Summer 2007

Reignin’ Cats and Dogs By Randall Mielke

Pampering to the Extreme

Pet-product industry insiders and experts have seen or heard about numerous items over the years that allow humans to pamper their pets. But some pet pampering seems a bit extreme.

"Probably the most outrageous thing I have seen was a diamond-studded dog collar for $250,000," says Jane Knittle, of A Pet's World. Bark Avenue Jewelers, in Pittsburgh, designed the collar for Pet Fashion Week in New York City in August 2006.

"A couple of vendors I have seen do genuine fur coats for dogs," says Sheila Spitza, of Wet Nose. "They dye them purple or pink. That draws the line for me. I don't go for real fur."

Bob Vetere, of the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, says he once saw a $15,000 doghouse for inside the home. It came complete with three rooms and tiled floors. "I also heard about a doctor in Southern California who did liposuction on an obese dog," he says. "I think that was over the edge a little bit."

Dan Rappoport, of Pet Music, says he has seen bottled water, "like a Perrier for pets. And now I heard of a whole new movement: cremation jars for pets."