USA: NEW YORK: PET DOGS PAMPERED BY CANINE BEAUTICIANS
Like 1 Dislike 0 Published on 21 Jul 2015
English/Nat
New York's summer heat brings dogs out of "day care" and into the park with their dogwalkers - services well-heeled New Yorkers will pay hundreds of dollars a month for.
But that's not all - some dog owners love their pets so much they're prepared to spend up to 150 dollars on a haircut for their pooch.
While many people think this is taking the concept of pampering a bit too far, some psychologists say it's a small price for the good mental health dog ownership can bring.
The dog days of summer in New York.
Central Park is full of canines, which strictly speaking must be kept on a lead.
In fact, that's such a contentious issue that a debate has been raging in the local press about a dog's right to run free in the park.
On New York's Upper East side, where some of the city's most handsome hounds reside, dogs apparently have other "rights" too.
Like the right to a wash, cut and manicure by top dog groomers.
"Le Chien" is one of New York's top canine salons.
Celebrities like Diana Ross bring their animals for beauty sessions here.
The star treatment for a small dog like this costs about 100 dollars.
And it's not a once-a-year event.
Some wealthy dog owners spend their weekends at ritzy out-of town resorts.
They're dressed in the latest fashions - and so are their pets who get groomed every weekend.
For a big dog, like this standard poodle, the price runs as high as 150 dollars.
Many people wouldn't dream of spending that much to have their own hair cut.
So why spend so much on a pet?
SOUNDBITE:
In Manhattan, I mean, everyone walks their dog for one. And, most of our people live in beautiful apartments, penthouses and triplexes and what have you. Therefore they may go to the park or the country or whatever. But, this city is not clean.
SUPER CAPTION: Lisa Gilford, Owner Le Chien
The full treatment for Le Chien's clients goes far beyond just getting cleaned up for a weekend in the country.
Lisa Gilford's dog Martine has a wardrobe many women would envy.
She has a raincoat, a leopard skin coat and - for those chilly evenings - a mink.
Not to mention the set of pearls and a diamond necklace.
So what is it about city life that makes people focus so much love and attention on their pets?
SOUNDBITE:
They look toward their pets as creatures that will give them unconditional love.
SUPER CAPTION: Marcie Bell, Dogwalker
SOUNDBITE:
I think in the large city a lot of people are very lonely. (Cutaway of dog) So, I think I would say people concentrate on the dogs for companionship mostly.
SUPER CAPTION: Heidi Herz, Dog Owner
But have New Yorkers taken it just a little too far?
SOUNDBITE:
It's over the top like all kinds of things from New York are over the top. It's that kind of city. But, I mean, there are all kinds of normal dogs and normal people here too.
SUPER CAPTION: VOXPOP
Some young professional couples have schedules so hectic that there is little time for children - and they're turning to dogs instead.
SOUNDBITE:
People need to have something to love and take care of. To have a child is an enormous amount of work, and very difficult. You'd be surprised how disruptive it is to the couples. And, a dog can be much less disruptive.
SUPER CAPTION: Dr. James Sterling, Clinical Psychologist
Psychologists say there are more bonuses to being a dog devotee.
Some health professionals believe dog owners lead happier, healthier lives.
So maybe the key to the good life is for New York to "go to the dogs".
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