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Issue Date: Dec. 9, 2001

In this article:
Gifts for your pet

 

What to Get the Pet who has everything

by Frappa Stout

Let's face it: Our pets have come a long way since the days of sheep herding and guarding the home. They've moved from the back yard to the bedroom, and 84% of American pet owners consider them part of the family. "We don't even recognize doghouses anymore," says Marty Becker, author and resident veterinarian on ABC's "Good Morning America". "Our idea of a doghouse has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a wide-screen TV and a spa."

Americans spend about $28 billion a year on their four-legged friends, and that's not all food and veterinary care. The pet product industry is exploding, and more than half of all owners regularly buy gifts for their pets.

"It's trying to repay a debt that can't be repaid," says Becker, whose book "The Healing Power of Pets comes out in February. "The pet gives you unconditional love, limitless affection and to-die-for loyalty. So you spoil them worse than grandkids."

You can get greeting cards, psychic readings, even an e-mail account for your pal. But what do you get the pet who already enjoys all the luxuries of home?

Some suggestions:

The catwalk

The world of pet fashion is on the move, and it's not just about the argyle sweater anymore. Discerning four-

leggers have cashmere sweaters, faux fur jackets, three-piece suits, fluffy pajamas and, at holiday time, elf and Santa suits in their closets.

What's hot this year? Just look to the designer runways, says Karen Thompson, owner of Karens for People + Pets, a high-end pet boutique and salon in Manhattan. "The trends mirror what's happening for people. They like to be able to coordinate with their pets."

Thompson, who has been in business for 26 years, does her own designs and attends (human) fashion shows to keep current. "Army jackets and camouflage are 'it' right now," she says. "Christian Dior did it last spring, and now we can't give the [pet-pampering] public enough."

On a short (but fancy) leash

Pet accouterments are always in vogue: practical and necessary, but also fanciful and fun. If you're going to harness your pet with a collar and leash, why not make them alligator skin, beaded or studded with rhinestones? (If your pet doesn't wear a collar, adorn him with a gold or pearl necklace, even a rhinestone tiara!) Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Salvatore Ferragamo have introduced pet items.

To make your buddy mobile, Pet Portage and Samsonite make pet carriers with streamlined exteriors and fur or absorbent lining. Thompson, whose customers include pop diva Mariah Carey, composer Marvin Hamlisch and handbag maven Kate Spade, offers a pet bag in real crocodile for $4,000. Can't afford it? No worries: She has a faux version for $350.

For outdoorsy types, stock up on life preservers, snowshoes, helmets and other equipment made especially for the doggie adventurer. Nothing for cats yet, but it's only a matter of time.

Playthings to engage the brain

Many pet owners hang stockings for their dogs and cats and put wrapped presents for them under the tree. They treat them like furry children, and like children's toys, pets' playthings have gone high-tech and interactive.

"Toys may seem like something frivolous, but they are actually very important for our pets," says Funda Alp, spokeswoman for the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, based in Greenwich, Conn. "They stimulate their brains and keep them busy." Pet toys today have sounds, lights and motion, and they are touted as improving physical and mental health.

Gizmos run the gamut, including stuffed animals that record and play the owner's voice; "critter-powered" mini-cars for rodents; Christmas- and Hanukkah-themed toys; and a flying disc with legs for easy pickup. A company in Pennsylvania even offers Pet Music, a collection of three compact discs meant to ease a pet's stress and separation anxiety.

GOURMET GOODIES

Pet treats these days are even better than table scraps. Give them doggie cigars (cigar-shaped snacks), salmon-flavored milk (in boxes), pet "sports drinks" or Poochi Sushi, made with flour, oats, peanut butter, canola oil, molasses and honey. Of course, you can drive the cats crazy with the scent of catnip, now on gift wrap or in bubbles, for hours of entertainment.

In The lap of luxury

Who doesn't love to be pampered? The latest rage for our coddled companions is a trip to the spa, where they are lavished with all manner of indulgent pleasures: aromatherapy, acupuncture, hydrosurge baths and therapeutic massage. They may partake of grassy fields, fine cuisine and salon-style grooming, or relax in luxury suites.

"When your pet looks good, it feels different," says Becker, the "Good Morning America" vet. "There's not a person who doesn't love having their hair washed, and it's the same for dogs and cats." Popular spas are The Golden Paw in San Diego (where felines enjoy suites with tempting aquarium and bird-feeder views) and the New York Dog Spa & Hotel in Manhattan.

