Every dog gets its day

Tue., Dec. 19, 2006

Maria Puente USA TODAY

Americans are expected to spend $3 billion or more on Christmas for their pets this season. That’s billion with a “b.”

But what’s really staggering is the ever-expanding variety of wacky, clever or just over-the-top stuff you can do for Fido, Fluffy and their brethren for the holidays.

The thinking nowadays: If people like it, pets will too, and especially dogs. In fact, more and more, dogs are being treated as if they were four-legged children.

So you can take your dog to a spa for a massage or a manicure. Get his portrait painted. Take him to see Santa at the mall. Send his photo in Christmas cards to his doggie friends.

And the gifts you can get him are, well, like the gifts you get a person: handbags for cats, and couture bling and daybeds for dogs.

Even Bob Vetere, president of the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, says he’s “flabbergasted” at the flood of goodies produced for pets or, more accurately, for people who like to think their pets know it’s Christmas.

At PetSmart, the national chain, they call the customers – that is, the ones with the credit cards – “pet parents.” Rashell Cooper, the dog fashion expert for PetSmart, says retailers are responding to consumers’ desire to spoil their pets just as they would their children.

Which is one reason why PetSmart includes such things as a pink parka with faux-fur hoodie for dogs ($19.99) and an antler hat for cats ($4) on its list of top holiday gifts for pets this year.

Christmas spending on pets has been increasing steadily in the past decade; Vetere estimates spending this year will be up 8 percent, possibly more.

“Christmas is our busiest season, just like it is for regular retailers,” says Carmina O’Connor, who with twin sister Charisa Antigua sells dog couture and jewelry in pet boutiques around the country under the name Oscar Newman. Their doggie coats, sweaters, T-shirts and dresses ($50-$150) are hand-beaded, embroidered or hand-crocheted and feature such glitter as Swarovski crystals, pearls and mother of pearl appliques.

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