Following is a press release from new EPE licensee Fox and Hounds Ltd. By the the way, this company was the outfitter for that pampered pooch in the "Legally Blonde" movies starring Reese Witherspoon.
Bringing Presley To Pooches:
New Hound Dog™ Collection
Has Rockin' Rovers All Shook Up
First Ever Pet Accessories Honoring the King of Rock ’n Roll®
Debut at Licensing Show International 2004
Look for more Elvis sightings at dog parks this year, thanks to the new Hound Dog™ Collection of pet accessories from Fox & Hounds Ltd. under an agreement with Elvis Presley Enterprises. Debuting on June 8, 2004, at Licensing Show International at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City (Booth 1533), the Hound Dog Collection features an array of accessories that capture the King of Rock ‘n Roll’s penchant for pets, his incomparable style, and the spirit of his much-loved hit records.
Whether it’s a cozy cable sweater reminiscent of Elvis in the ‘50s, or a sparkling collar that cries Viva Las Vegas™, the Hound Dog Collection is perfect for every pooch – hound or otherwise. Other products sure to get dogs all shook up are rugged denim jackets featuring Elvis and a beloved basset (shown at left on Rhiannon), a Jailhouse Rock™ striped tee and cap for those Halloween hounds, plush toys in the shape of Blue Suede Shoes™, body-hugging black tees with “Elvis” in red rhinestones, Love Me Tender™ collars and an army jacket commemorating Presley’s military service. Completing the line is a matching treat jar and feeding bowl made of black and white ceramic that showcases Elvis’ signature and popular film clips. Elvis enthusiasts can log onto www.foxandhounds.com for shopping resources. Suggested retail prices range from $12 to $80.
"Along with his number one hit, Hound Dog, Elvis was a longtime animal lover," said Robin Kershner, President and CEO of Fox and Hounds Ltd., a leading pet accessory manufacturer based in Alexandria, Va. "From Great Danes and Chows to Poodles and Pomeranians, Elvis always had dogs at Graceland. It’s only fitting that his very large and loyal following celebrate his memory and their pets with items inspired by his life.”
The association with one of the most famous, popular and enduring entertainers in American history certainly makes the Hound Dog Collection more exciting than ordinary pet supplies. However, Kershner is quick to point out that the new line goes far beyond the fun of its famous name. “The Hound Dog Collection offers attractively designed, quality products that stand very well on their own merits,” she continued. “The Elvis connection just lends an alluring added dimension.”
In addition to the Hound Dog Collection accessories launching in June, more whimsical and wonderful products are slated for release later this year, including toys in the shapes of microphones, guitars and hound dogs, a record-shaped bed, peanut butter and banana treats, and polo shirts adorned with Elvis’ image and his mantra – “taking care of business.” With plans to produce a glittering gold tuxedo and tight white American Eagle jumpsuit ideal for the Vegas strip, dogs everywhere can count on basking in the limelight no matter what their star quality.
Fox & Hounds is proud to release the Hound Dog Collection in 2004 – the year Graceland marks as the 50th anniversary of the launch of Elvis’ career and the explosion of rock ‘n roll. Elvis recorded his first single, That’s All Right, in July of 1954 at Sun Studios in Memphis, Tennessee – an event universally regarded as the catalyst for bringing rock ‘n roll music to the forefront.
Established in 1996 and based in Alexandria, Va., Fox & Hounds is a leading manufacturer of stylish and high-quality accessories for dogs and cats, including collars, leads, bedding, carriers, toys and ceramics. Fox & Hounds products can be found at hundreds of pet boutiques nationwide, on the web at www.foxandhounds.com and by calling 703-655-8341.
Pet Accessories
June 05, 2004 | Other
Cro@kie wrote on
June 06, 2004
Keep going EPE. Only you know how dumb fans are and how much crap they WILL buy. After all, a commercial company is in it for the money and if such things do sell, why not make money out of it ?
ElvisDayByDay wrote on
June 05, 2004
What's next, fish accessories because he sung about a "crawfish"? Or a nice set of hats to put on a cow's head because he did something with a certain "Dominique".
