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For Muffy the Metro-sexual Dog
We all know the importance of fashion and hygiene in today’s world. If style sets your dog’s tail wagging, then how about a spa package from La De Da Pet Spa in Orchard Park (2799 Southwestern Blvd., 677-0000) and the owner, Laura LaCongo is well experienced. She is a licensed vet technician with seven dogs of her own.
For starters, La De Da offers dog day care. Your pet will not be bored; laid-back dogs can relax in the K-9 Lounge, complete with fireplace, comfy chairs, and toys, while more rambunctious animals can stretch their legs in the gym full of playground equipment. Take note: the athletic pet does not settle for mere water when he can have “Rebound” the pet sports drink from www.rebound4dogs.com ($2.50 per bottle). Dog sitting can cost anywhere from $10-$18. Discounts are given for families with more than one dog.
Then there are the grooming services, more affectionately referred to as “spa packages.” Spa treatments always include a bath, ear cleaning and manicure, but vary by breed. They may also include trimming and additional services such a blueing for whitening the coat, medicated shampooing for poor skin and flea control. Prices range from $19-$45 depending on the size of the dog, condition of the coat and the overall behavior.
If you do not need to have your doggy fully groomed, he can also experience the pampering of a Pawdicure ($10-$15). The stylists will paint the pet’s nails the color of your choice., If you want to keep up the look at home, Color Paw nail polish is available in the spa shop for $4.95 a bottle.
To keep your dog feeling and smelling fresh between grooming, stylist Rebecca Cooper recommends Spa Paws aroma therapy shampoo and cologne ($8), or Le Pooch ($25), a more high-end cologne with conditioning agent. We love getting a nice wet, sloppy smooch from our doggy, but let's face it, toilet water is not quite Listerine. For clean teeth and fresh breath, try Greenies toothbrush-shaped chew toys. They come in several sizes petite ($1), regular ($1.50), and large ($2.50). A festive "Seaon's Greenies" box of 14 includes a free squeaky toy.
Rawhides and squeaky toys are always popular with pooches because they carry the dog's scent. Even blind dogs can enjoy them. Gift baskets, complete with candy cane-shaped rawhides, a musical plush holiday toy and Greenies, cost $23.99. There are smaller packages with just the musical toy and rawhides for $7.99. Individually, musical snowmen, bones and more squeaky toys are $2.50 or less.
Accessories are key this season for both humans and their furry friends. At La De Da, you and your pet can custom design a collar ($7) or bracelet ($2). The diamonds, letters and colored stones are additional, so you can make it as fancy as you wish. If you are pressed for time, Stylin' Dogs Necklaces are $13. These look like human jewelry and look cute on dogs whose fur doesn't cover up the neckline. Holiday collar covers ($5) are uniquely designed with snowmen, trees, and Santas. But if your dog really wants to strut her stuff, La De Da Pet Spa is the only store in the area that carries the exclusive High Maintenance Bitch Boas ($25), available in a variety of colors and sizes. Gift certificates are also available.
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