Every dog has its day

At the Greenfield Animal Hospital’s Spa and Salon, clients are of the canine variety. Doggie spa treatments include include choices like The All Natural Deluxe Organic Package, The Diva Package, The Pampered Prince Package and even The Sugar Plum Fairy Package. Photo by Marci Revette.

By Marci Revette

As of Thursday, December 20, 2012 -11:55 a.m.

Saratoga Springs — When one thinks of a relaxing day at the spa, the picture that comes to mind is one of people relaxing in a sauna, getting a massage or having a facial applied.

But that’s not the case with a new day spa opening up in Greenfield Center, because this house of renewal has truly gone to the dogs.

All of the clients at the Greenfield Animal Hospital’s Spa and Salon are of the canine variety, but it’s hard to tell from the menu of treatments offered. They include choices like The All Natural Deluxe Organic Package, The Diva Package, The Pampered Prince Package and even The Holiday Sugar Plum Fairy Package, in a nod to the holidays. There are seven treatments in all on the menu.

Photo by Marci Revette

Spanky the Pekingese enjoys the full spa treatment at the Greenfield Animal Hospital’s Spa and Salon.

And the treatments themselves match what a human might expect on a spa day. For instance, in the organic package, the dog will be offered a lavender oil infused epsom soak that will soothe muscles, increase circulation, and relax the entire body. Next is a colloidal oatmeal scrub to moisturize and exfoliate the skin. A pure organic shampoo is used to cleanse. Then comes an olive and tea tree oil treatment to deliver therapeutic moisturizer and a chamomile rinse.

It’s a treatment most humans would deem decadent, and Spanky, a Pekingese, appeared of the same opinion. Her owner, Andrea Ott, is also the groomer who offers the spa treatments. She has been a groomer for 12 years and went to the New York School of Dog Grooming.

“I’ve always loved dogs, and when I came to the point of needing a change in my life, this was the natural choice,” said Ott.

Ott says she will also combine her artistic side when giving the spa treatments.

“I want to cater to people who are looking for that extra special pampering. I focus on quality as opposed to quantity. I want the dogs to be pampered, not assembly line grooming. This spa will be a place where a dog can get extra attention and care,” said Ott.

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