SpawZ keeps dogs paddling fit
We know that hydro therapy helps people. Well, it can help dogs, too. Interesting story from the Seattle Post Intelligencer.
From the Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Seen/Scene: SpawZ keeps dogs paddling fit
The pool is 88 to 92 degrees. For the less confident, there are swim vests and a flotation ring. Terrycloth robes provide a post-swim wrap.
Photo gallery: SpawZ Doggie Daycare and Fitness Center
The pool at SpawZ Doggie Daycare Fitness Center near Oaktree Village could be the latest evidence that Seattle has gone into the deep end over dogs.
But it's not pampering. It's really about canine wellness and, sometimes, rehabilitation.
"Maybe in years past this might have been considered an extravagance, but now dogs are a member of the family and you want to keep them with you as long as possible," said Ann Marie Shields, owner of SpawZ.
The swim time isn't cheap, starting at $30 for a half hour. Time on an underwater treadmill begins at $40 for 30 minutes. Then again, it cost $70,000 to install the 11-by-18-foot pool, and $55,000 to put in the treadmill.
The warm-water exercise reduces pressure on joints, improves circulation and strengthens muscles. For most, it's also fun, although some dogs aren't thrilled about wet time.
Walter, a year-old Italian greyhound, swims twice a week in the pool, paddling against the resistance provided by trainer Andrea Murphy, a licensed small animal massage therapist.
Walter had surgery 12 weeks ago to remove part of a damaged femur. He refused to use the leg for a month, but the pool workouts have strengthened his atrophied muscles. Now he walks and runs on it, albeit gingerly.
""I don't know what I would do without you guys," said owner Beth Langlais to the SpawZ staff, "because he would be a three-legged dog instead of four."
SCENERY
Spawz Doggie Daycare Fitness Center is at 1114 N. 97th St.; 206-525-5953; spawzdog.com
Seen/Scene, a short take on the Seattle scene, appears every Saturday. P-I reporter Kristin Dizon can be reached at 206-448-8118 or kristindizon@seattlepi.com.
