My last week in Buenos Aires - I am going to the dogs instead of tango classes. At the exhibition grounds 'La Rural' beside the parks of Palermo dogs and horses from the length and breadth of Argentina compete for ribbons and prizes.
Argentinians are as nuts about their dogs as any other doggie fan in the world. Behind the three ring circus, the actual exhibition rinks, doggies are being brushed, curled, straightened, blow-dried, manicured, pedicured, clipped until not a hair is out of perfect alignment.
Even the mustaches of little Schnauzers are prepared to droop like Kaiser Wilhelm's own.
Doggie Designer Furniture amongst other doggie must haves.
I saw a stand for doggie sanitary underwear, which looked like a modified diaper except that in terms of design it could have originated at Victoria's Secret.
I imagine it is intended for doggies who live on beds and furniture. Keeps the upholstery 'sanitary'...
The designers were very reluctant to have anyone take photos of their creations, as to avoid illegal copies being made by any competition or a creative dog owner with a sewing machine.
Even show dogs need love and attention, and Argentinians are generous with their pets.
Some larger than life individuals had to await their turn in their portable doggie house.
Her Yorkie Highness in curlers just waiting for lipstick and nailpolish....
Sheepdog having the inside of his ears blow dried; he sure demonstrates patient tolerance to this less than agreeable beauty treatment.
The parting of the doggie hairs....
Attentive observer in the audience...
Well, that is what it's all about - a kid and his beloved friend.
Outside, in Plaza Italia, a dog-walker's pack is tied up. Each doggie awaiting his turn at the poop part of the outing - the scoop part remains nebulous - or evident, depending on the dogwalker.