Longing for a massage, but don’t want to leave your pet behind?
Then bring it along for a massage, too.
That’s the philosophy behind two stores that recently opened in Dover Township: Happy Tails by the Sea and My Sea of Tranquility. They share the same location but offer products and services for two distinct consumers, with the same goal in mind: to cater to the needs of both people and their pets.
The concept, popular on the West Coast, was adopted by Dover Township residents Barbara and George Werner.
“I was working in Manhattan and tired of the commute,” says Barbara, a professional chef who also is certified in reflexology and massage. Her husband, George, was a professional mobile pet groomer, who also did canine massage. Opening up a day spa for people, with similar services for canines, seemed like the natural thing to do.
And, like most partnerships, it’s evolved into something all its own.
While most stores offer accessories for smaller dogs, “we have things that fit a 200 pound mastiff,” plus camping gear for outdoorsy hounds, and swim accessories for the ones who like to get wet.
She and her husband also host “Yappy Hours,” that are wine and cheese tastings for humans and doggie beer and treats for canines, donating many of the proceeds to a chosen charity. And she caters birthday parties and “bark mitzvahs.” “If a dog gets to be 13, he deserves a “bark mitzvah,’ ” she says.
But the big draw is the range of spa services for dogs. Besides grooming services, they can get a pet pedicure, or a half or whole hour canine massage session. “People don’t understand that dogs are under stress — especially when you have kids screaming and pulling at your ears all day long,” says Werner.