Pet presents span a wide spectrum and are given regularly.

Pet presents span a wide spectrum and are given regularly.
By MARY ELLEN PELLEGRINI
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
It's that time of the year when Ozzie, Kendall, Molly, Kayla, Max, Shelby and Isaac line up for pictures with Santa.
The excitement among this group, however, doesn't stem from meeting the bearded one. It comes from an instinctive knowledge of the reward awaiting them -- possibly bacon, turkey, beef or tuna-flavored chews.
In spite of the human-sounding names, these lovable creatures are members of the animal kingdom. At least biologically. To their proud owners, they are valued family members, deserving of the best care possible.
Owners' desire to invest in the comfort and health of their loyal companions has spawned pet spas, day care facilities, grooming salons, invisible fence manufacturers, waste disposal companies, pet-friendly stores, in-home sitters and death services. It's also been a motivating factor in new veterinary treatments and surgeries.
Joy Brozman, owner of Pet Spa, 1122 Western Reserve Road, Boardman, a dog and cat grooming salon in Boardman, pampers her clientele with five-minute massages, hot oil treatments for dry skin, flea treatments, seasonal colognes, themed bandanas, teeth brushing and soft nail tips for cats.
Pet Spa's product selections include a coconut-based shampoo that smells like pina colada and a ginger pear cologne that mimics the aroma of pumpkin pie.
Brozman, who has groomed animals for 25 years, opened Pet Spa nine years ago. "I thought it would be fun. There were no other ones in the area then and I thought people would go for it," she said.
Her instincts proved right. Patrons appreciate both the spa's frills and health benefits.
Shifts in perspectives
"The way Americans view pets is changing. Years ago they were considered animals. Now most Americans view them as children or part of the family," said Dr. Holly Ray, veterinarian and owner of Champion Animal Hospital.
As such, our four-legged friends experience more human amenities through all stages of their lives. Family pets sleep on faux sheepskin beds, heated water beds or magnetic beds for dogs with arthritis. They play with plush, interactive, talking toys while munching on natural products like pig ears and bones that clean teeth and freshen breath.
"We're constantly changing toys and treats," said JoAnn Squibbs, manager of TW Pet Centers in the Liberty Plaza.
Rope toys, toss and retrieve items, products that dispense treats for dogs; floor-to-ceiling climbing towers, fully carpeted play gyms, self-warming thermal cushions for cats; and pi & ntilde;atas for birds are hot items. Apparel for animals -- fleece, sweaters, raincoats, hats and boots -- remains popular with owners if not their pets.
While a sluggish economy may affect some of the extras, basic supplies fare well. "You have to feed animals. You have to clean them. There's always something you have to do for maintenance," said Squibbs.
The more serious side
Treating their pets to novel toys, treats and luxury services may be fun, but medical care is a serious issue for domestic animal lovers. Demands from the public to add vigor and longevity to pets' lives, the latest research and veterinarian recommendations have brought technological advancements, specialty practices and new medicines.
"Anything that can be done for a person can be done for an animal," said Dr. Ray. MRIs CT scans, bone scans, ultrasound, urinalysis, endoscopy and blood profiling can now be used to diagnose pet illnesses in the early treatable stages.
"[Veterinary care] is shifting from the traditional trend of just vaccinating the pets to prevention of diseases," said Dr. Sukhbir Singh, D.V.M., owner of Animal Medical Care Centers in Niles and Canfield. Through awareness and education, Dr. Singh said attention to lifestyle issues -- food, environment and activity -- has extended pets' life spans.
For deceased pets
When the end does come, death services afford the respect and dignity befitting a loved one.
Rossi Pet Caskets and Memorials in Niles sells pet caskets and engraveable tombstones while Angels Rest Pet Crematory in Struthers offers a professional, licensed service for preservation of domestic pet remains.
Angels Rest general manager Grant Williams said, "We do everything individually. We deal directly with families." Angels Rest also sells a wide variety of urns, granite burial markers and memorial plaques.
Dogs and cats are the most common pets but not the only ones.
George Wakefield, store manager at Petsmart in Boardman said, "You'll see people bring in ferrets, snakes, iguanas, llamas, geese and ducks on leashes and rabbits."
All beloved family members waiting for their special treat.