ElvisDayByDay wrote on
June 06, 2004
You should blame both, EPE for not protecting Elvis image and the idiots buying this.
loftmanuk wrote on
June 05, 2004
Hands up those who thought the dog themed CD was a joke. I'm beginning to wonder now. Perhaps I'm getting to old, and missing the point. Just seems Tacky and somehow not fitting. Ah well at least we've got the new DVD's to look forward too.
Jim Semple wrote on
June 08, 2004
EPE might be many things but stupid they are not. Whether you like the idea or not, these gifts will sell in their thousands to tourists all over the world. Don't be fooled, EPE have done their homework.
jonsi wrote on
June 06, 2004
I had to recheck my calender when i read about the pet accessorise just to make sure it wasn't april 1st. if there was a top 100 list of the alltime tackiest bit of merchandise. most of it would be taken up by Elvis stuff...
JerryNodak wrote on
June 07, 2004
Lighten up! Get a sense of humour! If it weren't for sales of "commercial rubbish" like this, as one poster termed it, we wouldn't be getting the '68 Comeback or Aloha DVDs. Like it or not sales of this kind of stuff by the truckload is what finances other projects.
JerryNodak wrote on
June 07, 2004
To jessieloveselvis: What do I mean? EPE's main source of income for financing whatever they do includinsg the DVDs, to say nothing of paying the taxes on Graceland as well as the rest of the upkeep on the mansion comes from sales of Elvis merchandise (as tacky as much of it is) and the tour groups. No merchandise sales, no tour groups, most likely no open Graceland. BMG owns the rights to Elvis' music(back catolog) so really the only thing EPE has to "sell" is the image. Like it or not Elvis is a merchandise product and has been one since '56. According to the NY Times the first million dollars Elvis ever earned didn't come from sales of his music , but rather sales of all the available Elvis mechandise in '56.
JerryNodak wrote on
June 08, 2004
To Stacey 75: I never said that I thought the doggey stuff was a good idea or that I agreed with it or that it wasn't tacky(it is). I simply said that if it wasn't for the income generated by junk like this we wouldn't get the good stuff such as the forthcoming DVD's.
Ricsta wrote on
June 07, 2004
Just when EPE look as though they are making some good decisions in regard to promoting Elvis they go and do something stupid like this! I cannot believe that these junk items have been sanctioned by EPE, it makes a grown man weep...
lDevoted Fan wrote on
June 05, 2004
How can the EPE marketing department approve this stuff? It just shows me that they truly have no appreciation of the man, the artist, the person I have loved and respected since 1956, Mr. Elvis Presley. When I get to Memphis in August, I just have to bring up this pet accessories nonsense at one of the "forums". I have to express my utter disgust at this one. And, by the way, does anyone know: Does Lisa have any input whatsoever in approval and disapproval of this stuff?
Elvos wrote on
June 06, 2004
EPE is back! What a smash hit. Decorate your dog Elvis style! Also new and worhtwile are: Pet food products called Animal Instinct. Or the new spicy chilli with beans and onions called `how great thow fart`. Also new for pet lovers is an excange program for rabbit lovers called ´change of rabbit´. I don´t want to sound negative but this is typical American. Kitch and bad taste. Maybe EPE should be in dutch hands again. What a shame!!
Elvos wrote on
June 07, 2004
We can''t stop them by making comments on this site, but maybee they will think now . maybe this one is over the top. And there allready is Elvis wine Elvis aftershave Elvis everything. Now that people have everything Elvis. It's now Elvis time for our pets. It's almost like brainwashing your children to become an Elvis fan. At first they go allong with YOUR hobby. At the end they hate it. And if a dog does'nt like something it bites. So it's even dangerous to put him into something Elvis. There are saver ways to combine love for Elvis and Dogs
1. place a bid on ebay on some Elvis Doghair
2. play some dog related songs for him, sung by the man himself, otherwise an impersonater (you´re dog won´´t know the difference. Just let us get a laugh out of this and we do.
TonyP wrote on
June 07, 2004
I don't see the big deal. It's a little tacky - dressing up a dog is tacking regardless of what they are dressed in - but I don't see it harming Elvis' image. It's a moneymaking project and EPE are a commercial organisation not a charity. Generally, EPE do pretty well by Elvis, as we'll be seeing next month when the tv specials come out.
