It's a dog's life
Finally! A day just for me. I love it when the entire day is about me. After all, I am a princess and I deserve the royal treatment.
My servant (yes, I know some think she is my master but that's not true at all), asked me what I'd like to do for my dream day, and this is what I told her.
First, we will sleep late on Egyptian cotton sheets. I do not like to rise early, nor do I appreciate scratchy bed covers that can chafe my delicate skin. But alas, all day cannot be spent in bed so off we go (meaning me being carried in a stylish purse while she walks) to our first stop: Kimberleigh's Grooming and Dog Spa in Lake Villa.
I love this place. They specialize in "elite petites," so they know the proper way to care for a dog of my royal caliber. They also don't bother me with those pesky, noisy electrical clippers. I prefer my luxurious coat to by trimmed by hand with scissors. That is the way to ensure a perfect cut! But I'm getting ahead of myself. I have booked a full day of treatment, and the custom hair cut will come later.
First, they will pamper me by cleaning my ears, brushing my teeth and trimming my nails. They understand that beauty is something that takes time and I cannot be rushed so they allow me to take naps in my private den between treatments while classical music creates a soothing atmosphere.
I've booked a hydro-bath massage to work out the kinks from the stress of my daily life, then a hot-oil treatment to give my locks that glossy sheen, followed by a color enhancement treatment. Not that a need it, but a few highlights never hurt a girl.
After my custom, hand-scissored haircut, I'll top if all off with a pink bow and matching nail polish.
Now that I feel sufficiently ready to face my public, we will traverse our way over to my favorite bakery, Tres Bone Bakery and Boutique in Mundelein, to partake in some fine dining. The focaccia biscuits are among my favorites, but I admit Pawco taco biscuits are divine.
Now, I must find an outfit to match my glorious looks. Only the Pampered Pet Store in Lindenhurst will do, where I pick up a lovely Gooby gingham dress that matches my toes perfectly!
As I catch my reflection in a window, I realize my beauty must not be wasted. I should preserve it for all time by getting my portrait taken. It is good that my servant had the foresight to see this and booked some time with Sutton Studios in Evanston, which is known for its artistic, tasteful pet portraits. I love the attention. I pose. I flirt with the camera. I give a sassy tail wag. I am coy. I pout. I am a star -
But alas, even a princess needs her rest. Now that I am relaxed, beautified, satiated, it is time to return to my palace for an evening on my throne and to give the servant the rest of the night off.
Spend the day
Ruff'in It: Sunday, Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Naperville, Greene Valley Forest Preserve's north parking lot; dupageforest.com.
Mercury canine cruises: 8:30 a.m. Sundays through Sept. 28 at Riverside Gardens, Michigan and Wacker avenues, Chicago; tickets are $20 for adults and $6 for dogs. More info at: mercuryskylinecruiseline.com/
Thorr Rottoberfest: Sunday, Sept. 28 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at B.C. Dog Training, 920 Turret Court, Mundelein. Event includes a pig roast, dog obstacle courses and animal experts. All proceeds benefit True Hearts of Rottweiler Rescue. More info at thorr.org.
Quigley's Irish Pub: 43 E. Jefferson St., Naperville, quigleysirishpub.net/
Pet friendly restaurants: petfriendlytravel.com/pet_dog_friendly_restaurants/US/Illinois/IL
Tres Bone Bakery and Boutique: 508 N. Seymour Ave., Mundelein; (847) 837-8901; thepetgourmet.com
Kimberly's Grooming and Dog Spa: 206 N. Milwaukee Ave., Lake Villa; (847) 356-5540, kimberleighsgrooming.com/
Sutton Studios: 3417 Church St., Evanston; (847) 679-8090, suttonstudios.com
Pampered Pet Store: 2450 W. Grass Lake Road, Lindenhurst; (847) 245-3774, papmperedpetstore.net
- Teresa Schmedding
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