USA: Diva dogs have their day with their own spa

Dogs were given A-list beauty treatments in New York on Friday (February 9) to coincide with annual Westminster Dog Show. On hand were dog groomers, exercise facilities, massage therapists, and even a psychic to help nervous show dogs unwind and destress. Dog divas demanded the best service on Friday (February 9) as they received beauty treatments in New York in honor of the Westminister Dog Show. The Dog Spaw at the Pennsylvania Hotel claims to be the biggest indoor canine spa in the city, with grooming and comfort stations, jacuzzi, beauty parlor, exercise area, walking area and his and hers bathrooms, in the shape of a fire hydrant and kennel. Dog groomers said they, as much as the animals, felt incredible pressure to make the dogs look their best. "We just trim their butts for tidiness, getting at the wild, stray hairs and making them look pretty for the show. We want to the whiskers off so you can see the expression and the nice pretty eyes on her. And that's it, spit polish and good to go," said Carol Giles. Some canines made full use of exercise facilities, working out on the treadmills before the big competition while other dogs took a more Zen-like approach to training as they relaxed with a professional dog masseuse. Still other pooches wanted to make a statement, some resorted to using a psychic to bark their demands. "I'm reading that he loves, loves sugar. Jasper likes his water without chemicals. Jasper likes bottled water. Do not give him tap water because Jasper won't drink tap water ok," said Anni Germani, a pet psychic from Michigan. The Westminster Dog Show begins on Monday (February 12) and as it gets closer to competition time, owners and their pets expected more, said Jerry Grymek, the hotels doggie concierge and person in charge of pooch relations. "We get a lot of calls for special requests, and food requests and equipment requests: pillows, extra blankets and going onto food: pizza, hamburger, cheeseburger orders. In fact, I have two for next week. One is a hamburger, the second is a cheeseburger, no onions. They want it, they're particular, they want what's best for their dogs because they're like the mini Miss Americas," he said. Over 2500 dogs from 162 breeds will take part in this years Westminster Dog Show.

ITN Source | February 17, 2007

Tags:. .honor. .pressure. .germani. .michigan. .expression