In the bustling canine wellness scene of Los Angeles, 8-year-old Dug, a golden retriever, found himself in a luxurious Cadillac stretch limo, embarking on a week dedicated to pampering and holistic treatments.
Dug was on his way to Collar & Comb in West Hollywood, where he’d receive a blueberry facial and an exfoliating mud mask, composed by professionals who also groom the pets of personalities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Mark Wahlberg.
As he settles into the polished interior of the limo, complete with black Corinthian leather seats and crystal liquor decanters, Dug looks out at the passing spiky palm trees, his excitement palpable as his tongue hangs out.
The luxury spa experience tells a broader story of dog wellness in L.A., where treatments reflect the rise of self-care trends being endorsed by humans.
An increasing number of pet owners now treat their dogs like family members, paralleling contemporary shifts in family dynamics.
Charlotte Reed, co-host of the “Pet Buzz” radio show, notes, “The rising trend in dog wellness comes partly from higher vet bills, prompting a focus on preventive care, and partly from the desire of dog owners to reflect their healthy lifestyles in their pets.”
While this shift in focus on dog wellness offers a variety of options, experts caution against assuming that all treatments suited for humans would be beneficial for dogs.
Dr. Jerry Klein, chief veterinarian of the American Kennel Club, warns, “Pet owners must consider their pets’ individual needs and preferences, as what may be relaxing for humans may not have the same effect on dogs.”
Dug, whom I’ve known for years as the pet of my friends Jeff and Lisa Alulis, was chosen to explore the extensive range of dog wellness treatments available, stepping into a world where ‘healing’ takes on many forms.
On Sunday, Dug experienced his first treatment: a sound bath designed for dogs.
As he arrived at the Den Urban Dog Retreat, owned by Victorious Solomon, the ambiance set the stage for relaxation.
In a space adorned with candlelight and a forest mural, around 20 dogs lay on yoga mats, surrounded by their humans as a ‘relaxation concert’ began.
Sound healer Crystal Cao tailored the experience specifically for canines, playing low, calming tones as well as sounds mimicking rain to help keep the dogs relaxed.
Though initially curious about the sounds, Dug soon settled into a calm demeanor alongside the other dogs.
However, despite the pleasant experience, Dug continued to struggle with nightmares that night.
On Monday, Dug was introduced to aqua strength training and cardio.
At Buddy: Canine Wellness in Studio City, Dug was guided through an underwater treadmill workout, an activity that presented a mix of apprehension and excitement for him.
With the help of co-owner Jazz Pritchard, Dug donned a life jacket and found himself swimming in a pool designed to aid in blood circulation and fitness.
The unique workout aimed to tire Dug out for a quiet evening at home, but he still faced those persistent nightmares when bedtime came.
Tuesday brought a change of pace with a Reiki meditation session.
In the beautiful setting of Miramar Park in Redondo Beach, Dug enjoyed a gentle massage-style session led by Reiki practitioner Stacey Gong.
As Gong worked to align Dug’s energy centers, he relaxed, appreciating the sensations and attention.
After the session, Gong indicated that Dug’s chakras were in good shape, but his third eye chakra needed some extra attention, which they had worked on together.
“His dreams are not necessarily bad; he might just be chasing bunnies,” Gong suggested, instilling hope that Dug’s nightmares could have a less troubling explanation.
Thus invigorated and with aligned energy, Dug returned home gleefully — a transformation, perhaps, as he seemed to enjoy the attention he was receiving.
On Wednesday, Dug stepped into the luxurious world of Collar & Comb, a members-only canine salon offering a variety of treatments and a unique atmosphere.
Upon entering, the scent of gourmet treats and pleasing aromas engulfed Dug, who was ready to indulge in his scheduled spa treatments.
Inside the soundproof “spa suite,” founder Paul Leonard and master stylist Yanko Hernandez prepared something special for Dug, mixing together organic ingredients for his facial and mud mask.
Amid the hustle and bustle in the salon, Leonard orchestrated the treatment with precision, ensuring Dug’s experience reflected the high standards he envisioned for his canine clients.
Dug interacted playfully with the attentive staff while being pampered with his organic facial made of blueberries, honey, and yogurt, enjoying every moment.
Meanwhile, Dug’s owner enjoyed the luxury of a spa environment themselves, relishing the relaxing ambiance while watching the pampering process unfold.
Following his luxurious treatments, Dug was dried off and spritzed with cologne, ready for one last round of pictures to commemorate his trip to this exclusive dog spa.
The culmination of the week was a deep tissue massage on Thursday, during which Dug was pampered in the comfort of his own backyard.
Certified canine masseuse William Riddle provided a soothing and invigorating session, loosening Dug’s muscles and enhancing blood circulation.
Riddle noted specific areas of tension, focusing on Dug’s neck which often bears extra stress due to dogs’ natural postures.
Dug relished the experience, taking full advantage of the expert attention, and the hour-long massage ended with a rewarding treat that left him feeling pampered and appreciated.
To conclude the week, Dug visited Dog PPL, a private dog park in Santa Monica, where social wellness is prioritized.
This members-only park offered a luxurious atmosphere with facilities designed to cater to both pets and their owners, allowing for socialization and recreation.
Dug entered the park, energized and glowing from his week of indulgence, eagerly making new friends.
Through playful interactions and shared experiences with other dogs, Dug felt at the heart of a community designed for both canines and their human counterparts.
With various amenities available, Dug enjoyed a fun-filled day with lots of opportunities to connect with his newfound pals.
As his week of wellness came to a close, Dug not only experienced a range of holistic treatments but also exemplified the spa-culture sentiments shared by many dog owners who prioritize the health and happiness of their furry companions.
image source from：latimes
