What's Wrong with Social Networking for Dogs?

Well for starters, dogs can't use a computer.  They can't read or even type on a keyboard.  Do they really care that Dancer misses his mommy or Tequila Bon Bon's favorite treats are Dr. Becker's Bites (which by the way my dog loves)?  Not so much. 

A long time ago (in Internet time) I started out on Friendster, moved onto Myspace (barely), LinkedIn, Zoom, and now Facebook (yes, look for me, maybe we'll become Facebook friends and never meet up in real life).  In any case, people decided the Internet would be a good place for their pets to meet other pets like on Dogster or through Meetup.  Yes I did it.  I joined Dogster.  I joined the New York City Chihuahua Meetup Group.  Why?  I don't know.  Because Guapo is the cutest little Chi-chi in the world.  Apparently that's what they call Chihuahua's.  I think I just threw up a little bit - in my mouth.  I do love him but has this social networking made a difference in his life?  Yes, I've spent more time on the computer and less time with him. 

I unjoined Dogster after setting up Guapo's profile and uploading photographs.  They did not make it easy.  Like some other social networking sites, I had to contact customer service to remove his profile completely.  (I wanted to preserve his privacy.  I didn't want some perv looking at pictures of him.)  I received the following response: 

Michael,

Before we do something so drastic, do you mind telling us why you wish to
leave? If it's something we did or didn't do or another Dogster has been
mean to you, we'd like to have a chance to make it right so you'll stay.

If your mind is made up to go, however, confirm your decision in a reply
to this e-mail and we will remove your information from our system.

Here's hoping you will decide to stay.

Woof!

-watch dog-

NOTE: This mail has been sent to prevent an accidental deletion or hastily
made decision. It is not meant to annoy or aggravate the individual who has
requested an account removal.

My reaction was:

OMG!  Please just remove me.  I wasn't offended.  Dogster was not mean to me. I just don't have time.  I barely have enough time to live my real life much less a virtual one for my dog.

My real answer was more polite but that's what I was thinking. 

Like I said I recently joined New York City Chihuahua Meetup Group because Guapo's groomer sent me an email about how this group was sponsoring a Chihuahua playgroup at doggy day care.  I joined because I though Guapo might make a little Chihuahua friend even though he hates other dogs.  After an onerous registration process which included writing a brief essay on why I wanted to join, I started receiving emails from the group organizer into my already overwhelmed personal email inbox.  Two of these emails were vague messages about calling her right away.  I don't even know this person! And it turns out the Chihuahua play date will include product demonstrations.  Can we just please stop marketing every aspect of our lives? 

I will be unjoining New City Chihuahua Meetup Group.

A dog's social networking is leaving marks on fire hydrants and tree guards not leaving posts and comments on a blog. 

Comments

[hh]

I (heart) Guapo

[CL]

Guapo is so cute. I think you made a right decision to un-join those organizations.