/ Reviews / Pets
Doggy ‘Dos
by Selena Schleh
on Friday, March 11, 2011 12:00 AM
Fido's star is definitely rising in the East. In Tokyo and Seoul, man's best friend can now don the latest designer gear, get a weekly "pawdicure" and even wed their doggy sweetheart. Such is the popularity of mutts that dog-lovers lacking the space or the time to own one can opt for hourly rentals.
Although in China the dog's transition from potential foodstuff to beloved companion has been relatively recent, the size of the pet pampering market is rapidly burgeoning from Chihuahua to Great Dane proportions. Now that Shanghai has extended the one-child policy to dogs - from May 2011, owners will be restricted to one dog per household - will we witness the rise of a canine counterpart to "Little Emperor Syndrome"?
There are plenty of pet stores where you can have your pet cleaned, clipped, blow-dried and generally prinked to furry perfection. But, if you're looking for more than a canine carwash, with a waft of Parisian chic rather than wet dog, Coucou Pet Store's spa and boutique might appeal. Unimpressed by their competitors' utilitarian service, Coucou's founders have created a unique sanctuary for humans and animals alike. Perched on Louis Quinze chairs, owners can sip tea while their darlings are given free range of the premises.
Spa treatments range from a basic shower (RMB100) to creative hair cutting (RMB300), and even an oil aromatherapy massage for limbs weary from trotting round the park. The "pawdicure" uses nail caps in every design imaginable, from classic red to crystal-embellished tips. Fur dyeing services are no longer available due to pet wellbeing concerns, but if you're unhappy with your pooch's natural color, you can fake it with a Marilyn Monroe-esque platinum blonde wig (RMB70). Yes, really. For DIY treats, there are "color restoration" shampoos, "elegant finish" conditioners and breath freshener - not to mention eau de parfum by the brilliantly named Oh My Dog! (RMB500).
The racks of designer-inspired pet clothing wouldn't look out of place in a Grand Gateway boutique. Traditional qipao-style jackets (RMB318) jostle hot-off-the-catwalk creations like fur-trimmed tweed capes (RMB828). Even functional objects like collars and leads can benefit from a dash of bling.
The Bottom Line: With a pet hotel in the pipeline and the one-dog policy sure to fuel demand, Coucou's putting its best paw forward.
