People can be idiots when it comes to their pets. Everyone knows someone who talks to their dog like they would to a baby, or dresses it up in little festive costumes, or wheels it around in a pram (no, just me?).
These things are daft, of course they are, but they are harmless enough. At least the animals aren't getting hurt (though they may be getting embarrassed).
One dog owner has taken things way too far, though, and nearly killed her poor dog in the process.
Right, listen up dog owners - no matter how cute you think it would be DO NOT dye your dog purple, or any colour for that matter. Dogs can't have human hair dye put on them as it causes them great pain and can even kill them.
Violet, an (appropriately named) Maltese mix dog who weighs about 5lbs - just over 2kg - was taken in by the Pinellas County Animal Services centre in Florida with severe chemical burns, swollen eyes, and shedding skin after her owner had tried to use purple hair dye on the poor mutt.
The workers at the centre were pretty sure that she was going to die, but they gave her medication, fluids, and tried to get as much of the colouring off her as they could before wrapping her in bandages.
They had to shave her completely as well and she was "limp and listless" - but she managed to get through the night at one of the vets' homes and began the lengthy process of getting back to full health.
Basically, the chemical burns were so bad that they were making Violet's skin fall off.
The centre posted on Facebook: "Good thing Violet was peacefully anesthetized. It was so much worse than we initially thought - how would this little dog make it through?"
Don't worry, though, there is a happy ending. After her long road to recovery that included lots of painkillers, antibiotics, scab removal, and even being connected to a drip for a while, she is now healthy again and has a new home thanks to the kind folk who rescued her.
It was a slow process, but she eventually rediscovered her confidence, according to her rescuers.
They said: "Violet began to tell us what to do - it started with a little noise; not really a bark, not really a cry. But then she found her voice and she never, ever, ever stopped.
"She began to walk the halls, visiting each office and requesting treats or hugs or gentle pats.
"It was clear - Violet was on the mend and she wanted everyone to know it."
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So take this as a warning - love your pets, even dress them up in stupid costumes, but remember that there is a line.
Featured Image Credit: Facebook/Pinellas County Animal ServicesTopics: Animal Cruelty, Dog, UK News, US News, Animals