A shocking trend that seems to be getting worse.

It’s been a common site in Quartzsite for a number of years: (mostly) old people with (mostly) small dogs in baby strollers. I only took two photos this year, but I must have seen at least 50 dogs carted around like this.

The worst thing about this is that manufacturers have begun making strollers actually designed for dogs. I can only imagine how much this encourages people to participate in this shocking — read that “embarrassing” — activity.

Don’t get me wrong: if your dog is old or sick or otherwise has trouble walking around on his own, taking him out in a carriage or a wagon is a great way to get it outdoors for fresh air and interaction with others. But if your dog is fully able to walk on his own on a leash? Why would you do this? Why won’t you let your dog get exercise and enjoy the fringe benefits of sniffing new things and meeting other dogs?

Yes, all three of these strollers waiting at the World’s Best Corn Dogs booth had at least one dog in it. These people were not together.

Anyway, if you love and respect your dog and he’s able to walk on his own on a leash, skip the stroller. Not only does it make your dog look dumb, but it also makes you look like an empty-nester who misses the grandkids.🙄