By Katie Storrie
Meet the pampered dog who has a wardrobe of custom-made designer clothes worth $20k – and struts down runways all over the globe.
Tika, a 12-year-old Italian Greyhound, loves to get dressed up in stylish outfits and attend glamorous events – such as Paris, New York and Milan fashion week – with her owner Thomas Sharpio, 32.
Tika is spoilt and has a wardrobe of 400 items – as well as being treated to a raw and fresh diet.
Thomas and his partner, Louis, 36 also have a one-year old Italian greyhound called Kala who they also dress up- and they both share a king sized bed with the couple.
Thomas, a full time content creator, from Montreal, Canada, said: “All of her clothes are custom made.
“They can range anywhere from £60 to £100 pounds per item.
“Most dress are worth between £100 to £300.
“I like that she is a bit of a trend setter.”
Thomas and Louis, a project manager, have always dressed Tika up in clothes – as the climate in Montreal is often very cold.
Thomas said: “Breeds like Greyhounds are like humans, she had a wardrobe before we even started sharing photo’s online.
“We live in Canada and it is always cold and rainy.
“You have to be prepared.”
Thomas began posting Tika’s outfits online in 2016 and she has now worked with big fashion brands such as Boss, Dior, Channel, Fendi and Vogue.
She has also had the opportunity to walk down the catwalk at fashion weeks across the world.
Thomas has all Tika’s outfits custom made – and has taken inspiration from the likes of Lady Gaga, Celine Dion and Cher.
He said: “I get most of my inspiration from current runways, but also from people like Lady Gaga, Celine Dion and Cher – you know the icons.”
Day to day Tika wears more practical clothing and layers up in a onesie, overcoat, boots, hat and snood.
Thomas said: “When picking an outfit it can vary. If it is day to day we aim for comfort.
“For her she is wearing a onesie, she is very used to it.”
Younger pooch Kala is also ready to follow in Tika’s footsteps when she retires.
Thomas said: “When Tika is ready to retire, after all she is 12, Kala will take over.
“She is really not slowing down though and we won’t ever force her.”
Tika and Kala have a strict diet to ensure they stay fit, healthy and camera ready.
Their diet consist of food full of proteins and high fibres.
Thomas said: “We always feed them freeze dry raw food.
“The girls love it and they are in great shape.
“We give them supplements and we give them fresh veggies and fruit.”
Tika and Kala can sleep for up to 21 hours a day and have 12 dog beds throughout the house – but curl up in the couple’s bed at night.
Thomas said: “They sleep in a kings size bed with me and my husband.
“They are always looking for heat, they love to be near you.
Thomas and Louis also have two children together – Harrison, two and Eleanor, one – and says the pair love the dogs and where they wear matching outfits.
Thomas believes Tika is a “trend setter” and “icon”.
He said: “Other dogs are now dressing up – I think Tika started this thing.
“When you go into a store there are more options for dogs, than there were five to six years ago.”
With other 400 items of clothing it is estimated they are worth more than $20k.
Thomas however gets the majority of this for free, due to the sponsorships he has.
Thomas spends an average of 60 dollars a week on food.
“I spend about $500 dollar’s every two months.”
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