My aunt that lived in NYC had a black German Shephard that also carried her own leash!
Never got dog to wear bunny ears; holiday co-ordinated bandannas were her speciality. She had one for every holiday; my personal fave was her one for Flag Day (Aunt's birthday). Also worn on 4th of July - pretty much all summer. A red, white and blue stars and stripes kerchief, well - ascot.
Dog, named Smokey, was a huge scaredy dog, but looked fearsome when she walked herself holding her own leash.
My little old aunt was fearless when she walked her dog. She (aunt) would get mouthy to homeless guys. Not right, but she was so old-school. We always worried she'd piss off the wrong person.
I myself witnessed her one day kicking a homeless individual "Get Up and Get a Job!" Smokey was at her side, but I could tell terrified. So was I. Beloved aunt was like - "That felt good. If I'm meant to die in such an altercation, let it be known my will is made and I said what I felt."
A fiesty New Yorker. I loved her, but she made me like living in Mid-West cause people aren't so rude.