Philly Dogs Drum Up Dollars For Owner

A pair of well-dressed pups are earning their keep – and some bucks for extra costumes – in the City of Brotherly Love. Noodles and Diva, a Brussels Griffon and Brussels Griffon/Chihuahua mix respectively, spend their day riding along in the basket of owner Anthony Smith. Smith shuttles the dogs to Philadelphia events both large and small, and charges a one dollar “donation” for people to snap a pic with the dolled-up doggos.

Dogs wear all sorts of costumes. None, however, can hold a candle to Philadelphia’s four-legged canine celebrities, Noodles and Diva (not pictured here).

U.S. News & World Report covered the story about the costumed canines, who tend to attract an audience no matter where they go. Smith says that his dogs are so fabulous that people will actually chase him down the street for a picture. According to the World Report article: “In just 10 minutes at the Christmas Village at LOVE Park last month, Smith and his fancy fur babies made $7 from adoring fans who wanted to take pictures of the pups to post on platforms where cute pets in snazzy outfits equal serious social media gold.”

That day, Noodles, who is Diva’s father, was dressed in a Village People-esque getup cosisting of leather and shades. Diva was dolled up for the holiday in sunnies and a pair of reindeer antlers. According to Smith, Noodles’ hat alone cost a pretty penny – $30. Hence the sign attached to the dog-carrying bike basket which reads: “Presenting Noodles & Diva. We pose 4 photos. Donations is greatly appreciated. God bless you.”

Smith says that his beloved pets have more clothing than he does, and that, in fact, they have an outfit for every occasion, including fan gear for each of the Philadelphia sports teams.

Smith used to own horses, which he’d parade up and down the Philadelphia streets. Those animals’ upkeep is expensive, however, and he soon realized that everything he could do to turn a dollar with the horses – block parties, birthday parties, family reunions – he could do with the dogs. He scouts the newspaper for local events that sound interesting and brings Noodles and Diva there to entertain an adoring crowd.

Photos may cost money, but petting the pups is always free, Smith says.