Pooch pampering is not the exclusive province of moneyed matrons in Double Bay. In fact, if you think the clipped poodle up the road is over the top, get yourself up to Japan where pampering pooches has reached dizzy heights.
Our range of photographs will give you some idea.
In the Land of the Rising Sun the pampering does not stop at an artistic clip now and again. Dogs have a life around Tokyo that unfortunates in Third World countries would love to experience. Dogs are part of the family, coddled and cosseted to the point where a sizeable chunk of the family budget goes their way.
Pet boutiques are a growth industry in Tokyo and other major cities, providing “beauty” treatments, doggy clothing for all seasons, even strollers so the poor little canines don't tire from their “walk” in the designated park areas.
A mastiff in a macintosh, a tutu-wearing terrier, a labrador in a leotard or an airedale in an anorak rate little more than a sideways glance. As Australian tour operator Ken Osetroff reports, first-time visitors can hardly believe their eyes when taken on the rounds of doggy boutiques.
Shoppers fork out big bucks for designer brand clothes for dogs of all sizes.
“And that's before they get down to essentials like gourmet dog food, dog prams and even perfumes (as distinct from common or garden pet deodorants),” he reports.
There is also a growing number of restaurants throughout Japan which cater especially for dog lovers who want to dine with their pet at the table, choosing from pet menus featuring unbelievable items like pup cakes, puppychinos and doghots.
And all these years I chastised a particularly pushy boxer character for mooching for scraps at the table!
Osetroff can include dens of doggy decadence with many of his Toursgallery programs specialising as he has done for years in non (regular) tourist attractions. His current range of autumn, winter festival and and garden tours are priced from $5388.
Call for details on 1300 307 317.
| 
