It had happen. Super-attention to pets. Businesses finally realizing that we pet parents really do adore and dote on our pets. Let's face it - today, our dogs and cats and ferrets and horses and turtles and whatever, mean as much to us as our human friends and family members. These are creatures with soul. These are creatures who depend on us for everything. It's our duty to not only care for their health, but for their emotional well-being.
So, again, I say, it had to happen. A pet paradise located in Charlotte, N.C. Indeed! According to the Seattle Times online, "Paradies for pets: 'Resorts' that cater to furry friends" is a growing trend. This article is in their Home and Garden newsletter. The writer, Kathy Haight, writes about this as a Club-Med-for-mutts, part of the growing trend toward luxury pet boarding. This is closer to a "hotel" or a "spa" - not a boarding kennel!
The CEO of the Pet Care Services Association, Joan Saunders, located here in CO, is quoted saying, "Ten to 15 years ago, there started to be a dramatic change in how people viewed their pets... Pets became members of the family."
I think it was even longer ago... maybe it didn't hit the news 20-25 years ago, but I bet most of us would admit that our cats and dogs and other pets were as dear to our hearts back then, as they are now. The focus outside of our intimate homes wasn't there - so maybe the world was not "aware" of it. But, dogs and cats and turtles, etc... were and are more than "companion animals". They're family members in the most precious way.
I love this quote from the article, "You might drop your dog off for the weekend and the facility owner might say, 'Do you want your dog groomed while they're here? Do you want a blueberry facial and their nails done?'" ROTFL... groomed, maybe. Blueberry facial...whatever!
So, the question is...who out there would ask for a facial, blueberry or otherwise, for their dog?
We've definitely noticed this trend at GoPetFriendly.com. More and more business are choosing to cater to the pets in our lives, and it's just fantastic. Places that have been pet-friendly for a long time are taking it to the next level and catering to the pets - but attitudes are also shifting on other levels. Places that used to tolerate pets now make them welcome and places that previously didn't allow pets at all have opened their doors to our furry pals. It's a wonderful trend that we hope to see continue.
Posted by: Amy@GoPetFriendly | 06/17/2010 at 10:36 AM
Amy, that is just so true and so encouraging. I love seeing pets get the respect (and attention) they deserve. Pet parents just have to keep insisting on allowing their pets in.
Posted by: Yvonne | 06/18/2010 at 10:22 AM