1st let me state that the stroller does NOT replace taking your dog for a walk or talking it to the park to run free. That simply is not the purpose for it. Or at least not the function I use it for.
2nd, I too was a little apprehensive to take Millie out in the stroller in the begining, because I too thought that I would be made fun of. But to my suprise and to my hubands astonishment (he was extremely embrassed by the whole idea) people are more than receptive! They love it. I get asked all the time where did I get it, people stop me to look at it and ask all kinds of questions. In general people think it's a great idea! I even have had men come up and tell me they like the whole idea of it.
3rd, Millie did great in a carrier when she was 3 - 6 months old. After she got older around 8 -9 months old, it was impossible to take her anywhere, incognito, because she made a general nuisance of herself. She wanted out of the bag! She would push her head out from under the zippered area and whine and bark, etc.
4th, I take Millie to Lowe's, Home Depot, pet stores, Farmer's market, Garden Shows and in the Mall. I won't take her to Grocery stores, restaurants or Wal-mart, because I was not able to do that even when I had her in a carrier after she got 8-9 months old because I could not hide her anymore, she refused!
I just find a stroller to be much more convenient when you are shopping or looking around, because you can do it at your leisure without the heavy weight of a shoulder bag on your arm and without the little bugger squirming around all the time. I am not trying to hide Millie so even though the stroller is much more visable, that just is not an issue.
Oh yes, Strollers are not at all common in this little town of Chattanooga. When I go out, I am the only one with a stroller and dog in it. But it no longer concerns me.
Not trying to be argumentative, just trying to show you the bigger picture. |