show dogs, the mutt, the neglected, and the abused.

A pampered dog often lives a life of luxury and privilege, receiving extensive care and attention from their owners. 

Here are some examples of behaviors and lifestyles associated with pampered dogs:

• Lavish Grooming: Regular trips to the groomer, including baths, blueberry facials, massages, and even paw-dicures are common for pampered pooches.

• Designer Wardrobes: Some pampered dogs have extensive wardrobes featuring designer clothing and accessories from brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Versace, and Prada.

• Gourmet Meals and Treats: Instead of standard kibble, pampered dogs may enjoy expensive, specially prepared meals, often including high-quality ingredients like steak, beef, chicken, roast lamb, organic vegetables, and even specialty dog food developed by famous chefs. For treats, they might have gluten-free pumpkin biscuits, freeze-dried sweet potato, or even custom-made macarons.

• Luxurious Accommodations: Pampered dogs may have their own custom-built dog houses or mansions equipped with amenities like air conditioning, heating, and chandeliers. They may also sleep on memory foam beds with Egyptian cotton sheets.

• Frequent Travel: Some pampered dogs are globe-trotters, accompanying their owners on international trips and flying first class.

• Regular Spa Days and Special Activities: Pampered dogs often enjoy spa treatments like aromatherapy baths and massages. They might also have access to swimming pools, playdates with other pampered dogs, or even go on adventurous outings like hiking or beach trips.

• Personal Chauffeurs and Trainers: Some dog owners hire chauffeurs to transport their furry friends to appointments or social events. They may also hire personal trainers to ensure their dogs are well-behaved and physically fit.

• Expensive Toys and Accessories: Pampered dogs typically have a vast collection of plush toys, puzzle toys, and designer collars and leashes made from fine leather and other luxury materials.

• Extensive Birthday Celebrations: Pampered pups may have elaborate birthday parties with special doggy cakes, new toys, and even guest lists including their canine friends and their owners. 

In essence, a pampered dog lives a life where their every need and desire is catered to, often with a level of care and expense that rivals or exceeds that of humans. 

Groomers

I counted no less than 10 dog groomers near my house.

Costs start at $70 and up,  topped off with tips of 15-20%.

What’s included

A dog groomer typically provides services like bathing, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and haircuts, tailored to the dog's breed and individual needs. Some groomers may also offer specialized services such as anal gland expression, de-shedding treatments, or flea and tick treatments. 

Just take one major category

Bathing

It included washing the dog with an approximate shampoo and conditioner, followed by blow drying.

Show Dogs

Like all beauties, they need plenty of sleep, good food, exercise, and love.

There can be a lot of travel from one show to the next. Many often travel in motorized campers.

Owners of show dogs often belong to an organization for training and support.  Each species has unique needs.

For example, poodles, beagles, German shepherds, labradors, golden retrievers, and bulldogs all have different idiosyncrasies. There is a pretty steep learning curve.  So, supportive organizations are very beneficial. Members learn common interests from one another while also competing.

Dog Training

Training Costs

Dog training costs vary significantly based on several factors, including the type of training, the trainer's experience, and location. Generally, group classes can range from $30 to $80 per session, while private training can range from $45 to $200+ per hour. More specialized or intensive programs, like board-and-train, can cost upwards of $1,000 or more per week. 

Training includes commands, lease manners, potty training, and special needs.

2. Behavior Modification: 

• Addressing problem behaviors: Trainers help dogs overcome issues like jumping on visitors and simulating copulation on their leg, damaging furniture by clawing or chewing, or digging, excessive barking, aggression, fear, and separation anxiety.

• Positive reinforcement: Using rewards and positive interactions to encourage desired behaviors.

• Desensitization and counter-conditioning: Gradually exposing dogs to triggers (like other dogs or noises) in a controlled environment while pairing them with positive experiences to reduce fear or anxiety.

3. Specialized Training:

• Agility: Teaching dogs to navigate obstacles like tunnels, jumps, and weave poles. 

  
  

• Scent detection: Training dogs to locate and indicate specific scents. 

  
  

• Service dog training: Preparing dogs to assist individuals with disabilities. 

  
  

• Trick training: Teaching dogs fun and engaging behaviors. 

Mutts Galore

Most dogs are mutts, a mixed breed. Mutts are the most common and least expensive.  But you often get the biggest bang for your buck by selecting a mutt.

While there's a common belief that mixed-breed dogs (mutts) are healthier than purebreds due to hybrid vigor, research indicates that the health differences are not as clear-cut. While mutts may have a lower risk of some inherited conditions, both purebreds and mixed breeds can experience a wide range of health issues, and good breeding practices can mitigate many of these risks in purebreds. 

What happened to the outdated dog pound?

The term "dog pound" is increasingly becoming antiquated. Modern animal sheltering goes beyond simply housing stray animals, embracing a more holistic approach to animal welfare. 

Key functions of modern animal shelters

• Rescuing and sheltering: Providing a safe haven for abandoned, lost, and neglected animals, including dogs, cats, and sometimes other domesticated animals.

• Medical care and rehabilitation: Offering necessary veterinary care, vaccinations, and rehabilitation services to address injuries, illnesses, and behavioral issues.

• Promoting adoptions: Facilitating the adoption process by screening potential owners and matching animals with suitable families, with the ultimate goal of finding loving, permanent homes for as many animals as possible.

• Controlling overpopulation: Implementing spaying and neutering programs to reduce the number of unwanted animals and decrease stray populations.

