Suzy Fucini

"Pet owners are feeling more optimistic about the economy and are spending more on pets," said Suzy Fucini, a spokeswoman for Pet Supplies Plus.

Fucini said the hottest trend in pet toys is luxury items, such as coats and fancy collars.There's also growing interest in inter-species toys.
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"These toys provide mental and physical stimulation that makes pets work for a reward," said Fucini.

"Pet owners are feeling more optimistic about the economy and are spending more on pets," said Suzy Fucini, a spokeswoman for Pet Supplies Plus, which has stores in Burnsville and Bloomington.

Fucini said the hottest trend in pet toys is luxury items, such as coats and fancy collars.There's also growing interest in inter-species toys.
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"These toys provide mental and physical stimulation that makes pets work for a reward," said Fucini.

Suzy Fucini, a spokesperson for Pet Supplies "Plus," which is based in Farmington Hills, said people also like to dress their pets as other animals, like roosters and zebras, as well as superheros.

"I bet there will be a lot of Detroit Tiger costumes this year," she added.

Many will also coordinate their pet's costume with their own.

Over the past couple of years, interest in pet costumes has continued to rise.Why?Well, people view pets as members of their family, said Fucini.

As such, they want to include them in the holiday celebration, she said.
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Take it slow, advises Fucini, and see how the animal reacts.Don't force the issue, she said.

Suzy Fucini, a spokeswoman for Pet Supplies "Plus," and a West Bloomfield resident, said safety should be a priority when considering a pet costume.
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Fucini suggests keeping easily threatened or excited pets away from the front door Tuesday night.

"You've got to be careful," she said.

On the Fourth of July, Suzy Fucini's dog Casper will wear a patriotic red, white and blue bandana.When she and her husband go out on their boat, she'll make sure the 15-month-old Bolognese wears his own special life jacket.
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Fucini knows a lot about that.Not only she is a pet owner, but she works in public relations for Pet Supplies "Plus," a Farmington Hills-based chain.

"Pets are being viewed as more part of the family," says Fucini, of West Bloomfield."They're included on vacations and holiday get togethers, at picnics and parties.They have their own travel gear."

She credits some of the change in the way pets are treated to today's smaller families.

"There are more childless couples than a couple of generations ago, and couples having babies later," Fucini said.
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Fucini of Pet Supplies "Plus" says another trend, as with people, is supplementing food with medicinal ingredients.

"A big trend is treating arthritic and joint conditions, because as the average age of pets is increasing with better care it is lleading to more senior conditions like arthritis," she said.
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"They're your best friend and they're going to trust you and think whatever you do is normal," Fucini said.

As for her, she loves pets and loves the business.

"It's a happy business.