Anne Leuck Feldhaus will create a personalized piece of art featuring your pet.
Leona Helmsley's $12 million fund ensured her beloved white Maltese, Trouble, a secure future at nearly a $190,000 stipend a year. That's $60,000 for a personal guardian, $100,000 for 24-hour security, $8,000 for grooming...and $1,200 for dog food. Andy Warhol immortalized all his pets—including a dozen or so Siamese cats, dashounds and the famous "Cecile," a taxidermied Great Dane—in an extensive collection of prints, photographs and occasional film roles.
The average pet owner may not have the means for such extravagances, but you don't need fame or fortune to treat your pet like a star. If you're one of those people who inspects the back of dog-biscuit boxes, studies the intricacies of "doga" and schedules life around the pet sitter, we've sniffed out some pet-pampering places that go way beyond an extra Snausage or two.
All That Glitters
Barker and Meowsky, 1003 W. Armitage, (773) 868-0200
Who says animals can't accessorize? Certainly not the people at this Lincoln Park boutique, which carries everything from Bluebird ribbon collars to kitty catnip bananas, as well as a collection of Halloween costumes and festive cat and dog yarmulkes. There's even exclusive dining ware (check out the stainless-steel Pee Wee Bowl) for the seriously discerning doggy.
Tails in the City, 1 E. Delaware, (312) 649-0347
When you want a little glitz and sparkle for yourself, the Mag Mile is the first stop. Why should it be any different when shopping for your pet? This Gold Coast boutique, located just off Michigan Avenue, has only the best of the best, from gourmet treats and organic dog food to designer dog carriers. No knock-offs here; we're talking top brands like Petote, Little Lily, Juicy Couture and Poochee.
The Getaway
The Pooch Hotel, 2228 N. Clybourn, (773) 348-2646 and 1214 W. Monroe, (773) 932-2232
So, your mom's coming to visit, and she's allergic to Fido. In order to avoid an "it's either him or me"-type situation, you may want to get that dog out of the house for a few days. If you can't stand the idea of a kennel, try out this upscale pet hotel instead. For just $47 a night (the standard price for a night of dog lodging in the city), your best friend will enjoy amenities like a lap pool, suite with fresh linen, plasma TV and even goodnight lullabies. The Pooch Hotel offers 24-hour pickup, so you can take your friend home any time. Just don't leave him there for too long; he may not want to come back.
Paradise 4 Paws, 10516 United Parkway, Schiller Park, (847) 678-1200
A little outside the city, this doggie escape is a breath of fresh air, perfect for that city dog used to nothing but sidewalks and patios. Guests can enjoy bone-shaped pools, grass fields and slumber parties (or alone time for the more even-tempered) with bottled water and frosty treats. Throw in a 15-minute massage at $25 and it's relaxation in full gear. Pet owners can rest a little easier, too, with services like live webcam streaming of the resort and vet updates on any of your pet's existing conditions. From daycare to overnight service, this pet hotel lacks nothing.
Integrative Pet Care, 2520 W. Armitage, (773) 269-2934
You may think you can provide your pet with everything he or she needs, but there are some issues even an intensive tummy rub can't fix. That's where this Logan Square facility comes in. Integrative Pet Care offers a wide range of holistic services that'll help your pet get healthy fast, from diet advice to chiropractics, acupuncture and ultrasound therapy. Make it a full fitness routine with a dip at the pool or a game of fly ball; the trainers will even work in some fetch, if that's your dog's thing.
Urban Outsitters, 729 W. Randolph, (312) 651-7387 and 3241 N. Dayton, (312) 651-7387
It isn't always easy taking care of a pet in the city. Good thing there's Urban Outsitters, whose West Loop and Lakeview locations offer pretty much anything you could need, including pet walking, sitters, overnight lodging and best of all, at-home care. That's right, the sitters will take care of your pet in your home; they'll also water the plants, bring in your mail and send internet updates to let you know how things are going. You can also set up your own care plan, corporate petcare or boarding options at prices that are hard to beat elsewhere.
Getting Around
Paws Around Chicago, 1634 N. Fairfield, (773) 278-1937
Unless you've got a certified eye-seeing dog or a pooch that fits in your purse, the CTA won't be too pleased to have your four-legged companion on board—even if you pay the extra fare. Don't worry, though; this pet taxi service will take your dog to and from vet appointments, grooming appointments, day care and more. Most rides start at $20 one way and include a waiting service. There are also monthly day care shuttle packages for those busy dogs with regular schedules. A special emergency vehicle is available for emergency calls; it comes equipped with oxygen cage, stretchers and a first aid kit.
Bark Chicago, 1804 W. Lake, (312) 850-2275
Why pack up the dog and plod through winter snow or sweltering summer heat when you can have professional pet service at your feet? Spa Bark Mobile Grooming, Chicago's first and only pet-spa-on-wheels, includes shed-free programs, hydro massage therapy and luxury pampering at minimal prices at your home or the Montrose Dog Beach; grooming starts at just $65. Bark Chicago also offers services like dog walking, pet training and playcare, a fun alternative to daycare for your pet. Who's up for the doggie slide?
Potpourri
Anne Leuck Feldhaus Studio, (773) 772-1085
Dog-hair sweaters may not be the best way to remember Fido's vibrant personality, and you're sure to have plenty of pictures already, so if you need a little more, something just right to capture that spark and a little personality, pull an Andy Warhol and consider giving Anne Leuck Feldhaus a call. The Chicago native often includes four-legged friends in her lively, colorful work (see above), and you can order a portrait or even a narrative painting just as perfect as your star pet.
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