Articles

By BREANN HOWELL

PHOTO BY ROSE MATTREY

PURRRFECT!

WHAT TO BUY THE PET WHO HAS IT ALL

Maybe they can’t use our toilet or eat at our dinner table. They can’t go see a movie or join us for a drink at the corner bar. But we know our furry friends can appreciate the fun of receiving holiday gifts. We spend a collective $9 billion annually on Christmas gifts for our pets, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturing Association. Pets have become full-fledged family members, sort of like furry children. Western New York is home to over 20 pet supply shops, bakeries, and salons, so there is something for everyone and every pet.

For Muffy the Metro-sexual Dog
We all know the importance of fashion and hygiene in today’s world. If style sets your dog’s tail wagging, then how about a spa package from La De Da Pet Spa in Orchard Park (2799 Southwestern Blvd., 677-0000) and the owner, Laura LaCongo is well experienced. She is a licensed vet technician with seven dogs of her own.

For starters, La De Da offers dog day care. Your pet will not be bored; laid-back dogs can relax in the K-9 Lounge, complete with fireplace, comfy chairs, and toys, while more rambunctious animals can stretch their legs in the gym full of playground equipment. Take note: the athletic pet does not settle for mere water when he can have “Rebound” the pet sports drink from www.rebound4dogs.com ($2.50 per bottle). Dog sitting can cost anywhere from $10-$18. Discounts are given for families with more than one dog.

Then there are the grooming services, more affectionately referred to as “spa packages.” Spa treatments always include a bath, ear cleaning and manicure, but vary by breed. They may also include trimming and additional services such a blueing for whitening the coat, medicated shampooing for poor skin and flea control. Prices range from $19-$45 depending on the size of the dog, condition of the coat and the overall behavior.

If you do not need to have your doggy fully groomed, he can also experience the pampering of a Pawdicure ($10-$15). The stylists will paint the pet’s nails the color of your choice., If you want to keep up the look at home, Color Paw nail polish is available in the spa shop for $4.95 a bottle.

To keep your dog feeling and smelling fresh between grooming, stylist Rebecca Cooper recommends Spa Paws aroma therapy shampoo and cologne ($8), or Le Pooch ($25), a more high-end cologne with conditioning agent. We love getting a nice wet, sloppy smooch from our doggy, but let's face it, toilet water is not quite Listerine. For clean teeth and fresh breath, try Greenies toothbrush-shaped chew toys. They come in several sizes petite ($1), regular ($1.50), and large ($2.50). A festive "Seaon's Greenies" box of 14 includes a free squeaky toy.

Rawhides and squeaky toys are always popular with pooches because they carry the dog's scent. Even blind dogs can enjoy them. Gift baskets, complete with candy cane-shaped rawhides, a musical plush holiday toy and Greenies, cost $23.99. There are smaller packages with just the musical toy and rawhides for $7.99. Individually, musical snowmen, bones and more squeaky toys are $2.50 or less.

Accessories are key this season for both humans and their furry friends. At La De Da, you and your pet can custom design a collar ($7) or bracelet ($2). The diamonds, letters and colored stones are additional, so you can make it as fancy as you wish. If you are pressed for time, Stylin' Dogs Necklaces are $13. These look like human jewelry and look cute on dogs whose fur doesn't cover up the neckline. Holiday collar covers ($5) are uniquely designed with snowmen, trees, and Santas. But if your dog really wants to strut her stuff, La De Da Pet Spa is the only store in the area that carries the exclusive High Maintenance Bitch Boas ($25), available in a variety of colors and sizes. Gift certificates are also available.

