Boston - November 14, 2006

Give a Dog a Bone

Boston Dog Guide 2006

Unconditional love. Constant attention. She’ll even do the dishes (with her tongue, that is). Your pooch provides everything you need in a best bud. So why not treat her like one?

Sit
Pamper Fifi with a bath and color treatment at Pet Spa (669 Somerville Avenue, Somerville; 617-666-7387). A purple mohawk? Sure. The dye washes out in weeks. For hands-on bonding, go to LaundroMutt (489 Concord Avenue, Fresh Pond; 617-864-9274), a DIY dog wash equipped with tubs, dryers, and the BarkaLounge for post-shower play.

Fetch
Sojos’s all-natural treats and pet food mix will keep doggie bellies happy. For a Sunday treat, take a walk over to Polka Dog Bakery (256 Shawmut Avenue, South End; 617-338-5155) for brunch specials like Blueberry Woofles and Beggin’ & Eggs.

Roll Over
You’ve flown across the globe for a pair of shoes; a drive to New Hampshire for Sammy’s wardrobe should be a walk in the park. Woof It Down (33 Indian Rock Road, Windham, N.H.; 603-421-9663) carries excellent outerwear from Oscar Newman and Puppy Angel.

Heel
Baxter is dog-tired of the same old scene. Hook him up with The Dog on the Go (617-645-8290). They’ll pick him up (even when you’re not home) and take him for a half- or full-day romp through a dog-friendly park with six to eight other pooch pals.

Lay Down
There’s nothing hokey about Pokey — or her sleeping quarters. She’ll snooze in style on an Invisible pet bed with a retro-patterned cushion.

Good girl. Now go get yourself a treat.