Woof! Full body massage please

A dog's life is no longer what it used to be pets today are being pampered with massages, hair colour, clothes and toys

A dog's life is no longer what it used to be pets today are being pampered with massages, hair colour, clothes and toysu00a0

Pink halter ballerinas are in for cosseted canines, that is. And so are fancy toys and regular visits to the spa. Pets in Bangalore obviously haven't heard about this thing called recession.u00a0

Rishya Hemachandra who along with sister Radhiya manages Fuzzy Wuzzy, a pet styling studio and spa in Indiranagar, says people have become extremely conscious about their pets and are particular about the way the animals look since they identify with them. The demand for Batman and Ninja Turtles T-shirts are also high, she says.u00a0

Food for thought

Also, it's the case of the busy parent overindulging the kid. (Sorry sweetheart, no time to cook today but here, let me buy you a burger!)u00a0

As Gulab Abdulwahab, proprietor of Wet Pet on Infantry Road, says, "Because of lack of time, most people have stopped giving their pets home-cooked food. Buying processed food itself drills a heavy hole in their pockets. I have customers who spend close to Rs 10,000 at one shot."u00a0

And it doesn't stop at food. E V Jayakaran, who started Bangalore's first exclusive pet store, says, "Earlier, all that a dog would require was dog biscuits. But now, owing to the fancy lifestyle they have become accustomed to, they require chews, toothbrushes, shampoos and even perfumes!"u00a0

Expensive tastesu00a0

At Fuzzy Wuzzy, spa services range from Rs 300 to over Rs 3,000 depending on the breed and size of the dog.u00a0
"We try to act as a bridge between the dog and their owners and help them bond. After all, nobody likes a stinky dog," says Rishya.

Pet peevesu00a0

Here's what Bangaloreans feel about spending quality time and money on those furry friends:u00a0u00a0

"Irrespective of the money they spend on dogs, it is important that dog-owners spend quality time with them."
Meenakshi Sheshadri, software professional and wife of Congress politician Krishna Byre Gowdau00a0u00a0u00a0

"Our dog is low-maintenance, so I tend to spend less but shower all my attention on it."
Nandan Venkatachalam (21), studentu00a0u00a0

"My dog Frisky is now grown up and I spend less on his toys. However, his basic necessities are something that I will not compromise on. I even provide him with vitamins and special Butch food that costs Rs 500 a pack."
Dr Shobha Vasudevan, educational consultantu00a0

"My dog's expenses are perhaps more than my own. I spend less than a hundred rupees daily to cook for a family of three. However, I spend the same amount on my dog every day."
Lakshmi Choudary (40), columnistu00a0u00a0

What's in?
Customised styling and grooming
Hair colouring
Aromatherapy rinses
Oil massage and shampoo
Skin conditioningu00a0

Where: Fuzzy Wuzzy Pet Styling Studio & Spa, 6, 17th F Cross, Indiranagar 2nd Stage, Bangalore-560038
Shevar Spa and grooming Salon for pets, 123, 2nd Cross, 18th Main, 6th Block, near Dhanalakshmi Bank, Koramangala.u00a0

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels