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 by
Jacqueline Monahan
jaxn8r@msn.com
Photos by Judy Thorburn
Find the Chic & Unique At
Pet’ographique
Where do the area’s best-dressed dogs go for their bling fix? Gourmet
treats? Where do they find a wardrobe that will accommodate the biker,
rock star, french maid, diva, jester, or dandy within?
Pet’ographique in Henderson offers fashion, luxury and even canine
immortality with its extensive line of products and services for man’s
best friend. This is a pet boutique which houses a photography studio in
the back. Amid loft-high walls of muted gold, Owner/Photographer Arica
Dorff, aided by assistant Tracy Shaffner presides over an establishment
big on style, color and variety. Huge portraits of former and present
clients adorn the walls. Action shots feature dogs of all sizes on two
legs, lying down, getting hugged, looking pensive; all subjects are
captured lovingly and aesthetically. Portraits may be too weak a word
for these compositions; tribute is more fitting.
At the holiday party I attended on December 21, two weimaraners,
Franklin and Sedona, a large black Chihuahua mix, Galaxy, and a smooth
fox terrier mix, Thornton, greeted me as I arrived. Franklin laid quite
a welcome kiss on me, pushing his snout into my jaw forcefully, knocking
me back a bit. I felt my dog love well up. All four modeled outfits from
various collections.
On the fashion front you’ll find colorful Chinese formal shirts, angora
sweaters, fur stoles, and tiny shoes in sets of four. Need Dorothy’s
ruby slippers? This is the place. There are white collars and corporate
tie combos for the urban executive dog, hip-hop necklaces, Ed hardy
shirts for the tragically hip canine, and Doggles (dog goggles for the
adventuresome cyclists/runners out there). Additionally, there are
gourmet bakery treats, dresses, tees, tank tops, tutus and vests
starting in tiny teacup sizes, toys, spa salon products and the original
Bella Bags. These look like cell phone covers but carry a supply of
waste bags or paw wipes. Leopard print is just one design option in a
Bella Bag.
Pet carriers and beds are also featured along with custom photo handbags
and greeting cards. Soon to come: photo jewelry and afghans (the blanket
kind). A slide show illustrates the photographer’s skill, as dogs, cats
and their families are captured in various states of playful
togetherness or pensive solo compositions that embody the character and
attitude of the animal.
You can also find custom-designed specialty jewelry – CC couture – by
designer/owner Geralynn Cada. Named for her two dogs, Calloway and Chip,
her unique pieces marry precious metals with canine motifs for an
elegant look in dog-inspired decadence (tastefully understated, of
course). Her line features bone and paw shapes in solid and silhouette
form, necklaces, rings, earrings, cufflinks and charms. Cada uses 14k
and 18k gold, sterling silver and platinum with pave (“paw”ve) diamonds
in some designs.
Modeling one of her paw print silhouette necklaces, stunning against a
black fabric top, Cada also wore a two-bone sterling ring which met in
the middle forming a heart, a simple, sweet statement about our love for
these creatures.
Just in case you’re thinking that this type of establishment is too
fancy for your more edgy canine, check out the Vegas Rock Dog line of
tees and jackets. Owners James D’Arrigo (he’s an American paison) and
wife Samantha Ratcliffe-D’Arrigo (she’s originally from Sheffield,
England) offer “rock and roll clothes for hip dogs and humans.” The rock
star guitar tee, grunge tee, denim jackets with faux fur (of course!)
will make your rebel even cooler than he already is, with you beside him
in your camo (camouflage) tee and Vegas Rock Dog logo; almost too cool
for the park, but worth the trip. Jim is also a musician and looks the
part. Galaxy and Thornton were wearing VRD and looking like they were
with the band.
With a dog’s life span being only 10 -15 years in most cases,
Pet’ographique helps dress, pamper, immortalize and remember these
unique friends as they pass our way if only for a brief time. So stop by
for a boa or quad-set of loafers. Set up your own home spa with
specialty salon products. Make time stand still with a loving
photographic tribute. It’s a great, fitting way to thank them for
unconditional love, for which no price is truly adequate.
For further information:
Pet’ographique
10271 S. Eastern Ave., Ste.116
Henderson, NV 89052
(702) 568-0572
Hours are T-S 10-6, Sun 12-6, closed Mondays
http://www.petographique.com
http://www.cccouture.com
http://www.vegasrockdog.com
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