Big Paw Designs

Those looking to exhibit love for their dogs in a durable and fashionable way often find that dog lover jewelry makes a wonderful choice.  Gone are the days when plain bumper stickers and boring t-shirts were the only way for dog lovers to proclaim their admiration.  Today, canine admirers can festoon themselves with everything from earrings to bracelets featuring dog themes.  And the materials these pieces come in are just as diverse as their styles.

• Platinum.  Who doesn’t love platinum?  Its unique color and inherent decadence makes it a great choice for jewelry featuring a special pet.  Don’t expect to find platinum jewelry “on the shelf,” though.  With platinum being so expensive, chances are you’ll have to have pieces custom-made.
• Gold.  Even “serious” jewelers have taken notice of the growing love affair with dogs.  Today, dog owners—or just admirers—can choose from a large array of gold jewelry featuring their canine companions.  Be warned, though.  Gold prices have continued to soar during the last year, making gold a less affordable option for dog lover jewelry.
• Silver.  Silver may be a more affordable alternative to gold jewelry.  However, its tendency to tarnish can make it somewhat high-maintenance.
• Sterling.  A very popular choice for all types of jewelry recently, sterling is perhaps one of the most-utilized materials for creating dog-themed jewelry.  It is very affordable and widely available.  However, bear in mind that sterling silver comes in a wide range of quality and craftsmanship.  In addition, sterling tends to react to simple environmental factors (such as food and cleaners) to tarnish more quickly.  Its soft nature makes it easily scratched and dinged.
• Pewter.  A tin alloy that’s rapidly growing in popularity, this metal has the color of silver, but in a more subdued finish.  Its durability and reasonable price make it a great choice for all types of jewelry.

Not only have the materials that jewelry is made out of changed, so have the themes offered.  Today, virtually any message can be displayed on rings, necklaces, key chains charms, and earrings.  Some examples of popular themes are:

• Breeds.  For those who love one particular dog breed over all others, breed-themed dog lover jewelry is a wonderful choice.
• Awareness.  The number of dogs living in shelters and rescue facilities has risen dramatically.  As a result, many dog lovers choose to forgo pet stores and breeders to “rescue” a dog from a lifetime of imprisonment.  These owners are particularly proud of their pets, and often like to promote their message through jewelry.
• Personality.  Whether expressing the personality of the dog or the owner, jewelry (particularly charms) is a great way to express it.

Today, finding an affordable and lasting way to express love for man’s best friend is easier than ever before.  With so many materials, styles, and themes available, even the most discriminating pet owner can find dog lover jewelry that suits their taste and budget.  Check out www.bigpawdesigns.com for some of the latest styles and most popular materials.

Are you looking for the perfect pet gifts?  Join the club.  With pet ownership on the rise, Americans are now spending double what they did ten years ago.  As pets become more valued as family members, more people than ever are looking to treat them with gifts and holiday celebrations.

Don’t believe it?  Consider the following facts:

• 78% of people greet their pets before their spouses when returning home.
• 39% of pet owners display their pets’ pictures somewhere in the home.
• 92% of dog and cat owners consider their pets to be family members.

Obviously, this evolution of the family pet from plaything to family member only strengthens the desire of owners to treat their pets as family members in every way possible.  Choosing and purchasing pet gifts is just a natural extension of this phenomenon.

Despite these overwhelming numbers, those buying gifts for their pets must be in the minority, right?  Not necessarily.  Over 139 million cats and dogs (that’s not even counting birds, fish, or exotic pets!) currently reside in households across the United States.  Out of this number, approximately 63 million are dogs and 77 million are cats.  That’s a lot of pets!  But how many actually receive presents from their owners or participate in holiday events?  The numbers are surprising:

• Over 31 million dog owners give their dogs Christmas gifts.
• Almost 40 million cats are given Christmas gifts.
• Approximately 13 million cats celebrate birthdays with their families.
• Not to be left out, nearly 10 million dogs receive birthday celebrations, as well.
• On average, individual pet owners buy approximately $113 worth of dog toys and treats for each of their dogs each year.
• Cat owners aren’t much further behind, spending just over $72 a year on each of their cats each year.

It only stands to reason, then, that sales of gifts for pets have skyrocketed during the last few years.  However, variety has as well.  Those looking for the perfect pet gifts find that stores (both online and the brick-and-mortar variety) cater more and more to the ever growing segment of pet owners looking to spoil their creatures with special goodies.