Tigerman-GB wrote on
June 06, 2004
Just when we think EPE are getting it right, ie. the '68 Comeback & Aloha DVDs, they go & prove that they can still lose the plot.
murthy wrote on
June 06, 2004
I, simply, don't believe It! It's amazing, discusting. A veritable shame for EPE. How can we let them do this ??
CapiTrueno wrote on
June 06, 2004
EPE really know what us fans want. Thank you EPE, I've needed an Elvis outfit for my dog for so long!! Now I need Elvis etrier for my horse and I'm done. I like these guys more and more...
CapiTrueno wrote on
June 08, 2004
Yes, it's true, there's an Elvis jumpsuit for dogs in eBay. this is incredible. Unfortunately it's too big for my puppie, so he won't become an All-Shook-Up Jailhouse-Dog.
Stacey75 wrote on
June 08, 2004
JerryNodak, this garbage might indeed finance other Elvis products, BUT it does not justify releasing dog poo like this. EPE has gone to an all time new low with this, and based on comments I am reading Elvis fans agree that EPE now has there head up there butts. I agrre with JessielovesElvis, and everyone else that hates this original idea by EPE.
JeroenNL wrote on
June 06, 2004
The total sell-out of Elvis' image. It is almost like Colonel Parker has returned!. What's next?... 'A Dog's Life - I Was Elvis' Dog - A Biography'?. What a load off dog shit are these items. And yes, we are back in those worse days just after august 16th 1977 where Parker authorized anything and everything on Elvis. But this really takes the 'dog cake', this might even astound Colonel Parker... Looks like we have to dump a truckload of dog shit on the Graceland driveway to get them EPE commercial dog's back to their senses.
JeroenNL wrote on
June 06, 2004
SOON TO BE OPENED NEXT TO GRACELAND: Elvis Presley's Marine Land: "Thanks To The Rolling Sea" - See all the marine animals Elvis liked!. Elvis Presley's Pet Store "How Low Can You Go" - The place to get your: Elvis Presley's 'Crawfish', Elvis Presley's 'Teddy-Grizzly-Bears', Elvis Presley's 'Shrimps' and puppy's from the same family as Elvis' famous dog 'Get-Lo'!. For a limited time only available: cd's with the complete Crawfish, Teddy Bear, Song Of The Shrimp and Hound Dog Sessions!.
Also available: Blue Suede Horse Shoes (your horse can't do without!!) Elvis Presley Clams (fresh form the sea, comes with dvd from the great movie 'Clambake' and a great cd with the complete 'Clambake Sessions'.
Coming Up: Elvis Presley's Yoga Centre: "Yoga Is As Yoga Does" and: "A Dog's Life - stories about the dogs at Graceland".
JeroenNL wrote on
June 07, 2004
coming to a theater near you this fall: Elvis Presley Pet Accessories - The Final Insult Starring: Leslie Nielson and Priscilla Presley
dismas wrote on
June 07, 2004
We all know that EPE will give the go-ahead to just about any tacky trinket that might possibly generate a couple of bucks, but this dog of an idea sets a new all-time low. But there are those among us who'll undoubtedly spend their hard-earned cash on this stuff, so "Who am I" to complain/judge. If it makes someone happy -- go ahead and rock on, dog.
James69 wrote on
June 05, 2004
Complete dog crap! EPE is turning the merchandising into a bloody slap in the face of the fans. Elvis had a pet monkey, so why not monkey diapers with Elvis face on it? Elvis loved women very much, so why not, Elvis bras?? Elvis panties?? Or better yet, Elvis sex toys??? Since women loved Elvis so much. Sometimes I find it so hard to be an Elvis fan when EPE comes up with this load of sh....
Ton Bruins wrote on
June 07, 2004
That's the same EPE that says they will not release Elvis In Concert '77 on DVD, because it's bad for the Elvis image ? And they sell this junk ? Ha,ha,ha,ha !!
Eddie White wrote on
June 05, 2004
What a load of non-justifiable commercial rubbish will EPE think up next?
