That Friday Feeling: Pampered pooch has her own nanny, undergoes monthly dying sessions and even has her nails painted

Blinged-up miniature Yorkshire terrier Jewel, believed to be around seven years old, turns heads wherever she goes with her Screaming Pink fur dye, which is repeated every five weeks, at a cost of $150 (£115) per sitting.

While most dogs would growl at the prospect of the regular five-hour grooming sessions, celebrity make-up artist Laura Schakosky, said Jewel – who also boasts a collection of 50 rhinestone collars costing up to $50 (£40) each and occasionally has her claws painted in a variety of metallic shades – is always bright eyed and waggy tailed.

“It’s because of her star sign,” explained Laura. “She’s a aquarius which means she’s very communicative, she’s a gift to the world.

“She loves being pampered and is so open to everybody and so friendly. She wants to say hello to everybody.  I know a lot of dogs are like that, but it is even more so with Jewel.”

Jewel’s astrological sign also makes her open to being petted and fussed over, according to Laura.

She continued: “She doesn’t mind when children – and adults – pet her and pose with her.

“It was what was meant to be. It’s all in the stars and I couldn’t change it if I wanted to.”

Laura, 48, bought Jewel for $450 (£345) when she was a few years old, after browsing Craigslist, an American classified advertisement site.

If she had been a puppy, she would have fetched thousands of pounds.

“I was shocked she was being sold,” said Laura, who lives near Dallas, Texas. “She’s the best dog in the world, ever, so why would you sell her?”

Delighted with her purchase, Laura and her husband IT worker, John Radcliffe, 38, took Jewel home.

“She was fabulous,” reflected Laura. “So wonderful.”

And, around two years ago, Laura – who writes a blog from Jewel’s perspective – decided to make her absolutely fabulous, with the help of major bling.

“I found a dog groomer, Ana Marquez from The Pet Bar Inc  who would dye her fur. It’s vegetable dye, so not dangerous, and apparently quite commonly used on pet dogs in parts of Asia,” she said.

She explained: “She works hard to make Jewel look like a million bucks.”

With her sassy pink fur, though, Laura felt she needed some incredible outfits, jewellery and even nails to match.

“I like a metallic nail shade,” she explained. “It’s so cute. Jewel lifts up her paw like she’s in the beauty salon to show her painted nails off.

“But, I don’t do them too often, as with her pink fur, it can look too much.”

Laura, who also has two Bengal cats – Tango and Kisses, both four – who wear basic jewellery like diamond collars – explained how Jewel now had her own wardrobe.

Whenever she was out clothes shopping for herself, she would also look for her pooch – snapping up anything that caught her eye.

In summer, Jewel typically wears sparkly or glittery bows in her fur, sunglasses which match Laura’s and little tennis shoes.

“The ground in Texas gets very, very hot,” explained Laura. “Sadly, Jewel couldn’t run on it – it burnt her paws.

“So, I decided to get her little tennis shoes. She’s got tiny dog Converse trainers and – her favourite – little leopard print ones.”

But Jewel’s winter wardrobe is really something to be woofed at.

Furry caps, cloche hats and a range of jackets – including a raincoat for damp days – are just some of her favourite cold weather fashions.

She also has a little buggy, which she gets pushed around in if she gets tired.

And if her Laura has to go to work, a doggy nanny from The Pet Grannies pops in every four hours to play with her, take her to the toilet and generally meet her needs.

“She’s a princess so it’s necessary,” said Laura.

In total Laura thinks she spends around $500 (£385) on treats for her dog each year, but she’s not sure of the exact cost.

And while many people think she is barking mad, she feels Jewel is worth every penny.

“Someone once asked me, ‘Is it pink for breast cancer?’ when they saw her fur,” finished. Laura. “But I said no, it’s pink because Jewel is so fabulous.”

Press Association