The Orion Online

Issue date: 10/3/07 Section: Features

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Watch footage of one small dog with our online-exclusive video.
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All the accessories are accounted for - the purse, the pumps and ... the furry little pooch?

While most bling used to tie an outfit together is meant for humans, the market for doggie accessories is nothing to bark at. Many pet owners are decking out their dogs with accessories and using them as accessories.

Though getting a dog was not part of the college plan for senior Lisa Johnson, she had trouble resisting when she met Charlie, a 2.2-pound purebred Chihuahua.

"I was having a really bad day, and I held him," Johnson said. "He was so much of a comfort. It was spur of the moment."

Charlie cost $500, Johnson said.

"My parents gave me a lot of crap about how much I paid for him, but I wouldn't take back my decision," she said.

Charlie is the owner of a Juicy Couture sweater and a recently acquired Juicy carrier, along with many little stuffed toys, Johnson said.

Though she loves Charlie, Johnson doesn't agree with using a dog for attention, she said.

Many dog owners who love their pooches as much as Johnson loves hers, frequent stores such as Jill's Elegant Dog Boutique on Mangrove Avenue.

"It's a true boutique," said owner Jill Van Curler. "When you come see me, the quality is much finer, and there is a lot of variety in products from tailored to whimsical themes for dogs."

The boutique carries many holistic products, including a chemical-free spa line for dogs and chemical and preservative-free dog cookies, Van Curler said.

Protective doggie eyewear, specialized pet strollers, Italian dog carriers and beaded leather collars imported from Kenya are also available, she said.

Some might think that spending so much money on an animal is extravagant, but cost doesn't matter when people consider the affection dogs give back, she said.

"Dogs are more dependent and make people feel more needed," Van Curler said. "There is unconditional love."

Though the love provided may make people want a dog, the sudden popularity of small dogs and dog accessories is largely because of celebrities, she said.

"Paris Hilton really started the little dogs' popularity, and the dog has now become an accessory in the mainstream," Van Curler said. "Your dog is now an accessory and can be dressed with you and carried in style."

Dogs of every size can be dressed up for the red carpet or a night out on the town. Some dogs even go to class with their owners.

"There was a girl in one of my classes who brought a dog to class," said senior Molly Parsons. "She had a cute carrying bag for it."

Parsons has a dog herself named Bailey, but she isn't a little dog, Parsons said. She's a golden retriever who likes to walk, play and cuddle.

"Bailey sits in the front seat of the car with me," Parsons said. "And she has a million little 'babies' that she plays with."

Since many dogs are part of the family, some owners even shop for Halloween costumes for their pets.

"I bought Tiki for my girlfriend," said Derek Scheppens, whose girlfriend is a Chico State student. "She always wanted a dachshund."

Tiki will probably be a hot dog for Halloween, Scheppens said. A couple of Tiki's dog friends will accompany him in ketchup and mustard costumes.

With designer bags and sweaters, fancy collars and tons of toys to play with, the dog doesn't have to do much work anymore. Regardless of whether a dog is an accessory - or has accessories - many pet owners treat their dogs like children, Van Curler said.

"Dogs are 'the other child' and are not just a pet anymore," she said. "They are full-on family members."

Sara Nielsen can be reached at snielsen@theorion.com

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