![]() |
WHILE the rise in popularity of such US-based ‘icons’ Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian in recent years represents a dearth in the genuine nature of celebrity culture, whereby one can now be admired and lauded for doing pretty much nothing at all, this global phenomenon coincides with an increase in a fascination for pets. Once seen as a humble member of the family, and often required to sleep outside in a kennel, domestic pets such as dogs have enjoyed a prominent increase in status of late. Having become the ultimate fashion accessory for the elite, pets now enjoy a situation whereby many people are often taking the same care of them to the same degree that they would their own children.