In early June, a unique opportunity arose to explore the storied past of Los Angeles through a tour of the iconic Bullock’s Wilshire department store, a grand Art Deco structure completed in 1929.
Now home to Southwestern Law School, this architectural masterpiece was designed by the renowned Parkinson father-son duo, John and Donald.
As I walked through the beautifully preserved halls, once bustling with shoppers, I was taken aback by the revelation of a charming canine haven known as “The Doggery,” a tribute to the city’s enduring affection for dogs even in the late 1920s.
Sara Halpert, the school’s archivist, highlighted this connection, noting, “Even in 1929, L.A. people loved their dogs.”
Fast forward to modern times, and the dog-loving spirit remains vibrant in Los Angeles.
The 2023 edition of Pets of Larchmont reflects the city’s devotion to dogs, showcasing their roles not just as beloved pets but as integral parts of our daily lives—companions for exercise, guardians of our homes, and confidants in our moments of need.
While dogs may not yet hold dependent status under tax codes, in the hearts of Angelenos, they are cherished like family.
Local establishments like Tailwaggers, The Barking Lot, and Jess Rona Grooming continue the tradition of pampering our four-legged friends, echoing the spirit of The Doggery from decades past.
Among the plethora of breeds, the basset hound stands out as a personal favorite for its characteristic look—long ears, short legs, and a wrinkled coat that gives an endearing appearance of sagging.
The basset hound is just one of four recognized “basset” breeds by the American Kennel Club, a lineage that traces back to France, where the term derives from the word “bas,” translating to “low.”
Similarly, the Welsh corgi also has a low stature, with its name combining “cor” for “dwarf” and “ci,” meaning “dog.”
When one thinks of droopy canines, the shar-pei comes to mind, known for its intelligence and loyalty, with a name stemming from the Chinese words “sha pí,” which means “sand skin.”
Dogs have a fascinating etymology, as shown in the case of the beagle, whose name may arise from the French word “béer,” meaning “to open wide,” referring to the dog’s notable howl.
The term “terrier” presents a history linked to its French roots, being a shortening of “chien terrier,” which meant “earth dog,” indicating their original purpose in hunting burrowing animals.
In a similar vein, the name “dachshund” is derived from the German “dachs,” signifying “badger.”
The connection between dogs and their origins continues with breeds like the poodle, known in France as “caniche,” meaning “duck dog,” a nod to its historical role as a water retriever.
In the U.S., the name comes from Germany, where it was referred to as “pudelhund,” which translates to “splash dog,” capturing its playful nature as a swimmer.
Additionally, the extravagant pompons often seen on poodles are not just for show; these styles were originally intended to enhance mobility while protecting the dog from cold waters.
As we delve deeper into breed history, geographical names often reveal their origins.
Spaniels were associated with Spain, while the unique Pekingese boasts legends tracing back to Beijing, historically known as Peking.
Similarly, Dalmatians hail from Dalmatia, Labradors from Labrador, Chihuahuas from Chihuahua, Akitas from Akita, and Pomeranians from Pomerania, showcasing a global connection to the beloved companions.
Historically, dogs have been multifaceted companions, assisting in herding, hunting, and simply providing companionship.
The ancients even connected dogs to celestial themes, with constellations like Canis Major, which includes Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky after the sun.
A noteworthy event to mark on the calendar is the rising of Sirius, which occurs in conjunction with the morning sun around July 23, ushering in the sultry “dog days” of summer from July 3 to August 11.
As we embrace the canine companions in our lives, there’s no better time to celebrate this enduring bond, whether at the beach, in a pool, or simply enjoying life with our furry friends by our side.
image source from：larchmontchronicle
