It's a dog's life at Serenity Canine Spa and Boarding, the first exclusive spa in the north, Gail Bell finds out what five star treatment for your pooch looks like BLUEBERRY facials, reiki massage, music aromatherapy and infrared light therapy - it all sounds just the type of place you might want to check into for a few nights of holistic healing and stress-free rest and relaxation.
But, before you get too excited, there is a restricted guest list at Killyleagh's newest treatment spa and if you have two legs instead of four, you will definitely not be on it.
Serenity Canine Spa and Boarding is a genuine 'first' in Northern Ireland, offering doggie guests the chance to have treatments more closely associated with human tastes - even afternoon tea and 'pupcakes' are part of the package and are specially baked up by enthusiastic owner, Caroline Millar.
It is no exaggeration to say the former north Belfast woman and wife of Balloo House chef in Killinchy, Danny Millar, is a dog lover of greater-than-average intensity, having more or less dedicated her life to looking out for 'man's best friend'.
She started off working for several veterinary surgeons in Dublin before moving to Assisi Animal Sanctuary in Newtownards, then studying canine behaviour and relaxation therapies before finally taking the plunge and opening her alternative 'spa' in the grounds of the family home.
The facility was opened officially at the end of last month but it had already caused more than a few ripples of excitement among Northern Ireland's dog-loving population.
Many of us may still be worrying about jobs and mortgages but many more it seems are willing to put their four-legged friends first when it comes to pooch pampering.
Although, for all its one-to-one 'face time' and assorted luxuries - special doggy 'pods' for sleeping, 'pawdicures' and paw massages, the opportunity to Skype owners, take meadow walks and even have bedtime stories - Serenity Canine Spa and Boarding is easily comparable in price to less luxurious establishments.
There is also a day spa option and all dogs are welcome, especially nervous, timid or rehomed rescue dogs which, according to Caroline, can feel reassured if they 'Skype' their holidaying owners.
"It really makes a difference and puts both owner and pet at ease when they hear each other's voice," she says.
One woman who couldn't believe the level of service on offer is Waringstown dog lover Tracey McCormack who was initially astounded to find a spa for dogs operating in Northern Ireland.
Tracey was one of Caroline's first customers and left her two Chihuahuas in her care when she went on holiday to Cyprus.
"We came across the spa by accident on the internet and I immediately thought, 'That can't be real," she exclaims. "It looked like the sort of thing you would come across in America but definitely not in Northern Ireland.
"After having been disappointed by expensive kennels in the past and also by a pet-sitting service I had used, I went along to see the spa and was so impressed I wanted to stay there myself and send the dogs somewhere else.
"We received daily text updates and pictures while we were in Cyprus which showed how happy the dogs looked, so I could get on with my holiday and not have to worry."
With four dogs of her own to look after, including Great Dane Leon (and also six 'refuge' chickens rescued from the Nut House Hen rehoming centre in Moira), the woman behind the new venture has her hands full, but she still finds time to cook up some doggy treats for her tail-wagging guests.
Chief among these are doggie cookies and 'pupcakes' made with freshly laid eggs from her ex-battery hens now roaming happily around the property. In the best tradition of afternoon snacks, these are served up with generous bowls of swishy, warm, decaffeinated tea.
Nothing is too much trouble and if it all seems a little over-indulgent it is because Caroline feels even the more serious dog lovers among us can be inclined to ignore the emotional needs of our pets.
"Dogs are the most fascinating animals and I think we often underestimate them; they really do have a 'sixth sense'," she says.
"I can't put into words how much I love dogs (she recounts an overwhelming need to 'speak' to her dog while on her honeymoon in Las Vegas) and I was inspired to offer this service to similar- minded people.
"The role of 'therapy' dogs is already well known. How often have you heard the phrase, that dog is just a 'sticking plaster'? They offer so much emotionally and I want to return that by offering some 'human' pleasures back to them."
Drawing on her background in veterinary practice, Caroline can also provide DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromone), a chemical known to calm dogs suffering from separation anxiety disorder and ultrasound pain relief which she says is valuable in accelerating healing of certain injuries.
And, like any good host in the hospitality business, she meticulously pre-plans for each balanced, structured day in modern-day doggy 'daycare-land'.
There are walks, meals, afternoon naps and bedtime routines to schedule in between the spa treatments so it is little wonder that, come evening, Caroline is often dog-tired herself.
"This is so much more than just dropping your dog off and we bring it for a walk," she says chirpily.
"It is a whole new holistic approach to boarding and the interest so far have been phenomenal.
"The only downside is the parting, as you do get attached. Some of our guests actually look a bit 'down in the mouth' when they have to go home."
? Serenity Canine Spa and Boarding is approved by the Department ofAgriculture and Rural Development and all 'guests' are fully insured. ? TOP DOG:Caroline Millar