Pet+Spaces+Research


 * Area of Interest:** Public Parks, Pet stores/boutiques, Specific areas of the city including Yorkville. I want to examine to what extent pets/dogs (excluding seeing eye dogs) should be involved in metropolitan Toronto. I also want to examine the identity of urban pets. There are many debated issues on what the role and position of dogs/pets should be in urban society, and I plan to build a critical position on this after I have completed my research. Are our pets still animals, or are they becoming consumers and Toronto citizens themselves?


 * Critical Position:** Public and private pet spaces throughout the city of Toronto enhance the lives of both Toronto pets, and their owners.


 * Research Statement:** I would like to focus on various areas of Toronto that provide public/private space for pets, including public parks, specified dog parks, and the new phenomenon of commercial space for dogs. I want to document how pets and pet owners influence each other, as well as how the area that they inhibit influences their activities. I will be "dogsitting" my Mom's dog "Tillie" over the next few weeks, so I plan to incorporate her into my research- I will be testing Toronto's boundaries, and seeing how much she will be accepted in public places.

Online Research: The following sites feature services, or spaces that are catered to the consumer pet.
//The dog spa is a growing trend in Toronto. Why send your pet to a groomer or petsmart to have their hair cut, when they could enjoy the luxuries of a spa? Dog spas are created and marketed on similar principles as human spas. Most feature designer interiors, gourmet h'ourderves and alot of pampering.//
 * 1. Dog Spas:** [|http://www.happytailstoronto.com]

//Fashion for dogs is a growing trend in Toronto. Chains and privately owned canine fashion stores and boutiques are showing up all over the city. I have observed that many trendsetting owners tend to dress their dogs accordingly.//
 * 2. Dog Boutiques:** [|http://www.thepamperedpup.com]

//Some Toronto citizens think of their pets as their children. While owners used to simply hire a dog walker to give their pet some fresh air part way through the day, some pet parents are now enrolling their bundles of joy in "doggie" day care. "Doggie" daycare gives dogs attention, excercise, and social time during their time apart from their owners. Some day care services even install cameras into dog play areas, which owners can subscribe to so that they can watch their pets every move from their workplace.//
 * 3. Dog Daycare:** [|http://www.dogeden.com], [|http://www.holidaypetcare.ca], [|www.poshmoggy.ca], [|http://www.tire-biter.com]

//This video clip shows just how important pets are to their owners. Toronto citizens take their pets interests into consideration while casting their votes in upcoming elections.//
 * 4. Politicians impact on pet owners:** [|Pet Affairs in Politics]

Physical Research: The following notes summarize my observations of public and private pet spaces in Toronto.
//One thing that I observed alot of while walking around toronto was that alot of dog interaction occurs. No matter what their//
 * 1. Dog Interaction**