Scoop: It's a Dog's Life
| By Brandie Ahlgren |
ShareThisWe love our dogs and our dogs love us. But is it possible we love our dogs too much? Among Seattle urbanites, the resounding answer is heck, no! Just look at all the high-end pet boutiques, doggie day cares and specialty grooming spas cropping up on every corner, and you'll realize that our metronatural mutts have got it made. To some, paying thousands of dollars a year for the aforementioned services might seem over the top, but who are we to judge? If the $34 billion a year (and growing) national pet care industry is an indication that dogs have become less disposable and more a part of our family, then every dog should have its day. Behold, our guide to high-end (and sometimes highly unusual) services available to even the most discerning dog.
Many dogs are getting a new, ahem, leash on life with access to medical services–such as organ transplants and torn ACL surgery–previously reserved for humans. Pet insurance is available, but Melissa Smith, a referral coordinator in the neurology department at Lynnwood's VCA Veterinary Specialty Center, says that many procedures are still considered elective by pet insurance companies, and many clients end up paying more out of pocket for their pet's health care than for their own (we spoke with one dog owner who said that in the last few years she spent at least $10,000 on her 10-pound terrier in health care alone). Here's a brief comparison of how much you'll pay out of pocket–for yourself and for Fido–for select medical procedures.
| Procedure | Cost for a Human | Cost for a Dog |
| MRI | $2,000–$4,000 | $1,500–$2,000 |
| Torn ACL surgery | $3,500 per knee | $3,500–$4,200 both knees |
| Cataract surgery | $3,000 per eye | $1,850–$2,800 both eyes |
| Total Hip Replacement | $25,000 | $4,000 |
(Sources: Canines: VCA Veterinary Specialty Center and Seattle Animal Eye Clinic. Humans: Ask.com, Providence.org, Journal of American Medical Association)
VCA Veterinary Specialty Center, Lynnwood, 20115 44th Ave. W; 425.697.6106; vcavsc.com
Seattle Animal Eye Clinic, 5339 Roosevelt Way NE #B; 206.524.8822
Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI); 888.899.4VPI [4874]; petinsurance.com
BEAUTY/GROOMING
Doting on our dogs doesn't end with health care. Mutts in need of an extreme makeover can head to one of Downtown Dog Lounge's three locations (206.282.DOGS [3647]; downtowndoglounge.com) for the works: bath, brush out, haircut and blow dry, herbal ear wash and nail trim, starting at $50 depending on the breed and size. For an extra $15 to $25 bones, Fido can feel extra fresh with a Brazilian trim, which is exactly what you think it is. On Saturdays and Mondays, you and your downward dog can enjoy yoga ($20 per dog/owner pair or four sessions for $60). And in case your pooch isn't relaxed enough, a massage might be in order at $35 per half hour with a certified animal massage therapist. Can't make it to the Dog Lounge? Give your mutt the day spa experience in the comfort of your own home with the following products:
Spa Dog Botanicals includes conditioning sprays in lavender, eucalyptus and sweet orange scents as well as herbal shampoos and conditioners. $10 for individual products or $34 for the combo Urban Dog Pail at spadogbotanicals.com.
Sexy Beast offers botanical sprays ($26–$28 each) and perfumes ($65 for 3.4 ounces) to keep your pup smelling sweet. Available at sexybeaststyle.com.
Don't want the mess at home? Scrub your pup at Petdaddy, with self-service dog-washing stations. Located in Green Lake at 301 NE 65th St.; 206.522.0903; petdaddy.com. $20 (small dogs $14); all-natural pet care products also provided.
Now that Bowzer is beautified, a photo shoot might be next on the list. Furry fashionistas and their accompanying humans can partake in a daylong shoot with Dane & Dane Photography. The Il Diamante photo package, at a mere $1,999, includes a stylist for both canine and human, four-hour photo shoot, catered lunch and optional door-to-studio, dog-friendly limo service at an additional cost. There is no shortage of talented dog photographers in Seattle, so shop around for the one that suits your budget and style. Here are a few to get you started:
Dane & Dane Photography, 888.201.3778; dane-dane.com
B Sparks Photography, 206.723.8655; dogphotography.com
Best Friend Photography, 206.935.5624; bestfriendphoto.com
Four Legs Photography, 206.890.8295; fourlegsphoto.com
Damian Lix Photography Design, 206.724.8041; daimianlix.com
DOGGIE RETREATS
Need a guilt-free getaway? Accommodations for your hound abound, from urban oases to country retreats. If convenience is a factor, the newly opened Airpet Hotel, located five minutes from Sea-Tac Airport, is an urban option.
In addition to spa options, Downtown Dog Lounge offers overnight care that includes 25 hours of service (overnight care, full daycare), filtered water, organic treats and a photo of your four-legged best friend. The Dog Lounge now has three Seattle locations: Elliott Avenue, Belltown and Capitol Hill. $42 per night; 206.282.DOGS [3647]; downtowndoglounge.com.
Before you board your flight, board your pet at Airpet Hotel, located five minutes from Sea-Tac Airport at 19111 Des Moines Memorial Drive. $35 per night; 206.788.4446; airpethotel.com.
Simple Indulgence caters to the petite pooch, with an indoor miniature playroom, outdoor play park and doggie designer boutique. Located in Lynnwood at 18703 66th Ave. Daycare, $27; overnight, $35; 425.750.4196; simpleindulgencedog.com.
DOGGIE BOUTIQUES
In this new era of dog, it would also appear that the standard pet store has evolved into the pet boutique, with an array of high-end (and high-quality, we might add) collars and leashes, jewelry (for pets and people), artwork, clothing and more. Most independent pet boutiques also carry nutritious, all-natural foods loaded with healthy ingredients. Practically every neighborhood in Seattle features its own boutique. If yours doesn't, rest assured, one is coming. Here are a few of our favorites:
Newly opened Scraps Dog Bakery, also located in South Lake Union, offers all-natural food and gourmet treats for dogs and cats. Most indulgent item: a fresh bakery case loaded with cookies and cupcakes that look good enough for human consumption. 2200 Westlake Ave.; 206.332.WOOF [9663]; scrapsonline.com.
Mes Amis, located on Upper Queen Anne, is stocked with pretty items for pets and people. Most indulgent item: Customers can choose from a palette of fabrics to design their own custom dog pillow by Jax and Bones, $105–$175. 321 W Galer St.; 206.283.6064.
Brandie Ahlgren is founder and editor of Seattle's own CityDog Magazine. Launched in 2005, CityDog is the definitive dog lover's magazine that celebrates life and living with dogs in the Pacific Northwest.
Posted By Roi November 24, 2009 | 8:00 AM Report this Comment
Posted By Roi November 24, 2009 | 7:56 AM Report this Comment
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