• Community education and engagement: Educating the public about responsible pet ownership, promoting animal welfare, and organizing events to foster community involvement.

• Reuniting lost pets with owners: Utilizing identification methods like microchipping and social media to help lost pets find their way back home. 

Challenges faced by modern shelters

• Overcrowding: Despite a decrease in animal intake in some areas, many shelters are still experiencing a surge in animal populations, leading to overcrowding and limited resources.

• Strain on resources: The rise in pet ownership costs and economic challenges are leading to increased owner surrenders and placing additional pressure on shelter budgets and staffing.

• Reversal of pandemic adoption surge: The increase in adoptions seen during the pandemic is reversing, exacerbating the overcrowding crisis. 

Hope for the future

• Increased focus on community support: Shelters are relying more heavily on volunteers and foster programs to manage animal populations and provide animals with the care they need.

• Innovative approaches to adoption: Exploring strategies like trial adoptions and self-rehoming services to find homes for animals and reduce shelter intake.

• Emphasis on education and outreach: Shelters are dedicated to educating the public about responsible pet ownership and promoting a culture of compassion towards animals. 

If a stray dog is found, it can be seized and delivered to the Greenville County Animal Care Services (GCACS) or the owner or keeper can contact Greenville County Animal Control for pickup. 

Pet dogs that are neglected at home

It's a big decision to buy a dog because much cost and attention go into caring for a pet. And there are serious risks.

Consider what happens when dogs have a home and a family of sorts, but they are neglected.

Neglected dogs in homes can experience a range of physical and behavioral problems, including health issues, behavioral changes, and even death. If the neglect is severe, it could lead to legal intervention, with authorities potentially removing the dog from the home and placing it in a shelter. 

• Malnutrition and dehydration:

  
  

  Neglect often means inadequate food and water, leading to starvation, dehydration, and related health problems. 

  
  

• Untreated illnesses and injuries:

  
  

  Without proper veterinary care, dogs can suffer from untreated illnesses, injuries, and infections, which can be painful and even fatal. 

  
  

• Skin and coat problems:

  
  

  Neglect can result in poor coat condition, skin infections, and parasites. 

  
  

• Dental issues:

  
  

  Neglected dogs may suffer from severe dental problems due to lack of proper dental care. 

  
  

Behavioral Changes:

• Fear and anxiety:

  
  

  A dog experiencing neglect may become fearful, anxious, and withdrawn, struggling to trust humans. 

  
  

• Aggression:

  
  

  Some dogs may become aggressive due to fear, pain, or lack of socialization. 

  
  

• Depression:

  
  

  Neglect can lead to depression, loss of appetite, and decreased activity levels. 

  
  

• Self-mutilation:

  
  

  In some cases, dogs may engage in self-mutilation, such as excessive licking or scratching, as a result of stress and anxiety. 

  
  

• Difficulty with socialization:

  
  

  Neglected dogs may struggle to interact with other dogs or people, requiring extensive rehabilitation. 

  
  

Legal Consequences:

• Animal control intervention: If neglect is severe, authorities may intervene, seize the dog, and place it in a shelter or with a rescue organization. 

  
  

• Legal charges: In cases of severe neglect, owners may face legal charges and penalties. 

  
  

Shelter and Adoption:

• Shelter care:

  
  

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  Dogs removed from neglectful situations are often placed in shelters where they receive veterinary care, behavioral assessments, and socialization opportunities. 

  
  

• Adoption challenges:

  
  

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  Neglected dogs may face challenges in finding new homes due to their behavioral issues and the need for patient and experienced adopters. 

  
  

If you suspect animal neglect, it's crucial to report it to the appropriate authorities, such as your local animal control or humane society, according to the Animal Legal Defense Fund. Early intervention can make a significant difference in the dog's well-being. 

How many dogs can you legally own without a permit in your area?

In many areas, 3 is the legal limit without a permit.  Check your area for the exact number.

Reported cases of dog bites in SC

While specific numbers for confirmed dog bite cases in Greenville, SC, may not be readily available in public records, some data provides insights into dog bite incidents. For instance, in 2023, three of the 78 confirmed rabies cases in South Carolina were in Greenville County.

In South Carolina, the average insurance claim for dog bites is over $50,000, and settlements can range from $6000 to $225,000, with an average of about $136,000.

Greenville seems to have few stray-dog bites, based on the lack of rabies reports for 2025.

• The South Carolina Department of Public Health had not reported any rabies cases in Greenville County in 2025 as of April 7th. This suggests a relatively controlled situation regarding potentially rabid strays.

• General statistics indicate that stray dogs account for about 15.55% of reported dog bites in the US annually.

• While there were no reported rabies cases in Greenville in 2025, Greenville County did have three reported rabies cases in 2024. 

Summary

The main threat is not from the occasional stray dog, but the ferocious dog that has been trained to attack and bite. Therefore, the focus is not the dog, but the maladjusted owner who is predisposed to violence.

Why else would there be so many lawsuits? Liable and reasonable parties are prone to settle out of court. But it takes the hanging judge to make the intractable face the consequences of their actions. The blatant, though rare, dog owners are the crux of the dog-bite incidents.

The authorities can act once there is a history of violence.  In this way, innocent citizens can be protected from vicious humans who sic their dogs on uninvited and unwelcome visitors.

Let the mailman, food-delivery men, and Jehovah’s Witnesses be aware that a small part of the community is disposed to wreak havoc on the public through their dogs.