A Dog's Life -- Never Better

Once upon a time, if you were in the market for a new best friend, all it took was a walk to the local dog shelter. After an hour or two, you'd have your pick of the litter, a free leash and collar and a month's supply of dog food; the rest of the friendship was up to you.

Today, dog ownership can be a high-maintenance endeavor. In order for your pick of the litter to end up on top of the heap, 'tis best to pamper appropriately and consistently, not unlike any other courtship. And I don't mean the occasional T-bone from Peter Luger's, a pat on the head and a tennis ball. I'm talking studded tiaras, Louis Vuitton outerwear, and fur. Canine caveat emptor.

The most obvious way to show your dog and your neighbors that you care for your canine deeply is with that piece they wear every day -- the collar. Dog-only designers like Mrs. Bones carry reasonably-priced luxury collars made of the best materials. A variety of collections keep your canine current, so your pup won't be embarrassed with last season's look. High-end designers from Coach (COH) to Louis Vuitton also have created soft leather leashes and leads that keep both you and your pal cutting-edge and callous-free.

After the leash and collar, the next important item is footwear. Booties are practical, and an important safety measure. Every winter dogs get shocked when melting snow and salt electrifies the concrete on roads and sidewalks. Booties help counter the current. New York- and online-based Doggie Do and Pussycats Too offers a variety of lightweight booties and thick tread "hiking boots" to keep dogs safe and comfy for on- and off-road excursions.

One can find a variety of outerwear options, from haute Ralph Lauren (RL) slickers to Aussie Dog designer Yap Wear sweaters. Mega-shops like PetSmart (PETM) offer dog clothes ranging from apres skiwear and pajamas to sundresses and sailor dresses. For more athletic dogs, Petsmart carries tennis dresses for the gals and collared shirts and sweater vests for the gents. You'll never have to worry about getting thrown off the court again, unless you're at one of those exclusive "no dogs allowed" clubs.