Reality TV star and business mogul Kim Kardashian recently shared a charming and unexpected anecdote from her childhood, revealing one of her very first jobs: walking pop icon Madonna's dog. The SKIMS founder disclosed this unique slice of her past during a conversation with host Graham Norton, offering fans a glimpse into her life long before the fame of Keeping Up with the Kardashians.
From Beverly Hills Neighbour to Dog Walker
Kardashian explained that her family lived near Madonna in Beverly Hills when she was just eight years old. This proximity led to her first entrepreneurial venture. "I would walk her dog when I was 8 years old," Kardashian recalled. Her payment, however, wasn't in cash. Instead, the Material Girl compensated the young Kim with a highly coveted 1980s accessory: neon jelly rubber bracelets.
"She would pay me in... remember those jelly neon rubber bracelets? She paid me in those," Kardashian said. The bracelets were handed over in a shoe box, a detail that made the memory even more vivid. The young Kardashian then took her cool new accessories to school, where they caused a stir. "All my friends went, 'Oh my god, that's so cool, where did you get that?' And I was like, 'Madonna gave it to me'," she recounted.
A Lost Treasure and a Lasting Memory
The story took a bittersweet turn when Kardashian revealed the bracelets' fate. Recently, Madonna herself asked Kim if she still possessed the childhood payment. Kardashian had to admit, "No, I don't know what I did with them." To this, Madonna reportedly replied, "You lost the coolest thing in the world." Reflecting on this, Kardashian expressed regret: "I was like, 'How could I have given away Madonna's bracelets? I wish I still had them.'"
This story highlights a far more humble beginning for the now-billionaire, whose early work experience certainly didn't involve modelling or building a shapewear empire. It was a simple neighbourhood job with a uniquely star-studded twist.
Expert Dog Walking Tips for Indian Pet Owners
While Kardashian's story is a fun celebrity tidbit, it brings attention to the important responsibility of dog walking. Canine needs vary greatly; some dogs thrive on long, energetic walks, while older dogs or those with health issues require gentler, shorter strolls. Countries like Germany mandate two daily walks totalling at least an hour, and Sweden emphasises fulfilling a dog's social needs.
For Indian pet parents, the climate and urban environment present specific challenges. Dr. Umesh Kallahalli, a senior veterinarian at MARS Petcare India, recommends scheduling walks during the cooler parts of the day. "Pavements can retain heat well after sunset, posing a risk of paw burns and contributing to overheating and dehydration," he cautioned. He advises taking breaks in the shade and always carrying a portable water bowl.
Air quality is another major concern in many Indian cities. Dr. Gautam Anand, senior veterinary consultant at Dr. Anand's Pet Clinic in Delhi, suggests early morning walks when pollution levels are lower. "There is less traffic, almost no factory pollution, and considerably less noise pollution to discomfort the animals at that hour," he told indianexpress.com.
For days with severe air quality, Dr. Anand recommends additional precautions: "Make sure your pets wear masks when you take them for walks, and if feasible, bring them in a closed vehicle." He also encourages pet owners to dress their dogs in light clothing to protect their skin from dust. After outdoor activity, cleaning their paws with wet wipes and applying paw butter can keep them moisturised and free from infection.
Kim Kardashian's nostalgic story is a reminder that even global celebrities start with small jobs. More importantly, it subtly underscores the universal duty of pet care—a responsibility that requires awareness and adaptation to local conditions, whether in Beverly Hills or Bangalore.
