Sara Schevis with Sam at the Atkinson Country Club. Photos by Kevin Harkins.
Jeannie Snook’s 2-year-old goldendoodle, Sam, hangs out at the country club so much he has developed excellent golf etiquette.
“Some of the golfers say that if they are teeing off, Sam will sit and wait,” Snook says. “Once they’re done, he’ll trot over and say hello.”
Sam has become a regular at the club thanks to his professional dog walker, and he always looks his best thanks to the one groomer Snook found who could get his fur “the way it needs to be.” Sam lives a good life.
Having a four-legged family member has always brought pet owners as much joy as responsibility. Nowadays, it seems we are more willing than ever to offer our dogs and cats the extras we enjoy for ourselves, from attire and gourmet meals, to lush travel accommodations and a good massage.
“There is definitely a correlation today,” says Sara Schevis, Sam’s trainer and walker. “Almost anything you can think of that we offer ourselves, it is now out there for our pets.”
Through her business, K9 Excursions in Haverhill, Schevis sees plenty of dogs who reap the benefits of being treated like family.
“More than half of my clients don’t have kids; they see their pets as their kids,” she says. “People who don’t have pets think it’s crazy — especially given the amount of money that’s spent — but they don’t understand that for these people, the dog is a family member.”
Kristi Andrews, owner of The Barkery in Tewksbury, sees that dynamic every day in the customers who come to her shop looking for the all-natural pet foods, treats and products that aren’t available in larger discount stores.
Kristi Andrews of The Barkery in Tewksbury.
“When it comes to good, healthy food, people are gathering more information overall,” she says. “If they are thinking more about what they are feeding themselves, they are also thinking more about what they are putting into their dogs.”
As people gravitate toward farm grown, locally prepared foods in the quest for their own healthy diets, there are options for the family dog as well. At Dulcie’s Dog Bowl in Peabody, owners can pick up homemade, hand-prepared meals such as carrot-stuffed chicken, beef-wrapped green beans, or crunchy liver nuggets.
Splurging on good food makes sense, but what about more discretionary services? Visitors to Andrews’ shop can also utilize her self-service dog wash stations, where first time grooming clients receive a complimentary blueberry facial (to get rid of tear stains while conditioning and moisturizing, in case you were wondering).
Health food and facials aside, the big draw for customers at Andrews’ shop are the birthday cakes, each made to order for your pooch’s big day.
“I ship cakes all over the country,” she says. “We sell about 50 a week; orders come in about half in-store and half online.”
Where there is a cake, there is a party, right? Schevis says she had one client reunite all eight of the puppies from her dog’s litter so the siblings could celebrate a birthday together. The afternoon included games like Snoopy Says and Bobbing for Hot Dogs before the guests literally dived face first into the cake.
With their social lives on the uptick, today’s pets need to stay ahead of the fashion curve. Spiffy duds are plentiful for dogs whose owners are willing to pay the price, as evidenced by the offerings at Little Lulu and Dot, a dog boutique in Andover. Whether it’s a handmade, vintage Angora sweater for $250 or a set of fleece and Gore-Tex layering jackets, it’s all here. Owner Myrna Zetlan says she works to keep her inventory unique and top-notch, and customers appreciate it.
“People who come here will pay for good quality,” she says. “They would rather get a nice jacket that is made well and is manufacturer guaranteed.”
Visitors to Zetlan’s store aren’t always there to shop, although the custom dog beds and puppy strollers are tempting. On a recent Friday morning, the scene was far more social, as four women sipped coffee together, chatting about their four-legged friends. Zetlan says that’s what she loves about her job.
A bottle of Juicy Crittoure Pawtection Paw Balm.
“We all know each other; my customers are my friends,” she says. “Everybody who comes in here is happy — they’re here for their dog!”
Pets make their owners happy, so the owners are working harder than ever to return the favor. According to Karen Lachapelle of Lowell, people will do anything to keep their cats and dogs content and comfortable. She should know; through her business, Rub My Belly Animal Massage & Reiki, Lachapelle offers massage and Reiki to cats and dogs all over the Merrimack Valley and beyond.
“I have about six regular clients, plus a few others here and there. Some owners will buy a massage for their dog for his or her birthday. I also do parties,” she says, referring to gatherings hosted by owners who want to learn techniques for massaging their own pets.
Lachapelle adds that massage can be beneficial for animals with health issues. “With older dogs, it really helps them to walk and warm their muscles,” she says. “It’s also a good way for owners to get to know their pet’s body, so they can better recognize lumps or other potentially serious changes.”
Health care is a top concern, and a huge expense, for pet owners. But for most, medical decisions that can cost thousands of dollars are black and white.
“It’s a quality of life issue; you treat it as you would for anyone in your family,” says Angela Dupont of Haverhill, whose 11-year-old Rottweiler, Jake, died following surgery last fall. “When you’ve had that member of your family for 11 years and the doctors talk about hope, expense doesn’t even enter into the equation.”