Owners today lavish pets with everything from jewelry to designer clothing.  The advent of online pet businesses catering to pampered pets only adds to the amount of products available on the market today.  No longer do customers have to search for hard-to-find pet boutiques or hope that the local pet warehouse carries what they are looking for.  Now pet owners can order presents for their pets with the simple click of a mouse.

Whether you are looking for the perfectly studded leather collar or just a special treat, today’s growing pet market almost certainly guarantees success finding it.  Deciding which pet gifts to choose from the wide assortment, however, may not be so easy.  Want to treat your own pampered pet with something special?  Visit www.bigpawdesigns.com today for unique and affordable choices.

Once upon a time, the perfect pet gift idea amounted to no more than a dog bone or a ball stuffed with catnip.  Today, with more than six out of every ten households owning a pet (approximately 64.2 million), pet owners feed a booming industry that treats pets as humans and no longer “settles” for standard pet gifts.

With pets becoming more and more woven into the fabric of families, their owners are looking for new and innovative ways to show their love for their furry friends.  Today’s pets celebrate major holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries right along with the rest of their human relatives.  For these special family members, stale dog treats and fake rubber mice just don’t cut it anymore.  Their owners won’t allow it.

Modern pampered pets are more likely to receive:

• Charms to hang from collars
• Collars made of precious gems or unique materials
• Pet cologne
• Christmas stockings
• Specialty food items such as “dog” chocolates or organic cat treats.
• Clothes or specialty bandanas
• Toys

Just how do people decide what pet gift idea works best for their pets?  Believe it or not, there are a few things to consider before purchasing a gift for the family pet.

• First, begin by evaluating your pet’s pastimes.  Does the cat like to chase balls?  Perhaps a cat toy would be in order. Does the family dog celebrate Christmas with the rest of the family?  Consider buying a stocking so that he has a place for his own presents.

• Second, consider your pet’s temperament. For example, if you own a cat that tends to bite or chew at her collars, buying one made of precious materials may not be wise.  However, a unique leather collar with a cute charm may be just what the vet ordered. A pet gift idea that suits a pet’s temperament guarantees that your pet will be happy with his new present.

• Third, take inventory of what your pet already has.  Does Fido already have three blue bandanas?  Maybe something with a floral print is in order.  Does Morris already have three toy mice?  Chances are he’d get bored with another.

• Finally, consider the personality of the pet.  If you have a pet that really enjoys eating, perhaps food treats would make the best gift.  Likewise, make sure to consider your pet’s personality when choosing any collars and charms.  A dog that tends to nip at strangers might be dangerous with a “I Love to Cuddle” charm around his neck!

It’s no question, pets have nuzzled their way into the hearts—and wallets—of pet lovers all over the world.  As they become more humanized in society, the accessibility to a growing market of pet gifts will become easier than ever.  Understanding how to come up with the perfect pet gift idea is one way to make sure you and your pet are happy with your purchase.  Need more ideas?  Visit www.bigpawdesigns.com for more information and a variety of unique gifts specially designed for the pet in your life.

Ask anyone who owns a dog, and they’ll tell you that dog lover gifts rank high on their “must have” list for holidays and birthdays.  It’s not at all uncommon to see dog owners sporting all types of paraphernalia celebrating their pooches and their respective breeds.  What gives?  Why do dog owners love to proclaim their canine love so loudly?

Perhaps the answer lies in the role that dogs play in society—and in American families.  Today, over 65 million dogs live their lives in harmony with humans.  And an overwhelming number of those “humans” (approximately 92 percent) consider their dogs more than just pets - they consider them family.

It’s no wonder.  Dogs, with their unique personalities and willingness to please, are often given the same liberties at home as other family members.  As family members, dogs are no longer relegated to back yards or cramped kennels.  Today’s dogs are treated to regular grooming, doggie-daycare, and organic treats.

Owners demand human comforts for their dogs, and they aren’t shy about celebrating it.  It’s not surprising, then, that dog owners welcome dog lover gifts from others who recognize the unique relationship they have with their pets.

This “humanization” of dogs has elevated the amount of care provided to man’s best friend.  From veterinary care to cosmetic products geared towards dogs, dog lovers often seek the same quality of products they would want for their children.  It stands to reason, then, that those devoted to their family pooches welcome (and maybe even hope for) any gifts that showcase their four-legged family member.

