Dressed-up dogs, Peruvian style

I am finally blind enough to the dressed-up dog phenomenon that it takes a really dressed-up dog, perhaps also color-coordinated with its owner, to make me laugh and remember to tell Sam. I feel like we’ve seen it all, including a doggie birthday party for 8 tiny chihuahuas, all dressed in pink and purple dresses, complete with cake and presents. But I still have a lot to learn about the extent to which Peruvians will go to to doll up their dogs.

Case in point: Simon and I went to the park on the malecón one Sunday morning to escape church. We could see that something huge was about to happen: lots of booths were set up, a large video screen was broadcasting, there were large, cordoned off areas, people were gathering. Maybe Peru was playing in the World Cup playoff series...? I couldn’t figure out why else they would have a giant screen.

Oh, because it was the Master Dog CanFest. That screen was to broadcast all the doggie tricks! People were lined up near the sign to “make your dog a star” and one by one would take the stage to cajole their dog into doing whatever trick they do at home. All of the dogs, however, were too distracted by all the other canines and their own image on the giant screen to do much more than walk in circles or run off the stage.

The stage, complete with loud music while the dogs "performed" and a Master Dog commercial repeated 4-5 times in between each dog "trick"

I saw dogs wearing strands of pearls. Taffeta dresses with tulle. Full body sweatshirts. Overalls. Army fatigues.

Leather booties!

It's not just women who doll up their dogs... men are definitely equal participants in this craziness! 

Plaid is always a nice fashion choice, especially in fall.

You could buy your dog any number of outfits at various booths. You could purchase costumes for Halloween or whatever other opportunity exists to put dogs into princess outfits and Spiderman costumes. 

I think I'm partial to the cowboy getup, complete with holsters for my pup's pistols.

You could have your dog’s professional photo taken or portrait drawn. You could talk to someone about ways to go on adventure trips with your dog, like camping, canoeing, or hiking.

For a couple of hours, Simon and I were enthralled. While I’m hoping that this is as extravagant as it gets, I have learned my lesson and am prepared for a thousand-dog-strong parade, complete with catwalk and music. One can only hope.