Insight spoke to guests who prioritise their pets and make personal and financial sacrifices to ensure their furry friends are happy and healthy. Watch Pet Prices Tuesday, August 2 from 8:30pm on SBS or SBS
When I bought Coco, I never knew how much joy she would bring to my life.
Coco, who is now seven, is a peekapoo - a cross between a poodle and a pekingese.
About five years ago, I decided to open an Instagram account for her. At the time, she had roughly ten accessories. As I was new to the dog world and never knew how big the dog community was. I wasn’t aware of all the accessories, clothes, and gourmet food available for dogs.
I decided to use Instagram to shop and purchase cute outfits for Coco. I started posting her dressed up and noticed that our follower count grew. It was clear people loved to see Coco dressed up in designer clothing and accessories.
Coco and her wardrobe
Every few months, I go through Coco’s belongings and pack up boxes of toys, unopened food, accessories, etc. and donate them to rescue groups.
I always like for Coco to be dressed in the best of the best and there is no price tag that I put on that. If I see something in a store or online that I love for Coco, I don’t think twice and will purchase it. However, when it comes to buying myself a pair of shoes or clothing, I cannot always justify the purchase.
Coco in her Lamborghini Aventador
Coco has various designer pieces in her wardrobe from high-end fashion houses such as Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Tiffany & Co., Versace, Gucci and Valentino, to name a few. We also love to wear matching outfits.
Coco also has a wardrobe full of tutus and is known on Instagram for her tutu Tuesdays, her lavish pawties and her extensive wardrobe.
Coco on Tutu Tuesdays
Every year I like to host a pawty for Coco with her furiends. These pawties cost me around $3,000 to $7,000 a year and don’t include the sponsored products that businesses provide for her pawty day.
Even though I know that Coco doesn’t appreciate or recognise the effort or money I spend on her pawties, it brings me joy and happiness when I bring people together in a social setting to celebrate Coco. I have met so many amazing people through Instagram who have become great friends.
Coco at her seventh birthday
I never force her into doing anything she doesn’t want to do and would not feel comfortable doing so.
Some people do not always agree with my purchases or how much I spoil Coco, but she brings so much happiness to my life and we humans can learn a lot from dogs.
Dogs are so loyal, great listeners, they love unconditionally - why don’t they deserve to be loved back?
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, which is the reason why I do not take negative comments to heart.
When people question me as to why I spend what I do on Coco, I feel like it is none of their business. I don’t ask or query how much they spend on their car, on their child, their shopping or on holidays. All these things bring them joy, and therefore I do not think it’s necessary for them to question my spending on Coco, which also brings me joy.