In the past, the choices available to those shopping for dog lover gifts were limited.  Coffee cups and bumper stickers were often the only options readily available.  However, with the advent of so many pet superstores and online specialty pet stores, more options are available than ever before.  Just a few items available for dog lovers today are:

• Dog-themed jewelry.  From charms to bracelets to earrings, male and female dog owners alike enjoy wearing long-lasting mementos of their favorite pooch.

• Picture frames.  Today, Fido’s face sits on the mantle right along with the rest of the family.

• Magnets.  Pictures of children aren’t the only thing decorating American refrigerators these days.

• Key chains.  They carry the keys to their owner’s hearts, so it’s only fitting that they carry the rest of the keys, as well.

Dogs aren’t just pets anymore, they are family members.  As such, their roles in families are celebrated in much the same manner as children or devoted companions.  With sales of dog-related products in the billions of dollars each year, owners have made their pet priorities ring out loud and clear.  Anyone who graces them with dog lover gifts can only be affirming that proclamation.  Looking to find the perfect gift for your favorite dog lover?  Check out www.bigpawdesigns.com for some of the latest gift ideas.

In the past, dog owners looking to find the perfect dog gifts for their canine pals were often laughed at and mocked.  After all, how could someone value an animal so much that they would actually want to buy it a present?  Times have changed.  With the advent of large department-style stores catering to owners of all types of pets, dogs have finally secured their position as worthy gift recipients—even among the most cynical of people.  Nonetheless, it has been a long time coming.

Humans first domesticated dogs around 15,000 years ago.  However, some scientific evidence suggests that man’s best friend may have entered the human world as many as 100,000 years ago.  While these wolf-descendents were important to their human families, they still hadn’t earned the supporting role of “mans best friend” yet.

The first domesticated dogs were working dogs.  As pack animals, they were easily trained and longed to please their human families.  However, dog gifts were still unthinkable, and dogs made due with extra rations or the occasional pat on the head.  No wonder, then, that those working dogs began to nuzzle their way into the hearts of human owners.

Not surprisingly, humans eventually began breeding their dogs to bring out specific traits and intelligences thousands of years ago.  At first, dogs were bred to bring out traits—such as exceptional hunting or tracking skills—necessary to human survival.  However, as humans began to appreciate dogs more, they began breeding them for looks and temperament, as well.  Some common dog breeds today are:

•  German Shepherds.  Bred for their willingness to bark at predators, these dogs became effective guardians against threats to livestock.

•  Basset Hounds.  With exceptional sensitivity to scent, basset hounds were a natural choice as tracking dogs.

•  Labrador Retrievers.  Retrievers by nature, labs were bred to hone their skills and retrieve small game for hunters.

However, intelligence also played a role in dogs’ transformation from employee to family member.  Unlike many other animals, dogs are one of the few species able to read and interpret facial expressions of humans and respond accordingly.  Obviously, it is intelligence that likely secured the necessity of dogs in daily human routines—and secured their later receipt of dog gifts and human respect.

Today, people of all economic, social, and ethnic backgrounds keep dogs for a wide variety of reasons.  Whether dogs have found their niche in human society as guide dogs, sport dogs, hunting dogs, show dogs, or constant companions, their evolution has become forever intertwined within human history.

Without a doubt, this respect for the animal that has served society so well is one of the driving forces behind the ever-booming pet market—resulting on more than $31 billion in pet sales every year.
Today’s humans may not need dogs as much for survival, but their need to shower them with unique and individualized dog gifts is stronger than ever.  Yes, the time has finally come.  Visit www.bigpawdesigns to find something extra special for your favorite canine.

They convey character and sense of personality that is not often found in mass-produced items. To top it all off, this range of 27 pewter charms now sports some really sharp and clever sayings

DALLAS, TEXAS (IPR Wire) August 22, 2006 — Niche specialty pet gift supplier, Big Paw Designs (www.bigpawdesigns.com), offers lead-free Pewter Charms with elegance and style, all of their very own.

This affords pet owners the opportunity to get something really special in a quality material like pewter and not merely another mainstream characterless base metal, rhinestone or enamel charm every-other second pet you encounter will have around their necks.

Some of the benefits of these choice pet charms are that they are typically sturdier, thicker and more substantial than most of the mainstream offerings. They convey character and sense of personality that is not often found in mass-produced items. To top it all off, this range of 27 pewter charms now sports some really sharp and clever sayings. It offers owners and pets a choice of exclusive designs that offer traditional, funny and non-traditional sayings (i.e. “King” versus ‘Talk to the Tail’).

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