When the dog days hit, Sturgis and Ziggy hit the spa. Kathleen Wayt Gizmo, a Shih Tzu, sits patiently while Tina Taylor of Garden City completes a few finishing touches at Grooming by Nancy in Westland. By age, older households are the biggest spenders on pets. Marlene Hamlyn agrees her dogs know where they're going even before they leave the house. Glassed French doors allow owners to see their pets getting worked on by various bathers and groomers.
Some dogs are so relaxed they close their eyes.
You know how good it feels to get your hair done. After they're dried, fluffed and trimmed, dogs are prettied up with big bows or bandannas, color-coded to match holidays and seasons. Mike Ponkey, manager of Pet Supplies Plus in Waterford, says his business is booming. These are not dogs people keep outside or guard dogs. At her spa, many of the dogs roam free, making friends like children in preschool.