I thought that I was in the wrong place as I couldn’t see a dog shop in the smart part of Wigmore Street not far from Bond Street tube station. I finally found a door with signs for some Chartered Surveyors and also “Pet London”. I pressed the intercom and was asked whether I had a dog with me and instructed to come up to the fourth floor. I took the tiny lift.
When I opened the door I was welcomed by a visual assault from all the many dog products on every conceivable surface and overflowing from boxes on the floor and the audio assault from some rather vocal canine visitors. There was a sturdy Pug charging around in a red coat and a Bichon Fries being coaxed into a fluffy yellow rabbit outfit. Yes, really.
Adam, one of the co-owners, came over to greet me and to introduce me to Poppy. Poppy – a cross between a Yorkie and a Maltese – was rescued from Battersea Dogs Home 11 years ago and is the inspiration for the Pet London logo. It doesn’t do her justice!
My eyes were immediately drawn to a large selection of Santa and Christmas suits for small, medium and large dogs. The prices were reasonable – I found a Chihuahua sized jumper with leg holes, buttons, a hood and some attractive ribbon for £29.99. Then I looked at a selection of Fuzzyyard dog toys and some cute beds (I liked a cream affair which was like a tent). There were dog toothbrush sets and items from Pet Bakery and some brightly coloured collapsible travel bowls.
What I really liked was an entire range of Chi-wear especially for Chihuahuas that they design (they have an in-house designer) and make themselves. This included tiny, adorable chews and tuggies. There was also an impressive range of outfits for small dogs – in luxurious fabrics and with some beautiful finishing details such as bows, beads and bones. Louisdog is a leading brand from Korea (also stocked in Harrods) – there was a gorgeous coffee coloured silk coat with a fur trim. Shame Alfie is male! But I was sorely tempted with a fetching cricket jumper and a dragon outfit – imagine! There were also some chunky cable knit sweaters from Dogue and they have an exclusive deal with Puppia.
Adam showed me some of the croquet chews that help keep a dogs’ teeth clean (and breath fresh) and a selection of rope toys that do a similar job. And when I made faces at the dog booties and shoes (from £30 for the matching four items) I was told that synthetic salt is used in icy conditions and that this can hurt dogs’ feet and cause kidney problems if digested.
There was an assortment of dog carriers – all colours and designs and priced from £30 to £120. There was a discrete section of cat goods as well. I was sorely tempted with a cute little collar which came with four interchangeable bow ties (£30), a dog coat with angel wings on the back and a red puffer jacket.
Even the shipping boxes they use are delightful – they show a bright yellow bus with lots of doggie passengers on board. I watched as the bouncy Pug trampled over one to try to reach a toy that was slightly out of his reach. I was amazed at how relaxed everyone was about visitors charging around the place.
In addition to all the lovely products, they offer a bespoke fitting service – and they are particularly well known for their harnesses. They are starting a charity line soon – which includes having videos of the “adopted” dogs.
But I was also told that they run a pet model agency – you submit your photos, confirm that your dog will do sit and stay and get on with other dogs and people – and you can be paid £30 an hour for modelling! There’s also a monthly photo contest with a £75 prize on their Facebook page.
I couldn’t resist buying a little black nylon treat bag (£14.99) and a long, shiny red lead with just a few sparkling crystals (£29.99) – and I defy you from visiting this show room without purchasing something.
Open Monday to Friday and at weekends by appointment.
http://petlondon.net/mainindex.html
http://petlondon.net/shop/shop.html
www.petlondonmodels.com
www.facebook.com/PetLondon