Dupont lost Jake after what she now refers to as “the $7,800 weekend,” but says she wouldn’t have done anything differently. Watching her other Rottweiler, 8-month-old Ollie, trot around her yard, she says potential dog owners have to be ready to make the investment.
“You have to know that this will be a new member of your family,” she says. “You don’t have to be super wealthy to have a dog, but you do need to have perspective.”
Dupont travels quite a bit for work, and occasionally leaves Ollie at her mother’s house, but what about the discerning owner who doesn’t have family to take over when a beloved pet needs to be left behind?
Denise Pyburn of Kitty Kamp with Mitzie.
In the same way their food and fashion options have notched upward, accommodations for cats and dogs have greatly improved, as well. At Kitty Kamp in Danvers, a boarding facility strictly for felines, each “luxury condominium” features glass doors and a private bathroom area on the lower level. Guests stay snug and warm thanks to fleece beds and lambs-wool blankets. Soothing music and a special ventilation system that results in each condo having a unique air supply rounds out the relaxed and pampered atmosphere.
“My clients want their cats to be treated as they are at home,” says Denise Pyburn, Kitty Kamp’s owner. “Just like a parent looking for a preschool, they are willing to shop around to find a place [that] is safe, secure and comfortable.” Kitty Kamp customers come from all over New England, “one even flies into Beverly Airport to drop off their cat,” says Pyburn.
Whether pets are an owner’s only children, or a supplement to an already bustling household, our furry friends are certainly living the high life. Jeannie Snook, whose five children are grown, says she is more than happy to have a pet-centric household.
“We can afford to do things for Sam that others may not,” she says. “He is part of our family. For us, it is money well spent.”
Pamper your pet with the following resources:
The Barkery: 553 Main Street, Tewksbury, Mass. www.TheBarkeryOnline.com Contact: Kristi Andrews, owner (978) 858-3644
Dulcie’s Dog Bowl: 55 Foster Street, Peabody, Mass. www.DulciesDogBowl.com (978) 531-3555
K9 Excursions: Haverhill, Mass. www.k9Excursions.com Contact: Sara Schevis (978) 766-7575
Kitty Kamp: 176 Old Burley Street, Danvers, Mass. www.KittyKamp.com Contact: Denise Pyburn (978) 774-2900
Little Lulu & Dot: 89 Main Street (in Olde Andover Village), Andover, Mass. Contact: Myrna Zetlan (978) 749-9663
Rub My Belly Animal Massage & Reiki: Lowell, Mass. www.RubMyBellyMassage.webs.com Contact: Karen Lachapelle (978) 452-4919
Pampering Pets
Sara Schevis with Sam at the Atkinson Country Club. Photos by Kevin Harkins.
Jeannie Snook’s 2-year-old goldendoodle, Sam, hangs out at the country club so much he has developed excellent golf etiquette.
“Some of the golfers say that if they are teeing off, Sam will sit and wait,” Snook says. “Once they’re done, he’ll trot over and say hello.”
Sam has become a regular at the club thanks to his professional dog walker, and he always looks his best thanks to the one groomer Snook found who could get his fur “the way it needs to be.” Sam lives a good life.
Having a four-legged family member has always brought pet owners as much joy as responsibility. Nowadays, it seems we are more willing than ever to offer our dogs and cats the extras we enjoy for ourselves, from attire and gourmet meals, to lush travel accommodations and a good massage.
“There is definitely a correlation today,” says Sara Schevis, Sam’s trainer and walker. “Almost anything you can think of that we offer ourselves, it is now out there for our pets.”
Through her business, K9 Excursions in Haverhill, Schevis sees plenty of dogs who reap the benefits of being treated like family.
“More than half of my clients don’t have kids; they see their pets as their kids,” she says. “People who don’t have pets think it’s crazy — especially given the amount of money that’s spent — but they don’t understand that for these people, the dog is a family member.”
Kristi Andrews, owner of The Barkery in Tewksbury, sees that dynamic every day in the customers who come to her shop looking for the all-natural pet foods, treats and products that aren’t available in larger discount stores.
Kristi Andrews of The Barkery in Tewksbury.
“When it comes to good, healthy food, people are gathering more information overall,” she says. “If they are thinking more about what they are feeding themselves, they are also thinking more about what they are putting into their dogs.”
As people gravitate toward farm grown, locally prepared foods in the quest for their own healthy diets, there are options for the family dog as well. At Dulcie’s Dog Bowl in Peabody, owners can pick up homemade, hand-prepared meals such as carrot-stuffed chicken, beef-wrapped green beans, or crunchy liver nuggets.
Splurging on good food makes sense, but what about more discretionary services? Visitors to Andrews’ shop can also utilize her self-service dog wash stations, where first time grooming clients receive a complimentary blueberry facial (to get rid of tear stains while conditioning and moisturizing, in case you were wondering).
Health food and facials aside, the big draw for customers at Andrews’ shop are the birthday cakes, each made to order for your pooch’s big day.
“I ship cakes all over the country,” she says. “We sell about 50 a week; orders come in about half in-store and half online.”
