The Birth of FlexPetz

There are a lot of folks living in the city and out who are pet lovers but for one reason or another don't have the time, space or desire to deal with an animal 24/7. Wouldn't it be great then if -- when the urge strikes you -- you could just rent-a-petfor a couple of hours? You know, rent a Husky or a Labrador for a day so the kids can play with it or you can run with it on the beach or whatever, and then at the end of the day you return the dog and you both go your separate ways.

Sounds crazy - but that's the very idea behind Flexpetz.com. And the person having the last laugh is Marlena Cervantes - 30 years old and out of San Diego. Who -- according to an article in the Italian Journal "Millionaire" (www.millionaire.it) -- with just 12 months under her belt -- has seen Flexpetz far exceed her initial expectations, with satellite offices already springing up in London and Paris.

According to its website, the Flexpetz program works like this:

"...FLEXPETZ is a unique concept for dog lovers who are unable to own a full-time doggy pal, but miss spending time with a canine friend. FLEXPETZ is a shared dog ownership concept that provides our members with access to a variety of FLEXPETZ dogs. All FLEXPETZ dogs complete obedience training and some FLEXPETZdogs are also certified as therapy dogs.

ThroughtheFLEXPETZ shared dog ownership concept, members can spend from just a few hours to a number of days with each of our dogs. FLEXPETZ dogs are available in varied breed sizes to ensure compatibility with our member's individual lifestyles and unique circumstances....."

I like this concept. In fact, I think the potential is there to really push the envelope, so why limit ourselves to just dogs? For example -- let's say you're not really sure you want to get married. Maybe the commitment scares you. So what do you do? Dial up FLEXMATE! Take a mate home with you and see what it's like to share someone's good habits and bad round-the-clock, 7-days a week!

Following the concept of FLEXPETZ, a person could have several models of husband or wife to choose fro: for example, the potential newlywed might want to try on a well-sculpted or tightly toned husband or wife, or maybe you're a bit more realistic with your wants and desires so you go with the husband who's balding a bit on top, or the wife who is carrying around a few extra pounds. Or maybe you're not sure how you will stack up with a mother or father-in-law. Heck, you can rent MINE! In fact, I'll give her to you! That way, no matter what you're dong or where you're going you can have an annoying short woman hanging right over your shoulder like a parrot issuing commands or wants and reminiscing about what it was like to survive World War II on just one loaf of brea

But I digress.

I think the FLEXPETZ program promotes what I call "responsible petting" and I'm not talking about something you do with your tongue. If you think about it, it's far better to rent-a-pet rather than go through the motions of owning an animal when you know deep down inside don't want it anyway or can't provide the proper care and love.

Hey - there are enough abandoned animals in this world and at least FLEXPETZ is coming up with a solution. According to the website, "....FLEXPETZ provides...local access to a variety of dogs, all of whom are rescued or re-homed, very lovable and fully trained. FLEXPETZ members can spend from just a few hours to a number of days with each of our dogs. FLEXPETZ dogs are available in varied breed sizes to ensure compatibility with our member's individual lifestyles and unique circumstances. Local drop-off and collection to your home or office is available in some locations..."

If you want the particulars, you need to pull up the website and check it out for yourself.

FLEXPETZ. I think it's a great, innovative concept, but there's a part of me that feels like this is yet another example of how modern society is literally going to the dogs, and just can't seem to commit to anything other than the short term.