As for traveling with your cuddly compadre, more and more fine hotels offer accommodations for pets. The W New York Union Square has pet room service, toys and cleanup bags, as well as attendants who will arrange dog-walkers and pet-sitters. The exclusive Las Ventanas al Para'so ("windows to paradise") hotel in Cabo Real, Mexico, offers a full-service spa, pet cabanas and pet menus, in a tropical climate with a beachfront view. May as well treat yourself while you're at it.

Now petless, the magazine's Frappa Stout grew up with a houseful of animals.

Go to top


Wondering what to get the pet who has everything? Here is buying information on all of the hot products and services mentioned in our story:

Las Ventanas al Paraiso, the exclusive resort with pet spas and cabanas, is located at the tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, along the coast of the Sea of Cortez where it meets the Pacific on Cabo San Lucas. Daily rates range from $375-$3,500, depending on the season and the size and type of room. Pet accommodations are $50 per stay; pet services are $50-$80. For reservations, call Rosewood Hotels & Resorts: 888-ROSEWOOD.

The Critter Cruiser, by Super Pets, for $9.99-$17.99. Major pet retailers, or call 800/252-7387.

Lizard and alligator skin collars and leads, $240 and $400 per set, respectively. Camouflage jacket, in cotton with faux-fur trim and sequined appliqués, $150. Shopping tote, in denim with camouflage trim, $250. Matching denim pet jacket, $150. Pet bag in real crocodile, $4000 (made-to-order only). Pet bag in faux crocodile, $350. All at Karens for People + Pets, 1195 Lexington Ave., New York, N.Y. Call 212/472-9440 or visit www.KarensforPets.com.

Wacky Cat Gym, by Hartz, about $10-$15 (depends on retailer). Call 800/999-3000 or visit www.hartz.com.

Gold-trimmed china pet dish, personalized with your pet’s name, by Lenox, $39.95. Call 800/223-4311 or visit www.lenoxcollections.com.

Greeting cards for your pet, at www.litterature.com.

Psychic readings for your pet. For a list of practitioners, see www.keen.com.

Pet email accounts, at www.MeowMail.com (sorry, for cats only!).

Louis Vuitton and Salvatore Ferragamo pet items at www.eLuxury.com.

Pet Portage pet carriers by Lori Fields, for $30-$80. Major pet retailers, or call 646/473-0149 or visit www.petportage.com.

Samsonite Soft Sided pet carriers for every lifestyle, for $29.99-$99.99. At PetsMart stores or www.petsmart.com, or call 800/469-9416.

Doggie life preservers, snowshoes, helmets and more at www.RuffWear.com, www.dogomania.com and www.pet-expo.com.

Stuffed animals with recording devices, to play owner’s voice and combat separation anxiety. “Voicekins” by Idotnet, $14.95-$19.99. Call 800/322-4731 or visit www.idotnet.com. “Talk to Me Treat Ball” by Marketing & Creative Sales, $16.99-$19.99. At PetsMart stores or www.petsmart.com.

EZ Fetch flying disc with legs for easy pick-up, by Ethical Products, $7.99. Call 800/223-7768.

Pet Music, a three-CD collection to ease a pet’s stress and separation anxiety, by Incentive Media, $19.99. Visit www.petmusic.com.

Cigrrr’s cigar-shaped treats by Blonde with Beagle Productions, $15.99. Call 888/819-2477 or visit www.blondewithbeagle.com.

Salmon-flavored milk for cats in packaging that mimics juice boxes, by PetAg, Inc. At Petco and PetsMart stores or www.petsmart.com. Call 800/323-6878.

Rebound pet sports drink, by National Pet Supply, $2.50. Call 888/645-9501 or visit www.rebound4dogs.com.

Poochi Sushi Canine California Roll natural dog treats by Creature Comforts, $17-$20. Call 773/237-1400, 212/352-8591 or visit www.fetchpets.com.

Catnip scented gift wrap by the Kong Company, $3.49. Call 303/216-2626 or visit www.kongcompany.com.

Crazy Catnip Bubbles by WorldWise, $2.99 at Target. Or, call 800/Worldwise or visit www.worldwise.com.

The Golden Paw pet resort in San Diego offers luxury accommodations, spa services for dogs and cats and gourmet pet cuisine, within miles of the Lindbergh Airport. Rates for boarding and services range from $11-$75. For reservations, call 619/299-2730 or visit www.thegoldenpaw.net.

The W New York-Union Square offers pet accommodations, including pet “welcome bags,” toys, treats and clean-up bags, as well as concierge service for pet needs. Daily rates range from $199-$1,600, depending on the room size and season, and pet accommodations are $150. For reservations, call 212/253-9119. ...


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