Reuters is reporting on a British fad for pet costumes.

I’ve noticed that the Japanese go for this in a big way. This October in Shinagawa, I passed a storefront selling doggy and kitty costumes. A whole store. I wanted to think that it was just the influence of the imminence of Halloween celebration, but further evidence suggested otherwise.

Lots of pups wear sweaters and jackets in Tokyo. I make allowances for the fact that they are for the most part small, scrawny, and short-haired.

Seeing dogs taken for walks in doggy strollers stopped me in my tracks (the first time). Aside from the expense (and how ridiculous their owners look), doesn’t a doggy stroller defeat the purpose of taking the dog for a walk?

Seen in the Yebisu Garden Place mall: a cat in a sweater and rhumba pants (panties with ruffles on the rear). Wearing a Minnie Mouse ears headband. Strapped onto a tricycle, which was pulled on a leash by her proud owner. I could not make this up. I felt embarrassed for the cat.

Felines have dignity. Even dogs do.