Lifestyle | Dear Lyst, My Dog Isn't A Fashion Accessory

Hello Lovelies! If you've been on social media at all today, then you probably heard about Lyst's rather controversial new campaign introducing their 'canine collection.' Now, I'm about 99% sure this isn't real, but the fact that they've gone to such elaborate lengths to make it seem real is the thing that really shocks me. 

Let's start with the site. When you click through you can find dogs listed under 'accessories' with Lyst encouraging you to 'find the right dog to match your wardrobe.' Then you can even select different colours, sizes and dog types to narrow down and find the right breed for you. My dog breed is actually on the site, which is great because now I know that I only need to get an amusing slogan sweater to compliment Molly... On a serious note though, this tells you so little about the breed it's laughable. Like it doesn't mention how many walks the dog needs, possible medical problems, how well they cope with children etc... It just completely objectifies them, which even in the context of a joke is not ok. Then even when you go onto their twitter you can see Lyst replying to tweeters on delivery options etc... There are even some people who have claimed to have already received their dogs. 

That said when you go onto the site, you can't actually buy a dog. There's only a 'pre-order option' that leads you to an email and not actually a purchase. The thing is this campaign could have been the perfect opportunity to raise awareness for the issue of dogs being fashion options. One of my fellow bloggers Megan said it would be perfect if the pre-order button redirected you to the RSPCA to raise awareness - that would probably have been a great campaign. But the fact that they've made everything so real, and this all so elaborate is dangerous because people might actually think it's normal and even more worryingly real. 

I mean this must be a PR stunt right? (I really hope it is). 

Maybe I am overreacting, but I will tell you right now that I really love dogs, and even more than that I hate seeing dogs unethically bred with medical problems, or abandoned when their owners can't cope with them. And as funny as Lyst might think joking about dogs being a fashion accessory is, the truth is that so many fashionable breeds like chihuahuas end up in shelters because they've been glamourised as objects, not life long companions. That's the problem, is that some people won't see it as wrong, they will take it on face value and accept the idea that buying a dog online is normal when really it's completely unethical. 

As annoyed as I sound, it's just because it breaks my heart to see a campaign like this. Having a dog can be one of the most wonderful and amazing experiences but only if you can cater to their needs. I love my dog Molly, and she has been one of the best companions, but the idea that someone might have bought her online and not looked after her actually just breaks my heart. So Lyst, I do hope this is all a joke, but even if this is you'll have some answering to do because it's really just not funny.

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