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Dear Daphne: Anyone for a wristband? A ribbon? How about a pin?
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Posted by daphne Tue Nov 30, 1999 00:00:00 PST
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I’ve been walking around this town long enough to know that there are about three kinds of people who make up my version of Bakersfield.

There are the people who (gasp!) don’t own pets and are happy to be pet-free.  Then there are people who own pets and maybe they dig their own little quadrupeds well enough, but they aren’t in any big hurry to surf the Internet for new toys or treats, or to explore the nuances of pets and pet ownership in modern society. 

Finally, there’s that last group, otherwise known as “my people.” We’re the ones who can not only see the fun and beauty of our pets, but enjoy other people’s pets, as well. We’re the ones who cast many, many ballots on kittenwar.com and know that the Puppy Bowl is bound to be worth more laughs than most of the overpriced commercials during the Super Bowl. We’re the people we’d most like to spend time with. The unapologetic fur-baby junkies.

Trouble is, we can be a little tough to find. Sure, I can continue to stalk pet stores, hoping you brought your fur-kid along so I, a total stranger, can walk up and simultaneously coo over your dog and engage in critter small talk with you.

But that only goes so far. And there’s only so much time I can wander up and down the aisles of the pet store before security is assessing my general mental fitness.  Plus, that only works in pet stores, since our pets aren’t allowed almost anywhere else.

Hence, my brilliant idea. It’s time for us, the certified-over-the-top-and-proud-of-it pet lovers, to have a way to identify ourselves to each other. All we need to decide now is what type of identifier we’d like to have.

We could go for one of those wristbands that got hyper-popular not too long ago, once everyone saw the “Livestrong” effort take off.

Or, we could get ourselves a ribbon, like any number of good causes have done in the last decade or so. 

Heck, I’ll even settle for a pin.It can be something simple, like a black paw print on a white background, easily worn on a collar, lapel or tacked onto a handbag or baseball cap.  

Our design only has to have two rules: it has to be easily identifiable, and it has to be unisex in design so anyone can wear it. No pink, no flowers and no lace.

For pet lovers, this symbol can be the beginning of a revolution. Imagine standing in any number of places where you’d rather not be waiting in line. There you are at the bank on the Friday afternoon before a three-day weekend. Or maybe you’re at the post office on a day where there are four windows, but only one clerk on duty. It’s obvious you’re going to be there a while. 

But as you look around in a vain attempt to distract yourself, something catches your eye. It’s a pin! And not just any pin, but a white pin with a black paw print in the center. You say hi, flashing your matching pin. The next thing you know, you’re knee-deep in conversation about your favorite things --- your pets. The tension of having to sit in line has abated. You’re grinning and laughing as you share anecdotes with your new friend. 

And this happens over and over again, at the dentist’s office, at the car dealership while you’re waiting for your car to have its oil changed, while you’re waiting in line at the deli counter inside Albertsons, maybe even at work. You continue to meet other furry-friend junkies, your lives intersecting in strange and fascinating ways. 

The world grows just a tiny bit smaller with each meeting as we are able to reach out and be willingly reached by others who are like-minded in our devotion to our pets.

So, what’s it going to be folks … wristband, ribbon or pin?

Bow-wow for now,

Daphne

E-mail Daphne at: daphne@swvoice.com

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Comment From: bmweerman

Nice column!! I didn't know small dogs could write so well. You need to come give lessons to our Chiuhua (sp?) "Tuesday." We love her dearly but she is ummmm... well...not so bright. And we thank you for the kind words about Allie...we just aren't going to tell her 'cause she already thinks she is the Queen of Everything.... Nice to meet you and keep up the good work. Cheers Cameron, Patti, Maddi, Tuesday, Jar Jar.......etc, etc. Comment From: daphne

Why gosh, thanks for the kind words! And, of course Allie thinks she's Queen of Everything...she's a cat! The ones I live with are the same way, and there doesn't seem to be a cure :o) Stay in touch, Daphne