Cashing in on canine couture

Edmonton 24 Hours article, by Sorcha McGinni

Monday July 9 2007

Afraid her tender-toed Yorkie would freeze in Edmonton’s harsh climate, Las Vegas import Krista Castellarin set out to buy her pup a warm sweater and boots.

Finding the items wasn’t hard, but Castellarin was disappointed by the quality. The 27-year old entrepreneuse — who moved to the city in January for new hubbie, Dwayne — was looking for a new project and saw an opportunity in “canine couture.”

Six months later, Castellarin and her four-legged partner, Gamble, are getting ready to open Fabulous Furballs. The Sherwood Park boutique specializes in high-end products for pampered pooches, cats and other creatures and will welcome its first customers on Aug. 7.

“I was looking for something that would be my passion – something where even if I was having a stressful day, I’d enjoy it,” said Castellarin, who recently retired as vice-president of business development with a Las Vegas lending company. “I knew I didn’t want to be stuck in an office.

“I set about getting the best doggie couture that is out there – literally from around the world.” Castellarin’s shop will feature products from Burberry, Coach and Ralph Lauren. The store will also carry Castellarin’s own signature line, which is shipped in from Australia.

Some of the items will have haughty hounds and hoity-toity tabbies titillated. There are gladiator dresses, lacy “bad girl” ensembles and loud party animal Hawaiian shirts. Customers can also check out the shop’s bling-filled jewelry case and selection of Italian leather leashes. Services include catered birthday parties and Swarovski pedicures.

Krista Castellarin and her dog Gamble, a two-year-old Yorkshire Terrier, pose for a photo, in their
Sherwood Park home. Castellarin‘s store, Fabulous Furballs, is opening in August and will sell highend
carrying bags, jewelry and other accessories for pets.