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Being Bentley!

Three and a half pound Yorkie, Bentley, has just arrived with mommy, Denise Rubin, to “Hair Studio” salon in North Miami. Did he come along just to keep her company as she sits in the chair and gets her 'do' done? Not exactly. He also came to get his multicolored hair extensions put in by stylist Sharon. He actually sits quite still and is unusually calm during the whole glamorous procedure. That’s probably because Bentley is no stranger to indulgent pampering.

Denise, one of South Florida’s top realtors — dubbed “The One Million Dollar Power Woman of Real Estate”— earns the honor of being in the top 5% of Coldwell Banker Agents worldwide. Bentley can always be found right at her side in her Aventura, Florida office. Although she has an abundance of toys and beds for him, he is usually curled up on her desk or lying cozily next to her on her chair. “When I get up to leave my desk for a moment, you look in my office and there’s little Bentley sitting in my huge chair,” Denise laughs. If you happen to call on Denise for her expert realtor services, don’t be surprised if you get to meet Bentley.

“He’s with me when I go to the Trump buildings and all the best buildings in South Florida,” notes Denise. “He doesn’t bark — I’ll tell you, he’s so good!” As a matter of fact, immediately upon acquiring Bentley two and a half years ago, Denise introduced him to his very first taste of the luxe life: he was brought home in none other than a pure cashmere blanket and super-pricey leather carrier. And that was just the beginning of Bentley’s prince-like pampering. Bentley actually has bragging rights to his very own wooden armoire. In it you will find no less than 90 outstanding doggie outfits, 10 top of the line carriers, a large drawer chock full of toys, (Bentley’s current favorites are anything bone-shaped), and another big drawer brimming with every type of hair accessory imaginable.

Bentley gets groomed every other week right in the comfort of his own home. Each morning Bentley partakes in Denise’s morning fitness regimen with her trainer. And his favorite dog food isn’t dog food at all: “It’s healthy, human food for him,” adds Denise. When mother and Yorkie go out to one of their favorite restaurants, Carpaccio at the exclusive Bal Harbour Shops, the staff readily brings out a water bowl and Bentley gets his own plate filled with some bread and lots of chicken. His favorite treat is an apple.

So how did she choose the name Bentley? “At first I bought baby name and dog name books; I really wanted something different — important but different,” Denise explains. Eventually, the realtor extraordinaire felt the name Bentley suited her petite pooch, and soon people repeatedly began asking Denise if she owned the automobile of the same name, perhaps explaining the origin of Bentley’s name. Then Denise thought, in honor of her beloved best pal, “Why not? I now drive a black Bentley Arnage!”

Written by Sharon Athanasiou