Where there is a cake, there is a party, right? Schevis says she had one client reunite all eight of the puppies from her dog’s litter so the siblings could celebrate a birthday together. The afternoon included games like Snoopy Says and Bobbing for Hot Dogs before the guests literally dived face first into the cake.
With their social lives on the uptick, today’s pets need to stay ahead of the fashion curve. Spiffy duds are plentiful for dogs whose owners are willing to pay the price, as evidenced by the offerings at Little Lulu and Dot, a dog boutique in Andover. Whether it’s a handmade, vintage Angora sweater for $250 or a set of fleece and Gore-Tex layering jackets, it’s all here. Owner Myrna Zetlan says she works to keep her inventory unique and top-notch, and customers appreciate it.
“People who come here will pay for good quality,” she says. “They would rather get a nice jacket that is made well and is manufacturer guaranteed.”
Visitors to Zetlan’s store aren’t always there to shop, although the custom dog beds and puppy strollers are tempting. On a recent Friday morning, the scene was far more social, as four women sipped coffee together, chatting about their four-legged friends. Zetlan says that’s what she loves about her job.
A bottle of Juicy Crittoure Pawtection Paw Balm.
“We all know each other; my customers are my friends,” she says. “Everybody who comes in here is happy — they’re here for their dog!”
Pets make their owners happy, so the owners are working harder than ever to return the favor. According to Karen Lachapelle of Lowell, people will do anything to keep their cats and dogs content and comfortable. She should know; through her business, Rub My Belly Animal Massage & Reiki, Lachapelle offers massage and Reiki to cats and dogs all over the Merrimack Valley and beyond.
“I have about six regular clients, plus a few others here and there. Some owners will buy a massage for their dog for his or her birthday. I also do parties,” she says, referring to gatherings hosted by owners who want to learn techniques for massaging their own pets.
Lachapelle adds that massage can be beneficial for animals with health issues. “With older dogs, it really helps them to walk and warm their muscles,” she says. “It’s also a good way for owners to get to know their pet’s body, so they can better recognize lumps or other potentially serious changes.”
Health care is a top concern, and a huge expense, for pet owners. But for most, medical decisions that can cost thousands of dollars are black and white.
“It’s a quality of life issue; you treat it as you would for anyone in your family,” says Angela Dupont of Haverhill, whose 11-year-old Rottweiler, Jake, died following surgery last fall. “When you’ve had that member of your family for 11 years and the doctors talk about hope, expense doesn’t even enter into the equation.”
Dupont lost Jake after what she now refers to as “the $7,800 weekend,” but says she wouldn’t have done anything differently. Watching her other Rottweiler, 8-month-old Ollie, trot around her yard, she says potential dog owners have to be ready to make the investment.
“You have to know that this will be a new member of your family,” she says. “You don’t have to be super wealthy to have a dog, but you do need to have perspective.”
Dupont travels quite a bit for work, and occasionally leaves Ollie at her mother’s house, but what about the discerning owner who doesn’t have family to take over when a beloved pet needs to be left behind?
Denise Pyburn of Kitty Kamp with Mitzie.
In the same way their food and fashion options have notched upward, accommodations for cats and dogs have greatly improved, as well. At Kitty Kamp in Danvers, a boarding facility strictly for felines, each “luxury condominium” features glass doors and a private bathroom area on the lower level. Guests stay snug and warm thanks to fleece beds and lambs-wool blankets. Soothing music and a special ventilation system that results in each condo having a unique air supply rounds out the relaxed and pampered atmosphere.
“My clients want their cats to be treated as they are at home,” says Denise Pyburn, Kitty Kamp’s owner. “Just like a parent looking for a preschool, they are willing to shop around to find a place [that] is safe, secure and comfortable.” Kitty Kamp customers come from all over New England, “one even flies into Beverly Airport to drop off their cat,” says Pyburn.
Whether pets are an owner’s only children, or a supplement to an already bustling household, our furry friends are certainly living the high life. Jeannie Snook, whose five children are grown, says she is more than happy to have a pet-centric household.
“We can afford to do things for Sam that others may not,” she says. “He is part of our family. For us, it is money well spent.”
Pamper your pet with the following resources:
The Barkery: 553 Main Street, Tewksbury, Mass. www.TheBarkeryOnline.com Contact: Kristi Andrews, owner (978) 858-3644
Dulcie’s Dog Bowl: 55 Foster Street, Peabody, Mass. www.DulciesDogBowl.com (978) 531-3555
K9 Excursions: Haverhill, Mass. www.k9Excursions.com Contact: Sara Schevis (978) 766-7575
Kitty Kamp: 176 Old Burley Street, Danvers, Mass. www.KittyKamp.com Contact: Denise Pyburn (978) 774-2900
Little Lulu & Dot: 89 Main Street (in Olde Andover Village), Andover, Mass. Contact: Myrna Zetlan (978) 749-9663
Rub My Belly Animal Massage & Reiki: Lowell, Mass. www.RubMyBellyMassage.webs.com Contact: Karen Lachapelle (978) 452-4919