Dog Has Its Day at Neiman Marcus

Shih Tzu gets a very special birthday party

Every little girl dreams of a fantastic, elaborate birthday party, and Tiger Lily Wayman of Oak Park will certainly be getting one. She'll be celebrating her 10th birthday in a private room at Neiman Marcus with a custom-designed cake and party favors wrapped in gold foil for 70 of her closest friends.

Obviously, Tiger Lily is no ordinary young female.

"She's a celebrity," Pat Wayman, 67, told the Tribune.

She's also a dog.

That's right. The Oscar-themed $1,200 celebration is all for a small black-and-white Shih Tzu.

Wayman takes Tiger Lily with her everywhere, including regularly to Neiman's and other high-end Oakbrook Center stores. Dressed in designer outfits like Juicy Couture and Burberry, Tiger Lily is identified as a service dog, giving her access to places other dogs aren’t allowed.

"She's been a very nice customer, and she knows all of us," said Carolyn Smith, an employee at Baily Banks & Biddle.

But Wayman says the sophisticated party isn't just for her beloved pet. It's also a way for her to thank her friends for their support. People need an emotional lift during the difficult economy, she says.

"If you can make people, just for one moment, forget ... this helps," she said.

Matt Bartosik is the editor of Off the Rocks next issue and a "between blogs” blogger.

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