Mani Pedi-gree? Pampered Pooches Enjoy Spa Session At Westminster Dog Show

Dog gets a pedicure - Dog Spa at the Westminster Dog Show

The Best in Show competition kicks off today (February 12th 2013) at the Westminster Dog Show in New York City's Madison Square Garden and it looks like all the doggy hopefuls are doing their best to make sure they land this year's title with a pamper session at the Green Room Dog Spa inside The Hotel Pennsylvania. One owner knows it's all in the details as their pristine looking long-haired Golden Retriever waits patiently while being given a pre-show pedicure.

Dog takes to the treadmill - Dog Spa at the Westminster Dog Show 

There's even a canine gym in the basement of the Hotel Pennsylvania where pooches feeling bloated can run off a few pounds with the top recommended DogTread treadmills. Dogs generally have more energy than their owners, so they're a good way to keep fit while the humans get to relax. After all, according to the DogTread website, 53% of domestic pooches are obese and that won't win any prizes at the Westminster Show! You can hardly blame them though, as the hotel workers are happy to traipse the New York streets at any time to pick up some grub for their hairy customers - and that can be anything from cheeseburgers to pizza! But, as the Concierge Jerry Grymek told ABC News, 'I'm here to make sure all our guests - four legged and two legged - feel welcome and have everything they need.' 

Bath time for one pooch - Dog Spa at the Westminster Dog Show

Making sure all pups have what they need, a multitude of dog baths and showers can be found to keep them smelling fresh and looking glossy. One Husky can be seen looking rather content as she faces photographers while being rinsed off in a tub by their devoted owner. Drying stations and Jacuzzis can also be found at this hound heaven all in preparation for the big show. 

Doggie 'relief station' - Dog Spa at the Westminster Dog Show

Being in the middle of the busy streets of New York obviously poses an inconvenience for these dogs' toilet needs. However, these preened pooches are not sent outside to do their business for once as the Green Room Dog Spa contains its very own indoor relief station. The floor is covered in straw and lined with pretend plastic fire hydrants for the dogs to be led in by their owners when they need to relieve themselves. This isn't the craziest thing to be found at the Spa, on the other hand. Concierge Grymek recalls how one owner requested an opera singer to serenade her pet. 'Another year we had a request to roll out an actual red carpet for a dog when they arrived at a hotel so he would feel special', he said.

Dog gets a cuddle - Dog Spa at the Westminster Dog Show

It is clear that some of the most devoted dog owners on the planet can be found at the Green Room Dog Spa, with some people coming from as far as Russia to compete at the Dog Show. Dog breeder and Spa owner Judy Davis describes the hotel as 'heart and soul of the Westminster Dog Show' as more and more people show up every to dote on their beloved pups. 'Everyone knows they can congregate here and be welcome', she told ABC News. And they're already preparing for 2014's show! 'This takes a year to prepare for', said Grymek. 'As soon as one year's show is over, we're already into the next.'

Owner kisses dog - Dog Spa at the Westminster Dog Show