Adopting a dog is a huge responsibility, but one that pays off ten-fold. The commitment you make is paid back in kisses, cuddles, companionship, and loyalty like no other. We love our dogs for the good and the bad, and even in the messy moments, we treasure the fur family we bring into our homes. 

Still, adoption isn’t for everyone. Humans considering adoption really SHOULD feel the weight of the decision they’re making. Adopting a dog is a promise you make for the rest of your life. For many humans, it’s just too big a promise to make. Dr. Franz Frankfurter, a psychologist at the University of Tadfield, tells iHeartDogs:

“In the past year, a lot of people chose to adopt as they found themselves with more time on their hands working from home. But along with world-wide lockdowns came a lot of stress. There was nowhere to go. There was nothing to do. Jobs and loved ones were lost, and for some, though they longed for companionship, the weight of the responsibility of a dog was just too much to bear. Even breeds that are lower-maintenance require exercise, grooming, and medical care, among other things.”

But where there’s a will, there’s a way. Humans craving the companionship of a pet, but who are unwilling to commit to the responsibility of a cat, dog, or even goldfish, discovered a new breed of “wiener dog” that fit their needs.

The hot dog is incredibly low-maintenance. There’s no exercise needed, no grooming required – in fact, bathing is NOT recommended as these sensitive breeds are likely to go soggy when wet. But those who like to pamper and groom dogs find that there are a number of ways to get their fix by dressing up these wonderful weenies. 

“I’m a Chicago girl at heart,” says Jessica Pfiefer, wiener lover and a pioneer in pet-hot dog ownership. “I’m not actually from Chicago, I’m from Texas. But I love a Chicago dog! Mustard, pickles, onions, peppers. Oscar loves to be dressed up – and he looks good enough to eat! Not that I would.”

Some prefer to go a little simpler with their hot dog decoration. Max Acosta says he likes to let his wiener’s personality shine through in a way it couldn’t with so many fixins.

“I like a classic, no-frills, mustard-and-ketchup look,” he says. “That’s a good dog.”

For others, it’s less about the dress and more about sports. Hot dogs have long been a staple at sporting events, but never as the main attraction. In hot dog agility, all eyes are on the frankfurters as they go through complicated courses. Wiener handler Matt Warwas tells iHeartDogs that it’s less about speed and more about accuracy. 

“It doesn’t have legs. You can call to it and try to get it to get up and go on its own, but it really needs a hand,” he says, petting his hot dog, Nathan. “You kind of have to just toss it through the courses.”

Still, he says he would never consider doing dog agility with a traditional pet. 

“That takes a lot of time and training. I’d love to be able to put in the time and work, but it’s just so much easier this way. This is really the easiest, least-fuss pet you could possibly have. I’d recommend it.”

But what about the love we get from a living, breathing, flesh-and-fur dog? Can hot dogs really replace the love of a good dog? 

“Not really,” says Jason Fajkus. “But you can leave it home alone and when you come back it’s still there in the same place. There’s no mess to clean up. It doesn’t run off. It’s loyal.”

We know that seeing a dog across the Rainbow Bridge can be one of the toughest moments of our lives. Hot dogs don’t live forever, but other advocates for hot dog ownership say that they couldn’t stand the thought of loving a dog for years and then saying goodbye. Melissa Sandoval, former pup parent and current hot dog owner, says she has already lost a dog before and wasn’t ready to do it again. 

“I lost my Yorkie, Jasper, after 14 years,” she says. “I didn’t want to do that again. My hot dog may not last long, but that means I won’t have as long to get attached.”

The average life span of a hot dog is about five days. But for those who love them, it’s a very special five days. Some claim that the life span can be extended by letting the hot dog sleep in a refrigerator, or even indefinitely in a freezer, but purists will tell you that it just isn’t right. 

“A hot dog should be allowed to live out its natural life without any help. We should love them while they’re here, but know when it’s time to let go.”

Are you ready to consider a hot dog as your next family member? Here’s what you need to know:

When raised “natural style,” a hot dog’s life span can be up to five days. After five days, you can expect to say goodbye to your good dog.

Hot dogs come in a number of varieties. As well as the traditional dog, you can get the thick-coated corndog, the German bratwurst, or harder-to-find breeds. Jose Gonzalez, a fan of the more exotic breeds, smiles proudly at his unusual footlong, Sonic.

“It’s a real conversation starter. And I’ll be honest. It really strokes my ego, the way he turns heads.”

Your hot dog will not need to eat, but you may find that they often appear around the table when a meal is served. Again – don’t feed your hot dog.

Do not get your hot dog wet.

Though you can take your hot dog outside, keep a close eye on it. It’s natural prey to everything.

The most important thing you should know about your hot dog? …

HAPPY APRIL FOOLS DAY!