Marketing data shows Americans spend billions annually on their pets and much of that is pampering beyond the basics of food and veterinary care. It's why dog kenneling alternatives like the Rose Cottage Dog Hotel in Greenwood are cropping up in communities both large and small.
Saturday the canine hotel, located on 27 acres just south of Interstate 20 on U.S. Highway 79, celebrated the opening of its new 7,500-square-foot dog pavilion with a pet blessing and ribbon-cutting.
"We had a great turnout," said owner Karen Buckley.
As host of dog owners showed up with their animals for the free blessings conducted by Buckley's husband, Gil Loe, who holds a doctorate in theology and psychology. Loe offered a prayer for pets and their owners.
As host of dog owners showed up with their animals for the free blessings conducted by Buckley's husband, Gil Loe, who holds a doctorate in theology and psychology. Loe offered a prayer for pets and their owners.
"Man needed a companion other than other humans, a companion that would run, fetch, cuddle and for some even purr," Loe said.
Buckley, who hails from England, said she started the business because she is an animal lover with four dogs, an exotic bird, three horses and five cats. Her well-appointed dog hotel lodgings have names like the Exmoor Lodge, Quantocks View and The Day Lily. All rooms at Rose Cottage have tile floors with a doggy door and individual fenced-in play areas.
"I wanted to provide the extras for animals while their owners were boarding them," she said. "I wanted it to be the kind of place I would want to leave my animals."
Rose Cottage has 32-rooms, air-conditioned kennels, fenced playtime pastures, even movies in the Barkinham Palace living room. There also is a tiki bar for dogs to unwind and have a drink by the pool, filtered water, and individual hotel-like rooms with accoutrements such as couches and beds, music, indirect lighting and isolation panels. If that's not enough, Rose Cottage also has massages, a dog groomer and even a taxi service where they will pick up and drop off dogs.
"We provide all these things because to most people, their dogs are family," Buckley said.
At the free event donations also were taken for local Andy Shaw who helps stray animals with his own funds. Buckley said there will be more events that will include opportunities for animal adoption programs in Shreveport-Bossier City.
"We raised about $200," Loe said.
The event also showcased the new covered pavilion which will allow dogs to play outside in wet or hot weather.
BY JANE BOKUN
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