One of the best parts about pet parenting is the incredible amount of love our furry best friends so freely give us. Nothing feels better than coming home from a long, hard day to tails wagging and butts wiggling.
That’s one of the reasons that “pet bling” has caught on as a current trend. Our pets mean so much to us that for some pet parents bestowing bling upon their beloved best friends is a way they are showing their love.
One example of this is Flex the Frenchie. After her parents, Shae and Pat, spotted some pet jewelry on Instagram, they knew they wanted to gift them to their beloved pup.
For her first piece, Flex’s mom and dad gave her a small pendant with her birthstone on it. A gorgeous blue topaz pendant now hangs from her collar.
“She can never have enough bling. A lot of people compliment and ask me where I got it from,” says Shae.
Flex has also been bestowed with a silver, heart-shaped name tag, and the next gift she will get is a sparkly yet pricey diamond pendant. Together, both of her “Richie Paws” pieces (her blue topaz pendant and silver name tag) cost her mom $200, a price Shae says is a worthwhile expense.
“I don’t see it as an expensive cost considering aluminum dog tags have to be replaced every couple of months,” says Shae.
A Symbol Of Immense Love For Their Best Friend
Richie Paws’ founder Daniel Haddon says he was inspired to start his pet jewelry business after investing in a personalized luxury name tag for his Cavoodle, Penelope. He realized this was a relatively untapped market and wanted to give other pet parents an easier opportunity to show their love for their pets.
“I wanted to give her something precious and valuable, and I thought other people might want this luxury too. I would take a bullet for my pet, she is my child.”
Not Everyone’s Cup Of Tea
While some pet parents view their generous gifts as a reflection of their immense love for their furry best friends, others view the trend as a way for owners to deal with their emotions.
“They’re not technically buying it for their pets. It’s for themselves. It’s an emotional purchase. When people don’t know what to do with discretionary income, they say ‘How can I solve my existential angst through buying,’”says Paul Harrison, the chair of Consumer Affairs at Deakin University.
A token for after they cross the rainbow bridge
Daniel Haddon understands that spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on pet jewelry may not appeal to everyone but says that these jewelry pieces can serve as mementos after our precious pups are no longer physically by our sides.
“Even when Penelope is gone I might turn her jewelry into a necklace. The piece becomes a keepsake,” explains Daniel.
What are your thoughts on purchasing pet bling? Could you see yourself bestowing jewelry upon your beloved pet? We’d love to hear what you think in the comments.
Featured Image: Facebook