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The Pampered Dog
A part of any dog's life should be regular exercise and grooming. For most dogs that equates to a few baths and some foxtail hunting expeditions a year. But as we've discovered, there are plenty of other options.
New on the horizon are fitness clubs, spas, massage, acupuncture, day care and herbal baths - yes, all specifically for dogs.
Remember Astro and his hi-tech treadmill on 'The Jetsons'? Not just science fiction any more. An athletic center for dogs in Los Angeles, The Total Dog aims at a canine clientele who are serious about their workouts. With lap pools, treadmills and personal trainers, dogs can keep fit and rehabilitate after injuries.
Facilities like K9 to 5 Day Care Center in San Francisco offers dog owners a place to leave their dogs during the workday. Dogs play, socialize and can even receive training - for many people a much better option than leaving a dog alone in the backyard. And it isn't just a California thing - doggie daycare centers are popping up all over the country.
Grooming has joined the wave - the familiar wash and trim are still around, but a growing number of groomers are using natural, chemical-free products, like herbal shampoos and flea treatments.
Massage can be as beneficial for dogs as it is for humans - it helps to increase circulation, relax muscles and maintain flexibility. There are a number of massage methods and an increasing number of dog massage practitioners. It make sense - you know how much your dog loves pets, massage is sort of like a healthy super-pet.
For pampering on-the-road, canine visitors at Vancouver's Sutton Place Hotel can now order room service. T-bone steak and tuna with caviar are on the menu, bedtime snacks (and a storybook!) are included, and the meal is washed down with Evian water.
In future editions, we'll give you an in-depth look at some of these wonderful places. |
