Plastic Surgery for Dogs

In the lastest "idiotic things rich people do" news, those with cash to spare are spending it on plastic surgery for their dogs. While some surgery, such as rhinoplasty to help pugs breathe is actually warranted, there have been many cases in which dogs have been altered simply to improve their appearance.

Brazil, the plastic surgery capitol of the world, where people visit specifically for cosmetic procedures, is at the forefront of canine makeovers. The most popular surgeries are straightening bent ears, making protruding ears droop, tightening the mammillae (breasts) and enhancing facial symmetry. Basically, anything that has been done on humans is carrying over to the canine world.

Edgado Brito, a leader of the pet enhancement movement, claims that if a dog is more attractive its relationship with its owner will be better. What a crock of shit! The beauty of dogs is that they love us unconditionally regardless of our shortcomings. Don't we owe them the same? The recent story of Susan Boyle on Britain's Got Talent is proof of our inability to not judge people "by their cover." But can we at least retain our ability to judge animals by their character, rather than their attractiveness? In my opinion, some of the best looking dogs are the least conventional. Though I'm pretty sure I am in the minority here, who couldn't love a rascal like this: