Brazilian man turns pets into ‘magical creatures’ in US | Pets

Gabriel Feitosa discovered his love for raising dogs at the age of 12, while living in the suburbs of São Paulo. “I learned to love dogs for the first time, because before I was scared,” she says. Watch the video above.

Feitosa is now the owner of Pet Boutique in San Diego, California, and sees the space as more of a space for artists than for bathing and grooming. “I wanted to change the experience that customers have when they come here. I didn’t want it to be just a box store. I wanted to feel inspired,” he says.

Gabriel is based more on hair stylists and fashion designers than other groomers. “I thought, what have they done? Designers create a brand that lasts long after they’re dead. So, I thought, why not? Dog grooming can do that, right?”

Fedosa charges between US$500 and US$1,200 (currently R$2,500 and R$5,900 in conversion) per conversion, depending on the complexity of the project.

She works with the San Diego Humane Society to foster and adopt some of the dogs.

Gabrielle says her clients come from all walks of life, “We had therapy dogs, animals for disabled children. We had a person with a heart painted as she celebrated her victory against breast cancer. They all had their reasons.”

Dog health is at the forefront of these programs, according to Feitosa. “When it comes to dog health, all of these products are designed for pets,” he says. “Dogs have changed my life. I would never do anything to put a dog’s skin or health at risk.”