Only in Dubai...

There are many aspects of this beguiling city that serve as a sharp reminder to a western expat that the Middle East really is different - not least the fact that there is sufficient business to sustain a vetinary practice specialising purely in the care of falcons...

But came across one yesterday that rather took the biscuit. We were looking for a collar for a dog, and the search led us to one of the longer-established pet shops in Dubai. After pausing to admire the jewel-like colour of the iguanas on the counter, we found the canine section. All sorts of leads, harnesses and collars, including several large, macho studded things to properly reflect the savage nature of your beast. If that's your thang...

And there on the top shelf, was, well, what? Some sort of refugee from a dominatrix's wardrobe? Fetish gear for rottweilers? Bondage equipment for the more alternative amongst us? Not quite. On closer inspection (well, you would, wouldn't you?), these studded constructions in leather and bronze turned out to be just another piece of pet accessory. A walking harness for your panther, no less!