What is with the amount of dogs in strollers I see nowadays?

My husband and I feel like we’re living in the Twilight Zone and just want to see if anyone else has experienced this.

We take our kids to a few different parks where it is common for people to walk/run their dogs. Whatever.

But something I’ve noticed increasing at an alarming rate is dogs jn strollers. The amount of times I peek into a stroller going by me, expecting a cute baby, to only be barked at by a slobbering dog has me shocked.

I see all ages do it, from young people to old couples. It’s ridiculous. I see it at the park, at restaurants, and the worst by far was at Costco! We saw three adults walking their beast around Costco in a baby stroller! I was honestly in shock!

I do not understand this for several reasons. Strollers are meant to contain an infant, mainly due to them not walking yet but also to contain them in certain spaces. Why on earth does a dog need a stroller, unless they’re injured? (Which I highly doubt is the case in these scenarios).

Also, crazy theory here, why can’t your dog stay at home? In what scenario is it necessary to bring your dog into the store ?

Aren’t dogs supposed to get exercise? Isn’t that the whole point of taking them for a walk? Doesn’t the stroller defeat the entire purpose ?

I’m just at a total loss here and want to know if others have experienced this. It seems like total deranged behavior.