urbpan: (It stinks)
urbpan ([personal profile] urbpan) wrote2006-09-14 04:26 pm

Heard in Austin:

"squeak squeak squeak squeak squeak squeak squeak squeak squeak..."

The sound of a dog's squeaky toy, coming closer, down the sidewalk, as we eat lunch outside. What should come up the way but a family--mom and dad and just-walking baby--the baby's shoes are making the squeak noise. Someone is manufacturing baby shoes with squeakers in them. There were a few people around us, and we all exchanged unbelieving looks. One guy said "that's the weirdest thing I've ever seen!" Well, no, but it's pretty weird.

Cut to a few hours later, in the airport, waiting for the announcement to board our plane: "squeak squeak squeak squeak squeak..." Another just-walking baby, with squeakers in its shoes. Someone is manufacturing baby shoes with squeakers in them, and at least two people have bought them. I can only imagine that the point of these shoes is that you always know where the baby is--you know, rather than watching them. I know, I'm not a "kid person," and I'll never have children so I'll never understand, but isn't this whole idea really obnoxious? The message I'm getting from it is "My child's safety is more important than your comfort."

They are coming to your school, your daycare center, your laundromat, grocery store (think of it--dozens of pairs of shoes--"squeak squeak squeak squeak squeak") dentist's office, your city street!

What do you think?

[identity profile] kryptyd.livejournal.com 2006-09-14 09:33 pm (UTC)(link)
I lurved those shoes too! I could never get them in adult size though!

Squeaky is a different matter all together. And my dog would bite the legs offa them too. It's such a struggle owning a grumpy, elderly Jack Russell who is predisposed to hate babies and toddlers and trying to keep him out of trouble...
ext_15855: (Spike: No Power In The 'Verse)

[identity profile] lizblackdog.livejournal.com 2006-09-14 09:39 pm (UTC)(link)
...or a rambunctious toy-obsessed Border Collie who LOVES kids but gets way too rough once he gets excited.

squeaky toy feet is just asking for trouble.

[identity profile] kryptyd.livejournal.com 2006-09-14 11:26 pm (UTC)(link)
Collies are mental (in a good way of course, the drummer in me band has two). Whereas jack russels are just cantankerous. I love jack russells so!
ext_15855: (Spike Misbehave)

[identity profile] lizblackdog.livejournal.com 2006-09-14 11:34 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm not sure I could live with a Jack Russell, but all my collie's best friends are small terriers - it's one of the few breeds he never hates on sight. They rock.

[identity profile] cottonmanifesto.livejournal.com 2006-09-14 09:47 pm (UTC)(link)
we can't have squeaky toys in our house because our one dog gets all obsessive about them and they could potentially cause fights.
ext_15855: (What You Leave Behind)

[identity profile] lizblackdog.livejournal.com 2006-09-14 11:32 pm (UTC)(link)
Same here. Plus Spike's shark habits don't extend to toys. He never destroys them just keeps squeaking ad infinitum.

[identity profile] cottonmanifesto.livejournal.com 2006-09-15 11:50 am (UTC)(link)
ha ha! charlie's obsessive about de-squeaking the things which, i guess, is actually a boon. :)
ext_15855: (Spike in grass)

[identity profile] lizblackdog.livejournal.com 2006-09-15 12:24 pm (UTC)(link)
Spike loves his toys too much to hurt them. He can make a football last six months even with daily use... the only squeakers he's de-squeaked are the ones he's drowned. He likes lying in puddles...