Christmas is approaching, even for our beloved pets.
They were certainly well-behaved this year: they showered us with cuddles and unconditional affection, they kept us company with their special ability to absorb all our stress, they looked at us with kind eyes, and they always made us feel special.
Have you already thought about what to put under the tree for them?
Who knows how many gifts will be waiting under the tree for Choupette, Karl Lagerfeld’s beloved kitten and the muse who inspired his new collection of Japanese style clothes and accessories.
So, here are some of our ideas for Christmas: a gallery of fun, precious, and special objects, just like our little furry friends, and a number of luxury hotels that have specialized in welcoming pets.
Dogs are treated as guests of honor in the exclusive Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Venice. In the room, they are welcomed with a soft bed, two bowls, biscuits and bow tie collar to wear at dinner with their owner.
You can also ask room service for a Very Important Dog Menu, which offers chicken sushi, croquettes, beef tartare or boiled rice with vegetables and chicken.
The magnificent five-star Rome Cavalieri, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts even has its own doggie testimonial: Miss Astoria the dachshund.
For dogs only: an exclusive Cavalieri VIP treatment (Very Important Pet), a special menu and, for those who don’t like chilly weather, even a cashmere pullover with their name written in glitter on the back.
The hotel gardens provide plenty of space to run and play freely, thanks to the on-demand dog walking and dog sitting services.
Right on Ponte Vecchio, a stone’s throw from the city center and from the main streets of fashion, Portrait Florence, member of The Leading Hotels of the World, welcomes all animals with designer games and an elegant set composed of luxury bowls and plates. The concierge will give you the best advice on where to take your dog for a run or on the establishments where our animal friends are allowed.
Even the big names have designed luxury accessories for dogs, like collars, leashes, bags and clothing to spoil our animals.
Some fashion houses have already been developing a specific line for dogs and small animals for a while, whereas others have succumbed to the temptation of this new sector in more recent times: all of them, however, have been able to bring their own style into objects loved by dogs and especially by their owners.
One example is the Baxter collar in Monogram canvas created by Louis Vuitton, especially for small dogs, and combined with a leash.
Among the most precious dog collars ever made, we can find Amour Amour by La Bijoux Amour Collection, a jewel worth 3.2 million dollars featuring 1,600 diamonds, all cut by hand and applied one by one, for a total of 52 carats. White gold and white crocodile leather complete the collar.
To move around the world in style, look for the best leather goods available – such as collars, leashes and Louis Vuitton carriers – there are more and more online and offline stores that offer exclusive items for our four-legged friends.
Another line of tailor-made clothing dedicated to dogs is the Giovanna Temellini Milano Dog-à-Porter collection, which includes trenches in technical fabrics, raincoats and capes in glossy vinyl, black and even gold.
And moreover, little beanies to protect their delicate ears from the elements and soft blankets that can be used in a variety of settings; tailor-made solutions designed to fit every need.