The Scarlet Collar

Fancy Schmancy   (Photo by H.Heuer) 

Back in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Puritan Massachusetts, a scarlet “A” meant that she who wore it was an adulteress.

Nowadays, the color red can still signify transgression.  If a dog is particularly aggressive, it may be wearing a red collar.  This warns approaching humans not to get too close.  Such pets have also been known to “attack other dogs.”

Not everyone is in tune with this color-coding.  Some pet owners might shop for collars as they would for jewelry, simply choosing those that appeal to the fashion sense.  If you’re not sure whether a red collar means “stop” or “go,” it’s best to keep your distance while asking.

Resources

https://www.iheart.com/content/2022-03-30-if-you-see-a-dog-with-a-red-collar-you-should-be-very-careful/?mid=829028&rid=98364581&sc=email&pname=newsletter&cid=NATIONAL&keyid=National%20iHeart%20Daily%20NewsTalk&campid=headline5_readmore 

Copyright March 31, 2022 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved