WALKING THROUGH THE DOORS of Hillcrest’s Fido & Co., billed as San Diego’s first canine country club, guests are greeted by a distinct spa-like aroma——unexpected and uncharacteristic of most doggie daycares. But Fido & Co. is a far howl from most of its counterparts. Candles flicker in the breezy reception area/boutique/living room, stylishly appointed with Spanish tile flooring, a large leather couch, wrought-iron chandelier and shelves of high-end merchandise (highlighted by Lotus 9 custom leather collars, leashes and belts). Doors open to a large sidewalk patio, where (human) members can lounge and sip complimentary coffee and tea. Owners Lisa Wilhoit McCormick and Karla Perez (above) sum up their approach to pooch care as “nothing but the best”——a mantra even more apparent behind the scenes.
A large, flat-screen TV mounted above the play area is tuned to the Puppy Bowl, an Animal Planet show in which pups romp on a mock gridiron. There’s 3,000 square feet of expertly designed play space (with rubber flooring), which can be sectioned off into smaller rooms to allow the separation of dogs by size and/or temperament. Safety is a top priority, says Wilhoit McCormick, who, with Perez, conducts a detailed assessment of all applicants (personal references must vouch for a dog’s good behavior, and owners must submit professional recommendations). Dogs are constantly supervised, and each gets one-on-one play time with a Fido & Co. staff member.
But it’s the spa and grooming amenities that truly set the club apart from the competition, says Wilhoit McCormick. Today, her beloved pug, Butkus, is being treated to a “pawdicure” in one of the treatment rooms. Butkus, the pug, stretches his four paws into the air while the clear polish sets on his perfectly trimmed nails. The scent of the warm lavender wrap draped around his neck fills the room. In the neighboring Serenity Suite, a massage therapist performs canine massage; in the nap room, harp music and DAP (dog-appeasing pheromone) create the ultimate relaxation lounge.
From basic grooming to blueberry facials, Fido & Co. delivers a distinct new level of luxury care to local dog-lovers.
--JULIA BEESON POLLORENO
Proud to be voted Best Of 2009 by San Diego Magazine and the GLT!
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