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  Straits Times Forum Online 23 Nov 05
Trade in your dog, upgrade to new one. What's next?
Letter from Brigit Sebastian (Ms)

I am rather disgusted by the latest sales gimmick from a pet shop which promises to replace any dog with a new one.

I am not concerned that people will take up the offer and start dumping their pets. In fact I am certain that dog lovers would consider the offer ludicrous.

People who are seeking to upgrade their pets the way they would their handphones are in the demography of the 10,000 pet owners who dump their pets annually and would do so regardless of whether incentives like these are provided.

What irks me is the lack of sensitivity and taste behind such comparisons. The 'objectification' of a living, sentient being is offensive to me.

I am reminded of a comment made by a woman who justified the hefty fees charged by her matchmaking company by saying that 'people who question the price should ask themselves why famous brands like Louis Vuitton and Prada charge so much for their bags' (ST Oct 24, 2004).

Am I alone in thinking that there is something disturbing about the notion of comparing people with bags? I must confess that her comment left me simmering but I did nothing. I was expecting a deluge of angry letters to the Forum page but it was allowed to pass unchecked.

So the mentality of upgrading to a 'bigger-better' model can now be extended to man's best friend as the pet shop's sales gimmick shows.

What's next? Trade-In Your Spouse?

Brigit Sebastian (Ms)
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