The Silver Spoon Dog & Baby Hollywood Buffet Recap

On May 7th & 8th, we spent 2 days at the 9th Annual Silver Spoon Dog & Baby Hollywood Buffet in Century City, Los Angeles. The two day long event not only gifted celebrities, but also gave back. This year's event was benefiting Best Friends Animal Society. There were quite a few really adorable dogs for adoption there and we hope they will find a lovely home call their own very soon.

We met many new and old friends. Mochi and Jolie had a blast. They were playing, chasing each other, rolling over on the grass...and of course they got a lot attention too. 

Our spring collection line was really popular and received rave reviews. Yeah! Let's keep the great work coming!

Our sun umbrella -- little dress tops become the small wind chimes. How cute!

Our table -- looks pretty good! :)

Harper was modeling our Amelie dress. She looked so adorable in that dress! This was her very first dress

and it looked like custom made for her. Harper and her daddy fell in loved with it!!

We were so happy to see them happy too. :)

Another "model-like" chihuahua was trying on

our Bailee dress dop. He was such a pro!:)

New Hair Accessories -- The Rainbow Series

We are creating a series of Hair bows for your beloved fur babies -- The Rainbow Series. Here are just some sample

test shots we'd love to share with you: California Sunshine; Pink Lady and Purple Rain. 

Amelie Dress is featured in the Pet Elite Summer 2010 issue!

Our beautiful and very popular Amelie dress is featured in The Pet EliteSummer 2010 issue! What a lovely way to start a breezy summer! Click here to check it out their online digital version of the hot issue!

The Silver Spoon Dog & Baby Hollywood Buffet

Mochi & Jolie has been invited to participate The 9th Annual Silver Spoon Dog & Baby Hollywood Buffet this coming May. 

Every Spring in Hollywood there is one event that gets celebrity moms

(of both human and furbabies) out and about to learn about the latest luxury goods and services for their babies. The Silver Spoon Hollywood Dog and Baby Buffet is something that these elite moms look forward to. 

The two day long event not only gifts celebrities, but also gives back. This year's event is benefiting Best Friends Animal Society. We are thrilled to be a part of this great event and stay tuned for all the buzz and fuzz!

Top ten names for dogs and cats

For the first time, the most popular name for a female dog is also the most popular name for a new baby girl. Bella was the number one name for female dogs in 2009, according to Veterinary Pet Insurance Co., in Brea, Calif., which tracks its clients' pet names. Last year, Bella — short for Isabella or Isabel — was also the most popular name for baby girls, according to Parents Magazine, which tracks human names.

The popularity of the name Bella for dogs, humans, and even cats — number three on the VPI list — is also an homage to the popular character, Isabella Marie "Bella" Swan of the Twilight series of novels by Stephanie Meyer.

Chloe, the number two name for cats and the number nine name for dogs in 2009, was also the number six name for baby girls of the human variety.

A recent analysis of VPI's 480,000 insured pets revealed the top pet names for 2009.*

Top Ten Names for Dogs

1. Bella  2. Max  3. Bailey  4. Lucy  5. Molly

6. Buddy  7. Maggie  8. Daisy  9. Chloe  10. Sophie

Top Ten Names for Cats

1. Max  2. Chloe  3. Bella  4. Oliver  5. Tiger

6. Smokey  7. Tigger  8. Lucy  9. Shadow  10. Angel

Source: Veterinary Pet Insurance Co., 2010 Brea, Calif.

Giving pets the same name as human babies makes their rising status to full-fledged family members almost complete.
"Pet naming trends are reflecting the humanization of pets," says Dr. Carol McConnell, chief veterinary medical officer for VPI.
“When people consider their pet an integral part of the family, they are more inclined to pick a human name for it.”

New hair accessories

The new hair accessories line is still under development but it has already generated some great buzz.

To help us improve the design, we invited our "supermodel" Mochi to take a couple test shots at our studio.

She is such a pro and we are very happy with the look. Cute, Cute, Cute! 

And the clip is really easy to put it on and won't slide off. :) Yeah!

Mochi, Jolie and Me

Mochi and Jolie love me. They love to be near me. The closer the better.  I know that while oftentimes this is due to undying devotion to be near me, I also accept that sometimes it isn't me at all that is the attraction. It is what I am doing. Such as eating. Or looking like I'm going to eat something. 

Yes, I admit it, we all think about food constantly, but especially Mochi. She knows my daily routine -- when I am going to have my three meals and when I am going to grab a late night snack. She thinks she should get one too whenever I have one. And she thinks whatever I am having must be delicious. Oddly enough, for a dog, she LOVES fruits, specially apple. As soon as I grab one out of the fridge, nothing can allure her away until she satisfyingly "finishes" the apple with me together. Jolie is a lot pickier. She only goes for the ones have meat or sweets. They love the clicking sound of me opening a cookie jar -- no matter how far away, they will appear right in front of you in no time.