Orchard Park Bee Dec. '07

Unique Experience for your dog at LaDeDa Pet Spa

Excelling in the highest quality care and knowledge in the dog industry, LaDeDa Pet Spa has experienced staff, master certified groomers and veterinary technicians with extensive training in handling and care of your dog. The dog spa provides a unique, clean, comfortable and enjoyable environment for grooming, dog day care and an awesome dog boutique.
Stop in to tour the facility and see the amazing selection of upscale dog clothing, including new NFL team jerseys, leashes, collars and beds. In stock now are a selection of styles and sizes for your special dog for seasonal clothing. Choose from dresses, T-shirts, leather jackets, rain gear, boots and more. A variety of dog accessories are also available. Strollers, designer toys, dog canapés, gourmet treats and LaDeDa’s famous bubblegum rawhides.

Celebrate doggie’s birthday with a selection of birthday musical toys, birthday cakes, birthday T-shirts and hats. All this and a full line of Paul Mitchell shampoos and conditioners and professional Furminator grooming products and tools, now available to the public. Shop at home 24/7 on their new online store at www.ladedapetspa.com.
LaDeDa Pet spa also provides manicure and clipping services for rabbits, guinea pigs, cats and avian wing trimming in addition to the full service k-9 salon. Call 677-0000 for information or visit 2799 Southwestern Blvd, Orchard Park. Business hours are 7 am to 6 pm Tuesday through Friday, and 8 am to 3 pm Saturday.

Bee Publications Inc. July 16&17 2008

La De Da Pet Spa

A lot of tail wagging going on.

LaDeDa Pet Spa provides a unique, clean, comfortable and enjoyable environment for grooming, dog day care and an awesome dog boutique.
Excelling in the highest quality care and knowledge in the dog industry, the dog spa, daycare and boutique have experienced staff, master certified groomers and veterinary technicians with extensive training in handling and care of your dog.

Stop in to tour the facility and see the amazing selection of upscale dog clothing, including new NFL, NHL, and MLB team jerseys, leashes, collars and beds. Shop at home on their new online store at www.ladedapetspa.com.
A variety of dog accessories are also available, including strollers, designer toys, dog wedding attire, gourmet treats and LaDeDa’s famous bubblegum rawhides.
Celebrate doggie’s birthday with a selection of birthday musical toys, birthday cakes, birthday T-shirts and hats.
Mark your calendar for Saturday, Nov 1 from 9 to 5 pm and visit them for pictures with Santa.
Call 677-0000 for information or visit 2799 SouthWestern Blvd., Orchard Park. Business hours are 7 am to 6 pm Tuesday through Friday, and 8 am to 3 pm Saturday.

By Karen Parker

Ultimate Pampering

Day Care & More...at "La•De•Da Pet Spa"!

After only a few short minutes during my first visit to La•De•Da Pet Spa I knew this was the perfect place for my dog.

How did I arrive at this conclusion so quickly...it was simple. La•De•Da is not just about business it's about Laura LaCongo's love for dogs.

Laura's long passion for dogs began in 1984 while raising and showing Shelties. Earning a veterinary technician's license Laura also volunteered at a local veterinary office.

But it was in 1999, that her passion really blossomed when she opened La•De•Da.

"I wanted a place where someone could leave their pets and really feel good about it," said Laura.

And while I spent the day that feeling was evident. Each staff member I spoke with was extremely knowledgeable and shared stories about various dogs. I quickly realized all the dogs that came here were not just numbers being counted but well loved pets that had found the proverbial, "home away from home".

Every dog that attends La De Da daycare goes through an extensive evaluation and enrollment process prior to attending (not all dogs make the cut...think of La•De•Da as the 'Harvard' and 'Yale' of doggie daycare.

With two large additions since opening in '99 there is now over 10,000 square feet of fun and pampering.

And, when it comes to grooming at La•De•Da, each stylist has at least a minimum of three years experiences and/or Certification and Masters in grooming. Everything from stimulating baths with aromatherapy shampoos, nail polishing and designer cuts...and yes, even hair coloring and designer clothing...for pets & people!

La•De•Da Pet Spa is the ultimate in pampering for our lovable pooches. It's like the best of Beverly Hills and NYC pet boutiques rolled into one and they're right around the corner!