In the world of the wealthy, even dogs live life in style with
their own teams of therapists, acupuncturists, nutritional
counselors, swim instructors and masseuses. The fortunate few are
even more spoiled. Jazzy, New York Post Columnist Cindy Adams’ dog,
got a red mink coat for his last birthday, a snazzy f
ête attended by 20 other members of the city’s canine couture
set.
In the world of the wealthy, even dogs live life in style with their own teams of therapists, acupuncturists, nutritional counselors, swim instructors and masseuses. The fortunate few are even more spoiled. Jazzy, New York Post Columnist Cindy Adams’ dog, got a red mink coat for his last birthday, a snazzy fête attended by 20 other members of the city’s canine couture set.
While your own pooch may not strut its stuff in anything other than its own built-in fur, it doesn’t mean you can’t spoil the dog rotten right here at home. From rhinestone collars and satin dog carriers to custom-made pet beds and, yes, doggie cologne, every mutt can live out its “champagne wishes and caviar dreams.”
Mary and Jennifer Shimonishi, a mother-daughter team who run Hollister’s Shaggy Dog Grooming, start the grooming process off with a massaging shower
for pups, followed by stint in a specially designed dryer – the dog sits in a canine version of a beauty shop dryer chair, a cage that circulates warm air.
Then it’s off for a tooth cleaning, pedicure and makeover. Every dog gets something special for the nearest holiday, so right now it’s black and orange bows along with a festive Halloween scarf.
“You do find the kinds of people who really want to spoil their dogs, so right now we’re trying to really offer the most in personal styling,” said Mary Shimonishi. “We have a full line of things so you can take care of your dog at home, and there are also things to accessorize with. We have really pretty collars, and there are doggie sweaters. My favorite is the Christmas sweater we just got in because it lights up. Then maybe the letterman jacket.”
If it’s not in the store, Shimonishi can probably get it, too. From doggie bath robes, to special order purses with your dog on the side and custom-made super plush dog beds (canopy optional).
And just to make sure that fido stays smelling like the lady-killer you know he is, you can pick up some canine cologne while you’re at it. Shimonishi carries the Natural Labs line of scents (“Strong enough for a man. Made for a Chihuahua.”) in designer aromas like Pucci, CK-9, Timmy Holedigger and Forever Dalmatians.
But just remember, said Amber Settle, owner of The Pet Palace in Gilroy, that while pet owners may enjoy showering love and attention on their dogs, their faithful friends will never really be humans and cannot be treated as such.
“People tend to do what’s called anthropomorphizing,” said Settle. “We tend to project emotion that doesn’t have any similarities with how an animal actually thinks.”
Settle works alone in her shop to help animals remain calm during the grooming process and pays close attention to their individual responses.
“Most dogs and cats have what’s called single-event learning,” she said. “Something was so traumatic that now there are barriers that it’s going to take a lifetime to undo.”
With an emphasis on calm, professional care, Settle feels that pet owners can truly spoil their dog without the frills that word conjures. “If we know who they are, what they want and what they need … to me that’s spoiling my dog. How do we give them a feeling of safety and love? How do we stay worthy of that unconditional gift they give us?”
Spoil your dog rotten, Settle said. Take it for a long walk. Play a game of fetch. Scratch those ears and your pooch will feel like royalty.
Extra ways to pamper your pooch
For the truly spoiled pooch there are a plethora of Web sites that cater to their people’s every whim.
From www.Spiegel.com:
‘Spoiled Dog’ rhinestone collar, $29
‘Pom-pom Pink’ dog sweater, $79
Fuzzy pink dog couch, $119
From www.Pampered-Dog-Gifts.com:
Celebrity velvet and feather dog bed, $299
From www.DivaPaws.com:
OPI ‘Pet Pawlish,’ $9.99
Doggie walking booties, $69.99
From www.Amazon.com:
‘Bedtime Stories For Dogs’ by Leigh Anne Jasheway, $9.95
Pet Music (3 CD collection), $18.99
‘Three Dog Bakery Cookbook’ by Dan Dye and Mark Beckloff, $14.95
