I am forever in search of dog friendly towns, shops, bumper stickers… I am always amazed at the variety of dog clothes and accessories that are available out there (sort cats you really get the short end of the stick in this department!) Did you know that, for smallish dogs, you can find a whole host of relatively affordable clothing at Build a Bear? It’s true. It is the TJ Maxx of the dog world (if your’s is tiny bear size that is). Petsmart has some inexpensive “pet wear” as well, if that appeals to you. And then there are the boutiques, that have a dizzying array of more costly options. So if you are into that, and prefer high end for your 4 legged kids, check these out.
This is a store in Southampton, NY. Tres Chic!
There are many more just like it. I have seen real leather bomber jackets, tutu’s, you name it. These stores have moved well past the Halloween headbands costume. Not only can your dog have private swimming lessons in the Hamptons, but they may have them wearing a different bathing suit for each day of the week.
Just a few doors down, there is a jeweler that custom designs diamond and gemstone encrusted items enabling you to wear a token of your beloved pet at all times. I really liked her bone pendants, which you can get in any shade of gold, and get personalized. When people in South Florida are cloning their dogs, this investment seems like pocket change. We chatted a bit, and she told me about a client that commissioned a piece for about $10,000. So, for those of you considering a change of career… dog jewelry and clothing design. Or for your kids, heading to college, there is evidently a market for this stuff.
And, our human babies are not the only ones that need schooling. In fact, there are so many options for our pets to be socialized, trained, entertained, these days. Puppy day care, private and group training, dog friendly shopping, dog parks… it is all available for you. On your computer you can monitor your dog while you are at work. You can have your dog walker’s route verified by GPS. Technology has made it possible for us to obsess about our pets as much, if not more, than our human children. Unless of course you are tracking your son or daughter on their iPhone as well.
There are hotels that are springing up around the country that cater to pets. With luxurious spa packages, and excursions you can plan for them while you are away, it makes you wonder who is having more fun on vacation. Seriously, I spoke with someone in the business, and they described an option to purchase a private limo to take your dog through the drive through at McDonald’s! For real. It exists in Chicago, and is coming to a city near you. (Hopefully it comes with a veterinarian on call to deal with the aftermath.)
Let’s not forget about the transportation to and from these lux locales. There are charter jets that exist, if needed, for lucky dogs (and cats!) that would prefer not to travel economy on planes. Even in the cabin, first class is not good enough for them. If you are a pilot, and want to get into this niche business, you can.
So, if you are like me, and you are having one of those days where you feel like your dog or cat is the only one that really understands you, there are any number of ways to pamper him/her.
Dr. Dawn
Please share and subscribe here
