“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” Anatole France, French Author (1844-1924).

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It seems like the Japanese have replaced their designer pouches with designer pooches. From cafes to salons, weddings to fashion, a dog can live a pretty plush life in Japan. There are more than 25,000 outfits in Japan itself that cater for dogs alone and the streets now overflow with pampered pups in child like strollers and the latest fashion fads — from trendy t-shirts to dyed prints — anything goes. With a market now estimated at 1.5 trillion yen per year it’s no wonder businesses have been cashing in from the pet boom, which started back in 1992. According to experts fewer births, people living alone and the cute factor are at the heart of the dog obsession. Experts have also suggested that the Japanese are now replacing children with dogs. Statistics show that dogs, at 12.5 million, now outnumber children under 10 in Japan

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For those that really want to see some doggy style, Omotosando Hills and Roppongi Hills are the places to hit. From mudpacks to massage from restaurants to doggy cakes, the Japanese have taken the phrase “man’s best friend” to a whole new level.

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Last weekend someone tried to put this dog out in the Sodaigomi (large rubbish). It seems the owner thought the animal had passed its use-by-date and it was acceptable to put it out with the trash. The rubbish collector offered to take the dog to the hokenjo, but the person’s neighbor, disgusted by it all, volunteered to find the dog a home. Luckily she called Animal Refuge Kansai (ARK) and they were able to rescue the dog and pursue the matter further with the police.