CityView Magazine

FEATURE A Dog's Life much money we're willing to spend on on our pets, they are more than furry companions — they are valued members of our families. According to the American Pet Products Association, it W is estimated that $50.84 billion was spent on our pets in the United States in 2011, and that's not just a national trend. Lo- cal pet owners are doting on their canine companions in in- creasing and sometimes surprising ways. Vonda Dunn, the co-owner of Great Paws Pet Spa on Syca- more Dairy Road said that people are more inclined to pam- per their pets these days because the role of pets in our lives has changed. "They're so much more like family now, as opposed to just being property," Dunn said. "In the old days, a dog was just a From labs to chihuahuas, local pets live in the lap of luxury BY KELLY TWEDELL e pamper them. We bring them wherever we go. We surprise them with something new on special occasions. We even give them holiday and birthday presents. Judging by how thing, now it's a loved one." From high-end items to high-tech items, products for pets now extend beyond traditional necessities to include luxury toys, accessories and trips to the day spa. One local indoor-outdoor posh kennel, Pet Starz, dou- bles as a day spa and doggie daycare for some pampered area pooches. While the services offered might seem ridiculous to some, Pet Starz' customers swear by them, according to own- er Deborah Hoopes. Clients oſten request the popular blueberry clove facial to give their dogs whiter and brighter coats and the aroma- therapy treatments leave Fido and Fifi relaxed and smelling nice, Hoopes said. Hot oil treatments and degreasing sham- poos are also popular, she said. Mudpacks are recommended to restore the hydration for dogs who develop dry skin during certain times of the year. "People budget their money to spend on their pets," Hoopes said. "We give discounts on spa treatments for our CityViewNC.com | 55

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