Man spends more than $8800 on Christmas presents for his dog
A man is determined to give his dog the paw-fect Christmas, splurging thousands of dollars on gifts for his little pooch.
Anthony Welsh, 57, from Liverpool, England, has no children and instead lavishes all his money on his ‘daughter’ Princess Cleopatra Superchill – nicknamed Cleo for short.
The seven-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier was rescued by Mr Welsh when she was one from an unhappy home, where he claims she was locked up in a cage and suffered from depression.
This Christmas, Mr Welsh has spent more than A$8800 on gifts for Cleo with 21 presents in total waiting for her under the tree.
The gifts include Hifi bike equipment with bluetooth, a microphone and Christmas lights built into the frame, a racing bike worth $1225, designer style outfits and toys, a doggie garden palace worth $285 and a pink diamanté designer collar – in total worth more than $8700.
Mr Welsh said his dog is “so clever” and described her as “perfect”.
“She has been given the perfect life and that’s why she is the perfect dog,” he said.
“I am very happy to spend this amount of money on Princess Cleo as she is my spirit animal.
“I believe Cleo understands and appreciates Christmas as she is a very intelligent dog.”
Mr Welsh also plans on taking Cleo out for Christmas dinner, with a booking at pooch-friendly Liverpool restaurant Salt Dog Slim’s for a slap-up three course meal, at the cost of $123.
When asked if he thought he was spending too much on Cleo he said he didn’t think so.
“I do not think its excessive to spend so much money and time on my princess as you simply cannot put a price on her love,” Mr Welsh said.
“She shows me love every single day that goes by, and is my perfect little companion.
“I am lucky and pleased to be her owner – she really is a way of life.”
He also described her as the “ultimate Christmas companion”.
It seems Cleo is not just spoiled on Christmas Day either as Mr Welsh has spent almost $100,000 on the dog to date, on pricey gifts including three miniature cars, six mountain bikes and 71 outfits.
Mr Welsh added his dog has mastered a number of tricks including surfing, high jumping, quad biking and driving a children’s electric car.
A personal trainer, Mr Welsh practices “dog yoga” with his pooch and ensures she gets massages too.
“A dog owner needs to spend time with their dog, they need to work on the brain and mind of the dog, to put in the effort,” he said.
“I am trying to keep her alive till 25. The oldest Staffie that has been reported was 24 so I am going to break that.”
