Of course, chatting with strangers is an excellent confidence builder. But wouldn’t it be easier if you didn’t have to make the approach? And wouldn’t it be even lovelier if admiring passersby approached you with a smile, a compliment, and some questions that you’re an expert on?
I’m sure you’ve been deluged with advice and, no doubt, “get a dog” is near the top of the list. But here is where you surpass that hackneyed recommendation. Choose an unusual canine. That way when people stop you on the street, as they inevitably will, you can regale them with stories of your “best friend’s” history and heritage, a subject you’ll soon be expert at.
Even better, get a dog that matches your appearance or your personality. “What?” you rightfully ask.
Seriously, there is inexplicable charm to the combo of you and your (sort-of) look-alike pooch. I’ll never forget a striking woman I once saw walking an Afghan hound down Fifth Avenue in New York City. Both her and her dog’s cashmere-colored hair were fluttering in the wind. (It didn’t hurt that Afghan hounds have widely spaced hip joints, which make their derrieres swing like a model sashaying down the runway.)
Women, of course you want a stylish bitch (relax, the “b” word simply means “female dog”). Like the Afghan’s owner, try to have your canine’s hair color be similar to yours. People can’t help but admire (even if they don’t tell you) the similar shade in both your tresses.
Men, forget French poodles or other powder-puff pooches. Depending on your appearance, go with a dalmatian or Doberman pincher. If you’re short, you can’t go wrong with a mean-looking bulldog, the champion of pit fighting. (As masculine though it may seem, avoid the pit bull. It will have the opposite effect—of making strangers run from you.)
Of course, some bizarre breed dogs cost a lot. Forget the costliest ones because there are thousands of fabulous, funny-looking mutts at the pound. You’ll be doing the canine world a favor by choosing one that nobody else has chosen—and giving yourself a new best friend besides.