Pupperware Parties

(CBS)  Americans have proven how much they love their pets by how much they spend on them. It is estimated that we will shell out $36 billion this year on our four-legged family members.

The Early Show resident veterinarian, Dr. Debbye Turner, reports on a new way to fawn over Fido.

We've all heard of home parties that sell everything from makeup to candles to jewelry. Now, there's a party for your pooch and your kitty. Turner found two companies that host such gatherings with catchy names like Pet Pawties and, of course, Pupperware Parties.

This home party has a very familiar feel to it, as people arrive with their dogs.

There's the sales lady, positioned behind a table full of products that she says you just must have. And, of course, there's the tantalizing descriptions.

"Stud Spritz. This is definitely for the boy dog," says pet consultant Nina Harvey, laughing.

Welcome to a Pupperware party, a pooch version of that old direct marketing tool that's been around for decades.

And just like the predecessor, the tupperware party, this shop-at-home shindig wants the guest to relax, have fun, and buy, buy, buy.

Harvey says, "People are really crazy about their pets. I think that people care about their pets like they care about their children."

Harvey believes one of the big draws to her parties is the fact that pooches are invited, too!

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