JessielovesElvis wrote on
June 07, 2004
JerryNodak, what do you mean this kinda stuff finances the Aloha & 68 DVD's??? Complete bull. This crap has nothing to do with financing the Aloha & 68 DVD's. This dog garbage only turns off more people than it turns on. C'mon! Elvis fans are turned off, and would be young Elvis fans will laugh at it and never become an Elvis fan. Sure some people will like it, there is a market for everything, but the majority of people will be completely turned off, and will ridicule the Elvis legacy because of EPE lack of wisdom.
Abidaslam1 wrote on
June 05, 2004
I find this absolutely disgusting. I thought EPE was there to protect Elvis' image and artistic legacy. At least thats the excuse they come up with when it comes to releasing the CBS special. At least in the CBS special we get to see Elvis' warmth and talent shine through despite his physical problems.
johnlennon wrote on
June 07, 2004
What a load of junk! Absolute crap. Crap like this may pave the way for other releases, but still, this stuff won't sell except stupid fans who buy anything with Elvis' face on it. Anyway, I was wondering what happened to the audio commentary with Scotty Moore and DJ Fontana, as EPE said this was going to be a special feature on the '68 DVD. Anyone know?
N0.10 wrote on
June 06, 2004
How low and tacky, they must think Elvis fans are dumb(I suppose some sad people will buy this trash), what happened to protecting the image of Elvis? from a not so dumb Elvis fan
Crawfish wrote on
June 05, 2004
Absolute junk - an insult to Elvis and his legacy and also to his fans. I will give all those who are don't know any better a reason to laugh at all of us, who are sincere fans and who will not be buying this rubbish.
I am Buffalo-Horn! wrote on
June 05, 2004
C'mon guys, where's your sense of humour!? Seriously, there must be a lot of Elvis fans who have dogs (I don't!) & would like to show everyone else they are Elvis fans! Am I really the only one who thinks it's a bit of fun & the outfits are quite amusing? At the very worst it will draw attention to Elvis & should be good publicity!
Elvisss wrote on
June 06, 2004
This one is sure to keep Elvis' image and artistic legacy alive for years to come huh! I'm almost afraid to know what's next!
MaryKay wrote on
June 06, 2004
Lighten up and remember Elvis's great sense of humor and love of animals! HOWEVER, a percentage of proceeds going directly to the shameful and heartbreaking lack of animal control in his hometown of Memphis should soften the critics. Thanks. Texas loves Elvis!
elvishimselvis wrote on
June 06, 2004
Dont any of you remember 1956?? when Elvis face was on everything from Lip stick to lunch boxes? Is their really much difference? Elvis didnt mind back then having his name and face on everything? I dont really know if this will hurt his image. but it will put his image out their for people to see. and then they might want to see more of him.
elvishimselvis wrote on
June 08, 2004
I saw an Elvis Jumpsuit for Dogs on EBAY today for reals! Its their. go see it!
pacer1965 wrote on
June 05, 2004
What the earth are EPE thinking of ? This a really big insult to the king. I think Elvis and us fans should get a little bit more respect from them. I don ' t know about you guys out there but i am started to get worried about the cd for dog lovers now . They will probably give away the dog lovers cd free with the dog accessories. God what next
pacer1965 wrote on
June 06, 2004
Just think you can buy some pet accessories now and let your dog dribble all over Elvis. Do you all think that sounds fitting to the king ? And yes i do have a sense of humour you have to when your an Elvis fan. I won't be putting this rubbish on my dog
pacer1965 wrote on
June 06, 2004
I was just telling my dog about these pet accessories and guess what he said he would love to have a jumpsuit and one of there lovely toys to get his teeth into.
Lex wrote on
June 06, 2004
Yep, blame EPE for it... instead of those imbeciles buying stuff like this. EPE is a commercial company, and have to make money in order to do things that we do like. As long as people do buy this stuff (in my opinion not only the pet stuff, but 99% of what they sell)... EPE will gladly help to sell it.
Lex wrote on
June 06, 2004
Not protecting Elvis' image?? They are just underlining Elvis' image... this stuff is as tacky as Elvis' own taste ;-).
And Elvis was crazy about animals too... so what are you all complaining? It is just what Elvis would have wanted, Walk A Mile With His Collar :-)