But, yes, I love the fact that mostly they follow me because they love me and want to be with me all the time. As soon as I sit down on my office chair, Jolie wants to be "squeezed" between me and the back of the chair. Mochi always wants to be on my laps. This can sometimes make actually working a little challenging, but I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Our dogs bring us such joy with their love and devotion. Their loyalty is unchallenged by few human friendships. They love us no matter who we are, how much money we make, how famous we aren't or any of the other things the world judges us by. Dogs are one of the greatest gifts we are given. They are angels from heaven. Hug your dog today.

Pet names highlight status as family members

The day care roster includes Hannah, Cameron, Sophie, Henry, Tucker and Emma. They are the same names you'd find at just about any day care center in town. The only thing that might raise an eyebrow - or in this case, a whisker - is the fact that these names were plucked from an attendance sheet at Wag a Lot, a day care for dogs, in Atlanta.

Hannah is a German shepherd. Cameron and Henry are lab mixes. Sophie's a poodle; Emma, a boxer; Tucker, a goldendoodle.
Not one of the 43 dogs playing and fetching at the doggie day care answers to Spot, Rover or even Pepper.

Many people are choosing family or celebrity names for their furry friends, considered a reflection of the deepening bond owners have with their pets. Seventy percent of dog owners (and 65 percent of cat owners) said they consider their dog a full-fledged family member, according to a recent survey by the American Pet Products Association. Dogs and cats get dressed up for Halloween and buckled up in the car during drives. About 7 percent of dog owners and 5 percent of cat owners throw birthday parties for their beloved pets, according to the association. The attachment doesn't even loosen at bed time. It's estimated four of every 10 dogs sleep in their owners' beds, according to the association.

So, when it comes to names, pet owners nowadays ruminate much like an expectant couple.

Among the most popular dog names are Lucy, Jack, Bella and Charlie, according to an analysis by petfin der.com, an online database of hundreds of thousands of adoptable pets. The trendiest cat names also include Lucy and Molly, though some perennial faves - Shadow, Smokey, Tiger, Tigger and Precious - are holding their own.

Pet Parent's Day -- April 25

The nation’s only official day celebrating pet caregivers, Pet Parent’s Day lands on the last Sunday in April — this year, April 25.

For those who tirelessly scoop poop, dish out kibble and share a cramped bed with four paws, this day is for you.

You’ve planned birthday parties for Fido, bought specially-formulated oatmeal shampoo that costs more than your own, and made

a point to stroll down the pet aisle every time you shop at the convenience store. You might even plan vacations that include your pet, or make a point to carve out a couple of hours a day for playtime at home, a dog park or even the beach.

Devoted pet parents like you deserve more than a pat on the back. But celebrating Pet Parent’s Day with a furry or feathered friend doesn’t mean you have to go far from home or spend any extra bucks.

Some suggestions for the pet parents:

• Snuggle with your fur babies in bed all morning and then go for a jog/walk together later.

• Watch a great movies together: Lassie, Benji, 101 Dalmatians, Lady and the Tramp, Hotel for dogs...

• Create a new routine walk by mixing up the directions or going somewhere new. 

• Eat lunch at a restaurant that actually serves pets and humans. (Try this: Lazy Dog Cafe in Redondo Beach, CA)

• Try on a new outfit for everyone! May we suggest the Spring Collection from Mochi & Joiefor your fur babies? :)

Whatever your weekend plans, take some time to remember who the big dog in the house is and reward yourself with an extra

T-R-E-A-T, or two.

The Modern Dog -- Venice, California

We stopped by The Modern Dog (Venice, CA) today and can't help noticing how beautifully they are displaying our new

NOUVEAU Collection pieces. And of course we took a couple snap shots! 

The Modern Dog is such a cute and sweet boutique that we adore so much. Check it out if you are in the area!

-The Modern Dog, 1611 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice, CA- 

The Melodie Dress Shirt is featured in The Pet Elite Spring 2010 issue!

We are so thrilled that our Melodie dress shirt is featured in The Pet Elite Spring 2010 issue! The dress shirt is great for the beautiful upcoming spring!
 Click here to check it out their online digital version of the new issue!

A Pet's Ten Commandments

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends,
    your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. 
    Perhaps I’m not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can’t bear to watch. Don’t make me face this alone. 
      Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

Please pass this on to other pet owners. We do not have to wait for Heaven, to be surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness.
It is here on earth and has four legs!

New Year's Resolution

This year, make a New Year's resolution to help your pet live a healthier, happier life.
But do you know your dog may be considering some resolutions of his/her own?

Top 10 Resolutions by Dogs:

10. Owner on floor, dog in bed.

9. Stop begging and actually get a seat at the dinner table.

8. Give up the dream of ever catching my tail.

7. Bark like a big dog but still get cuddled on lap like a little dog.

6. Get back at cat for litter box incident.

7. Find every bone I ever buried.

4. No more haircuts! (come fall, I can go as a Komondor for Halloween).

3. Become alpha dog in my house. Well, at least stop letting the cat push me around.

2. Invent goggles that allow me to see the electric fence.

1. Finally pass that darn AKC Canine Good Citizen test.

Woof! Woof!

