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If you think pet sweaters, nail polish and ribbons are strictly for the Paris Hiltons of this world, be advised that many chic kitties and yuppie puppies actually belong to people old enough to be Hilton's grandmother. The elderly are the current biggest proponents of the pet pampering tend, and, interestingly enough, coddling their furry companions is now proven to have positive mental and physical effects on elderly pet-owners as well as benefitting pet health.
According to the Canadian Paper Lifestyle, while pet spending continues to increase, "All this is money well spent, according to the Ontario Veterinary Association, which.... documents (that) pet ownership is both physically and psychologically beneficial."

And from Swarovski-studded dog leashes to luxury pet beds, seniors are fully investing in these wellness benefits. Many proud dog and kitty grandparents are lavishing love and luxury on their pets as a way to beat loneliness and help them have a more purposeful life routine. Such one-on-one attention is great for pet health and esteem as well.

The revelation of elderly persons pampering their pets more is not as surprising when you consider that the practice of lavish pet living is is much less trend and more tradition. Indeed, though the the fad of pet pampering is one we associate with the young and famous, a University of Victoria anthropologist Susan Crockford says the tradition of pet pampering is in some cases older than its current consumers.
The article cites the example of 18th-century Frederick the Great, who built a special wing in his castle just for his Italian greyhounds. The 19th-century poet Victor Hugo's dogs wore silver collars inscribed with couplets, and Nobel Prize-winning playwright Eugene O'Neill's Dalmatian had a Hermes leather coat.
Moral of the story? Pet pampering is actually a much more distinguished tradition than we think, practiced by the elderly and venerated by history. And don't worry, if you don't happen to be in a couplet-writing mood, a brand-new Dolce Vita pet bed should do just fine for pampering your pet!