E-Paper
Social networking goes to the dogs
A crossbreed between MySpace and YouTube, Doggyspace allows dog owners from all over the world to come together, create profiles, and share photos and videos of their pups.
Cici confesses on her Web page that she likes to greet everyone by licking their feet. Dolce admits to being a mamma’s boy. And Jake and Tycho posted a video that chronicles their adventures of rolling around on their backs. It’s not on Facebook or MySpace, but the canine equivalent — Doggyspace.com.
A crossbreed between MySpace and YouTube, Doggyspace allows dog owners from all over the world to come together, create profiles, and share photos and videos of their pups.
The Virginia-based site is part of a growing trend of social networking sites that target interest groups looking to connect with like-minded people.
“It’s having a social experience around things that we care about,” said Fred Stutzman of the University of North Carolina.
Since launching in mid-July, Doggyspace has logged more than 700 registered, active user profiles, said Levi Thornton,
founder of the site. He says Doggyspace will have more than two million accounts by the end of the year.
Thornton said the site is a place for pet owners to share stories or learn about a specific breed. It can also help people form friendships based on a love of dogs.
Connie Mandrozos found it while searching for information for her 12-year-old golden retriever, Boomer, who has cancer. She received an outpouring of support from other owners. Some told her they "have their paws crossed" for Boomer.
A profile for a Labrador retriever said she is shy around other dogs and scared of small, furry creatures because she lives with a “VERY MEAN CAT.”