Health Benefits of Pets

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most households in the United States have at least one pet. Why do people have pets? There are many reasons. They comfort us and they give us companionship. And on top of that, they bring us
great health benefits:

Pets can decrease our:
Blood Pressure
Cholesterol Levels
Triglyceride Levels
Feelings of Loneliness

Pets can increase our:
Opportunities for exercise and  outdoor activities
Opportunities for socialization

How great it is to have a loving and loyal pet in our life!

Financial Adviser Counsels Pet-Friendly Planning

A very recent article in the Wall Street Journal was brought to our attention: any pet lovers should have a plan for their beloved pets.

** Mention “pets” and “estate planning” in the same sentence, and many people think of the late Leona Helmsley, the Manhattan hotelier and convicted tax cheat who left $12 million to Trouble, her Maltese pooch, and also specified that her trust of more than $5 billion be used to benefit dogs.

A judge later reduced Trouble’s personal bequest to $2 million, and the Helmsley estate decided to give only $1 million to dog causes. But the will added to the public perception of Helmsley as someone with a distant relationship to reality.

That’s too bad, says Sue Stevens, a financial planner, CPA and self-described “huge animal lover” who counsels clients to consider their pets when making estate plans.

Stevens, the founder of Stevens Wealth Management in Deerfield, Ill., discusses pet planning in her new book, Put Your Money Where Your Heart Is, as well as on her Web site, Financial-Happiness.com. “You don’t have to be Leona Helmsley,” she says, “but if you don’t have a plan, your loyal companions could end up in a shelter,” where they will be euthanized or donated to research labs if they are not adopted.

Pets need not get the royal treatment in a will, says Stevens, who was director of financial planning at Morningstar for nine years. But she cites four steps that any pet lover should take when planning an estate:

1. Choose a “pet guardian.” It should be someone who wants to care for your pets and understands their needs. Make sure to name contingent guardians, in the event your first choice becomes unwilling or unable to serve. “Do not assume the people you choose as beneficiaries for your assets are the best people to care for your animals,” says Stevens.

2. Decide on financial assistance. It costs about $1,400 a year on average to care for a dog, and $1,000 for a cat, according to a recent survey by the American Pet Products Association. You can expect either pet to live at least 13 years. As Leona Helmsley demonstrated, it’s possible to fund a trust for a pet, and the trustee need not be the person responsible for care.

3. Add language to your trust to provide for pet care. Include instructions on how the funds are to be used (food, veterinary care, pet sitters, grooming, etc.) as well as plans for interim care until long-term placement is completed. Your lawyer can do this, but Stevens provides sample language on her Web site.

4. Write instructions for your caregiver. This should include a complete medical record, feeding instructions, a list of favorite toys, even names of friends–both human and animal.

A related concern is establishing care for your pets if you are incapacitated or require nursing care. Plans should be discussed in advance with the person you have named as your financial power of attorney. Stevens also recommends the Web site of Eden Alternative (edenalt.org), a nonprofit organization that advocates for improving the quality of elder care by, among other initiatives, encouraging the right to have pets in institutional settings. The Web site lists dozens of pet-friendly facilities around the country. In addition, Lollypop Farm (lollypop.org) provides financial assistance so the elderly can keep pets in their homes.

One pet in need of no public assistance is Helmsley’s dog Trouble, who was last reported living comfortably with the manager of the Helmsley Sandcastle Hotel in Sarasota, Fla. **

Movies We Love -- Hachiko: A Dog's Tale

This heartwarming true story is an American adaptation of a Japanese tale about

a loyal dog named Hachiko. This very special friend would accompany his master

to the train station every day and return each afternoon to greet him after work. Sadly his master departs one day, passes away and never returns to the station. Hachiko faithfully returns to the same spot at the station the very next day, and every day for the next nine years to wait for his beloved master.

During his daily visits, Hachiko touches the lives of many who work near and commute through the town square. He teaches the local people love, compassion and above all unyielding loyalty. Today, a bronze statue of Hachiko sits in his waiting spot outside the Shibuya station in Japan as a permanent reminder of his devotion and love.

Happy New Year!!

2009 was a challenging year but it brought us hope and opportunities. We have met so many great people and made a lot new friends. We want to thank you for becoming a part of the Mochi & Jolie family and look forward to seeing you again soon in 2010! Many new exciting plans have been laid out for 2010 and we can't wait to share with you! Stay tuned!  

We wish everyone a fabulous and incredible 2010 and beyond!!

Spring 2010 Advertising Campaign

Holidays are around the corner, and before you know it, Spring is knocking on your door. Spring, this beautiful season, brings hope, joy and love. It is always the designers' dream season to show off the gorgeous dresses with lots of splendid colors. Take a sneak peak of our advertising campaign for the Spring 2010 season and get ready!

Precious photos of Baby Mochi!!

These precious photos of baby Mochi were taken 2 years ago when she was one week shy to be a 12-week old puppy and weighted not even a pound. When her mom found out that the photo studio where these photos were taken was closed, her heart was broken. She did everything she could to track down these photos and didn't give up. And thank heaven, she finally found them!! All the photos were found and saved. We are just so happy for her as these precious photos can now last forever! And they bring joy and happiness to everyone! 

Feel the Joy, Spread the Love, Happy Holidays!!