Growing up near Carmel, I have always loved and quite frankly pampered dogs. (lol)
{Also exciting to see Little Big Lies , set in Monterey, I need to watch!}
In Carmel, almost every shop has a water bowl outside and a dog cookie at the register.
Most Americans can’t pass a pooch without a loving glance or a quick “Can I pet your dog?”
I’ve grown up with dogs my whole life, so it seems natural that dogs catch my eye. But even my American friends without any pet experience will similarly love to browse photos on Instagram and ask to pet a dog on the street. One of my close friends even regularly Snapchats the dogs she sees on her commute into work.
Some American dogs ARE place holders for children.
I’ve seen people dress their dogs, push them in strollers, you name it. Even using baby talk and feeding them ‘people food.’ In California, it’s almost expected to see.
It’s important to remember that people that live in this area may have kids that have grown and left the house or they valued things like their careers over parenthood. Many people need a little thing to spoil and a dog is a natural companion.
Simply put, ‘the French way’ is completely different- if not distant.
French girls love their dogs and treat them well, but don’t expect to see any strollers or Doggie Subscription Boxes.
You shouldn’t approach someone and ask to pet their dog, you might get met with some odd looks.
Not only have I never seen this happen, I still can’t find an appropriate verb for it…
Pet (verb)= caresser
WARNING: If you use “pet” in French– you’re asking for a blunt (yes, like weed)
Pet (noun)= Animal de compagnie, animal domestique
Like many things in France, they will be more private on the street and very warm within the friend and family unit.
