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Pampering
Your Pooch
By Laurie Burstein
Man's best friend now has access to many of the latest human indulgences.
Massage, aromatherapy, silk-lined beds and designer apparel are
some of the newest trends for pampered pooches.
The Three-Dog Bakery in Ladue is one of the newer spots in town
for treating Fido to the best. The treats in the glass cases look
good enough to eat, except that all the baked goods are for dogs.
Opened by owner Vicki Sence and her partner in 1999, Three Dog Bakery
sells healthy treats for dogs as well as gifts and accessories.
Sence said best sellers include customized birthday cakes for dogs
along with invitations and party hats.
Jan DeFranco runs the gift shop at the Humane Society of Missouri
and says pampering pets is on the rise and business at the store
has increased in recent years. "Pets take the stress out of our
daily lives. For many, they are like our babies and we want to give
back to them."
DeFranco says some popular gifts they sell include plush beds in
faux fur, gourmet biscuits and bagels, designer cologne including
"CK9," and designer t-shirts for dogs including "Liz Claybone."
Above:
Working like a dog. Exercise isn't just for people, it's for owners
who want their pets to be in tip-top shape. Last August, Ralston
Purina (now Nestleé Purina PetCare), held a Smart Spa for
owners who wanted to pamper their pooches.
Pampered pooches are part of the family according to a survey by
Nestlé Purina PetCare (formerly Ralston Purina), one
of the world's leading pet food manufacturers. The State of The
American Pet survey showed that bonds between humans and dogs are
getting stronger. Among those surveyed, 43 percent said they celebrated
their dogs' birthdays. Forty-five percent said they have taken their
dogs on vacation. Twenty-two percent say they have taken their pets
to a pet store. And an overwhelming majority-92 percent-say they
have regular interaction and play with their dogs daily.
This summer, Nestlé Purina PetCare sponsored a day
spa for dogs in 13 cities. Billed as the "Smart Spa," the St. Louis
event was held in Forest Park and gave dogs a chance to sample the
latest in health and lifestyle activities. Massage, jog-a-dog treadmills,
hair trimming and nail clipping were offered.
Above:
Being treated like a dog isn't all bad. More than 300 dogs were
offered a day of self-indulgence-massages, baths, hair and nail
trimming-at the Smart Spa held in Forest Park last summer.
"As part of the human family, dogs now have access to the best life
has to offer," says Kerry Lyman, director of marketing and Public
Relations for Nestlé Purina PetCare. Lyman says Americans
now spend more than $20 million every year on their pets.
Along with the latest spa treatments for dogs, consumers are as
conscious as ever of their dogs' nutrition, Lyman says. The Smart
Spa tour featured the company's new Beneful™ brand dog food, a food
for dogs that is made from wholesome ingredients such as whole grains,
real beef chunks and real vegetables.
Pampering your pooch is terrific, but nothing can take the place
of old-fashioned TLC says Katherine McGowan of the Humane Society
of Missouri. "The best gift you can give your dog is quality time.
Pets give us unconditional love and in turn we can give them our
love and attention."
Laurie Burstein is a St. Louis-based free-lance writer
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