How to truly pamper your pooch in Shanghai this Christmas
The ultimate gift for the dog that has everything? His own photo spread.Shanghai’s going to the dogs -- literally -- as Shanghai pets are increasingly included on local holiday lists.
We’ve rounded up some of the most deluxe Shanghai dog gifts for the furrier stars of the household when those chewy toys or fishy treats just won’t do.
Doggie glam: Coco de Bisyu Dog Boutique
Bona fide canine fashionistas can quit slumming it and get serious over a selection of trendy doggie duds from the United States, France and Japan.
Owner Coco, dog fashion specialist and designer, is on hand for advice and tailor-made styling including the latest in dog wedding couture. Seriously. Shanghai does not kid about fashion, not even dog fashion.
“Our selection of clothes is ‘top fashion’ so enjoy and more importantly, have fun with them,” says Coco.
155-24 Jianguo Zhong Lu, near Taikang Lu 建国东路155-24号近泰康路, +86 21 5465 3385, closed Wednesdays, www.cocodebisyu.com
Groomed to perfection: Bark
No self-respecting Shanghai dog would hit the yard without a decent wash and do. Far from your everyday groom shop, the Bark team specializes in customized house-call grooming using eco-friendly shampoos from New Zealand. And you can continue the Shanghai dog gift love well into the new year with Bark's V.I.P. certificates -- "Very Important Pooch," of course.
The store serves most parts of downtown Shanghai.
12 Quankou Lu, near Linquan 泉口路12号, 近林泉路, +86 21 3208 7757, barkshanghai.com
Pet portraits: Barefoot Portraits
Now is the time to turn all that styling and grooming into the perfect photo opp.
Owner of Barefoot Portraits, Don Yap, and his photo crew or professional “memory makers” are happy to cater to your family’s fluffier members with group portraits (the entire brood), “man’s best friend” duo shots (left) or, for the ultimate in pooch narcissism, a private one-on-one session.
Yap clears it up for those humans on the fence: "Why do it? Why not? Your pet also deserves some wall space, not to mention that special coveted desk spot at the office.”
4/F, 668 Huaian Lu, near Xisuzhouhe Lu 淮安路668号4楼, 近西苏州河路, +86 21 6083 1066, info@barefootportraits.org, www.barefootportraits.org
A day at the spa: Mignon Boutique
Moving beyond grooming, this doggie spa offers more than some human retreats do. Their “total beauty care” spa treatments include massages, bath salts and a “deep sea mud experience” leaving your pup rejuvenated and styled from head to paw.
While fido’s getting pampered, owners can sit tight with a tea or cappuccino in the store’s cafe serving a selection of both human and canine treats.
Mignon isn't one to discriminate: their full range of imported beauty products work on both cats and dogs.
Also, not limiting themselves to rub downs, the spa offers pet manicures. Nail caps are just so 2009.
Block 103, No. 2, Lane 60, Ronghua Dong Dadao, near Gubei Carrefour 荣华东道60弄103楼2室, 近古北家乐福, multiple locations, +86 21 6278 0373, www.mignon-boutique.com
Accessorize: Pet Zoo
The ultimate accessory for those high-maintenance doggies (and their humans): a Swarovski Flexi Glam Dog leash.
Not for the budget conscious -- this Shanghai dog gift will set you back four digits -- but it just might be your ticket to canine high society.
951 Hongxu Lu, near Yan'an Xi Lu 虹许路951号, 近延安西路, +86 21 6262 6006, www.petzoo.cn
Collar chic: Pet Finder
The perfect animal lover’s stocking stuffer, this collar charm made of sterling silver has a selection of designs to match your pet’s personality plus engraving option for extra personalization and safety (think: license or home numbers).
1338 Kaixuan Lu 凯旋路138号, +86 21 6281 7091, eastcoast@21.cn.net
Canine charm school: G3Dogs
For the Shanghai dogs who truly have everything -- except perhaps, good manners -- give your pooch (and yourself) the gift that keeps on giving.
Local dog whisperer Edmond Kan and team provide tailor-made, intensive home training including honing those doggy social skills.
After just one session, your pooch could be showing off his latest moves (sits and heels) at the local pet-friendly park or cafe.
“Our number one goal is to provide the ultimate experience in pet care by providing quality services for healthier and happier dogs,” says head trainer Kan.
860510205 (QQ), 425884973 (QQ), info@g3dogs.com, training@g3dogs.com, www.g3dogs.com, www.guaigougou.com.cn
For those who only aspire to pamper and spoil a pet-to-be, do the right thing and adopt a rescued dog (or cat) from either Second Chance Animal Aid (SCAA, www.scaashanghai.org) or Jaiya’s Animal Rescue (JAR, jargroup.doodlekit.com).
Even if you can’t take on a pet permanently -- they are a lifetime commitment -- both organizations are looking for foster parents to take care of rescued Shanghai dogs and cat until they can find appropriate homes.
