August 10, 2004 In Touch Magazine - Pampered star pooches!
"DOGGY CHARM Animal Stars' rhinestone tags can be found on the who's-who of Hollywood hounds.
Just this month Reese Witherspoon ordered a black and silver cross for her bulldog, Frank Sinatra, and
a pink Swarovski crystal heart for her French bulldog, Coco Chanel. Sharon Osbourne and Ricki Lake's furry friends
wear them too..."

Coming in the April '06 issue of National Geographic kids, an article on
lifestyles of pampered pets. Featured is our own Tai-Pan kitten in his Golden Bow
and Ruby Crystal id tag. The article reads: "A peek into some pets closets
would make a Hollywood starlet turn green with envy. Tai-Pan the tabby is the
king of bling with his collection of rhinestone-studded leather collars from
Animal Stars. Although they cost up to $160, owner Tanya Smith wont
even try putting normal neckwear on the flashy feline: I bought
a nylon collar for Tai-Pan once, she says. He put a claw
in it and yanked it off as if to say, I don't wear nylon!"

MSNBC ARTICLE: December 2004 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6694358/
You can read this entire MSNBC Article below.

MSNBC contributor

Updated: 7:27 a.m. ET Dec. 17, 2004

This holiday season, there's a plethora of gift ideas for Fido and Fluffy
ranging from innovative toys and delicious treats to designer
furniture and trendy must-have accessories that pet owners will be begging for, too.
advertisement The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association
predicts that this year 40 million Americans will spend around $100
per pet for a total of nearly $4 billion. So which gifts does Santa Paws
have in store for your animal companions this Christmas?
Beds fit for a king“Beds are a hot item,” says Vicki Wagner, president and CEO
of Eloise Inc. and the creative designer behind a line of pet pillow beds,
which grace many celebrity homes and Starwood Hotels' pet-friendly rooms.
Prices range according to size and fabric and start around $93.
In the Company of Dogs, Inc.Dogs will sleep like royalty in the Imperial
Crown bed, available from In the Company of Dogs, Inc.
If you favor originality, then consider purchasing one of only 350 Imperial Crown
beds being released worldwide by In the Company of Dogs . This ball-shaped cocoon in blue
velvet and gold comes with a crown-shaped toy for the little czar or czarina in the household.
Other popular pet-furniture styles this year include the pet circus tent and the
Legally Pink townhouse inspired by the Legally Blonde movies starring
Bruiser the Chihuahua, available at Teacups and Puppies Boutique , based in Hollywood, FL.
Pet carriers are another hot gift item. From haute couturiers like Chanel and fashion
icons like Louis Vuitton to supermarkets like Petco, there's something for every
pet and every pocketbook with prices ranging from $30 to $1,300. And remember,
carriers don't necessarily have to be carried. There are designs on wheels and backpacks
for more convenience.
Diamonds are a dog's best friend
Diamonds used to be a girl's best friend, but now man's best friends are wearing them, too.
Doggie diamonds are for those who have unleashed spending power, and
some of the designs will have pet parents drooling for matching accessories.
Animal Stars, Inc
Pet collars studded with Swarovski crystals are a popular item this year at
Animal Stars, Inc. An eight-inch diamond collar with nearly 6 carats of diamonds
from the Fancy Bone line, created by King Jewelers, will liquidate $7,500 from your savings.
“Collar charms available in a variety of precious stones are very trendy and can also
be worn on bracelets and neck chains,” says Kim Walker, owner of Teacups
Puppies and Boutique, which carries an assortment of gems for pets.
Tanya Smith, CEO of Animal Stars, Inc ., purveyors of luxury pet products, agrees.
“Its all about glitz and glamour this season. We've been inundated with orders from
both dog and cat owners for our pink sapphire Swarovski crystal ID tags worn
with matching crystal encrusted collars." And for the "tough guy" dog, Animal Stars is selling
Maltese cross tags and Jolly Roger bone pirate tags.
Trixie + Peanut, Inc.
A King Charles Cavalier spaniel poses with a Jimmy Chew stuffed
shoe and Chewy Vuitton purse, both available from Trixie + Peanut, Inc.
Looking for something a little more practical? A designer food canister from Harry
Barker, Inc ., is a useful present and can be filled with a variety of seasonal treats.
The container, available in silver or white, costs $28 and can be used to
hold smaller presents like Harry Barker spa products and monogrammed towels.
Or, the container could hold Kitty Kabuki sushi-styled snacks, all natural Truffle
Treats for dogs, and plush toys like a Jimmy Chew shoe or a Chewy
Vuitton purse — all from Trixie + Peanut, Inc .
Remember your rodent pals Not to be left out, hamsters and other small critters
will have fun in a blue Habitrail Space Station that features a
mission control platform for multi-level living and a cosmic glow-in-the-dark wheel
for exercise. Top of the shopping list for mice is the pink Princess Castle with a
cellar that simulates an underground environment and an inner
courtyard for sleep and play. It's probably the cheapest “castle” around —
a bargain for $39.99 at PETCO .
Think 'customized'
This year, Christmas is all about customizing gifts and there are a
variety of novel ideas that will be appreciated long after the mistletoe
has been taken down — everything from personalized food bowls to pet photography.
Pet parents may like an advanced order of the books "Dogs 24/7" and "Cats 24/7,"
created by Rick Smolan and David Elliot Cohen. The books, which feature a
collection of original photographs taken by pet lovers across the country, are
scheduled for publication in June 2005 by Chronical Books. Even if your pet's picture
didn't make it between the covers, for $7.95 they can be featured on
the book's jacket. Simply upload a digital photo to america24-7.com/custom cover .
For stylish owners, fashion items include bracelets made of tiny photo frames or
cufflinks encasing miniature photos containing pet portraits
from photographer Jim Dratfield of Petography, Inc .
And, it's not too late to commission ceramic artist Debby Carman to do a
sculpture of a favorite pet. Carman, based in Laguna Beach, Calif., has earned worldwide
recognition for her animal caricatures that capture the essence of feline and canine
antics. There's a large selection of items available at Faux Paw Productions .
Shelter animals in need
Finally, at this time of cheer and goodwill, remember homeless animals
and make a donation to your local animal shelter or advocacy group,
such as the Humane Society of the United States or the American
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals .When it comes to helping less-fortunate
pets, Justin Rudd of Long Beach, Calif., has campaigned hard. Through his
organization Haute Dogs , Rudd has raised thousands of dollars for shelters
in Southern California and every year organizes Operation Santa Paws to collect toys
for homeless cats and dogs.  
Tips for keeping pets safe during winter
“The simplest toy can improve an animal's demeanor, reduce stress
and increase its chances of finding a loving home,” says Rudd. “Cats enjoy rolling toys
like balls and batting toys that can be hung from cage doors, while
dogs like tennis balls or heavy duty chew toys.”
So consider donating a gift — of either toys, food or money — to help
animals in need. And along with greetings and glad tidings, spread the word
so that as many homeless pets as possible around the country can have a little holiday fun.

Sandy Robins is a freelance writer and columnist based in Irvine, Calif.
Her work has appeared in numerous publications in the United States and internationally.

 © 2004 MSNBC Interactive