Although the well-quoted adage goes "Opposites attract", that may not be the case for people and their dogs.

Whether it is by accident or design, more and more resemblances between dogs and their people seem to be emerging.

While, perhaps not on your street, most certainly in magazines, on T.V., and occasionally at the vet's office, we are treated to an entertaining glimpse of the barrel-chested, droopy-jowled guy with his English Bulldog, or the well-manicured mom with her itsy bitsy puppy princess. Hang out at a lakeside dog park and it won't be at all hard to find your "well-heeled" prepster with his Chocolate Lab, or today, perhaps a Labradoodle.

Do we unconsciously project our personas onto dogs when we choose them, or more slowly, the more time that we spend with them? We know that this can happen with married couples, even teenage "best friends", so why not with our furry best friends?

However it happens, or why it happens may always remain a mystery, but happens it does, and has, it seems, since the beginning of the dog / human connection. What is different now, is that it is SO much easier (with so many breeds to choose from), to find the perfect "match", and SO much more fun (for you and your dog), to enhance the connection you have through canine accessories that reflect the things that you love. Whether it's the color purple (the new pink), or the love of trout fishing...the choices are almost as vast as your imagination! And we're not just talking about collars and clothes. Beds, bowls, types of toys and even the scent of your cologne or shampoo are ways to share your favorite things with your favorite friend(s).

Are you new at decking out your dog? Want to enjoy the dog boutique shopping experience? Start with color. I'm often told that my Maltese, "Charlie" and I "match". It's certainly not because I coordinate with my beloved canine each day. It just so happens that my favorite colors are black, white and turquoise, and wouldn't you know it - so are his!

Start with a few items, reel in the compliments, and if you and your dog start having the grand time that I would expect you to have becoming "twins", you may find yourselves behaving more alike as well.

For example, are you smart, punctual, particular about what you eat, and perhaps a bit stubborn? Or are you laid back, a bit "ruff" around the edges, but terribly loveable and loyal? And your dog???