SOUTH SHORE WEEKLY

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Pampered pets in Prince's Bay

P.A.W.S. offers massages, facials and specialty grooming for dogs and cats

Thursday, June 04, 2009    BARTON HOROWITZ   ADVANCE STAFF WRITER

STATEN ISLAND, NY -- PRINCE'S BAY -- The delightful services available at a relatively new Prince's Bay establishment should capture the attention of any dedicated spa aficionado. Offerings range from massages and Reiki to Dead Sea mineral scrubs, blueberry facials, specialty shampoos and total grooming. What makes this place very different from other luxury spas on Staten Island is that it caters, not to people, but to dogs and cats.

P.A.W.S., a.k.a. the Pampered Animal Wellness Spa, opened in January at 8 Johnson St., with the mission of providing a comfortable, safe and upscale grooming experience for its clients. The owners pride themselves on the warm environment and a staff that is both compassionate and experienced.

"We've always been animal lovers and pet owners," said pet groomer Wendy Pisani, who co-owns the spa with Dolores (Dodie) Rizzo and Dodie's daughter Kristina, also a groomer. "Being that we care so much for our own pets and we enjoy grooming so much, the business just made sense. We're a good team together."

In addition to a host of grooming and spa services, P.A.W.S. has a boutique area featuring pet clothing, accessories and organic treats.

"It's a very intimate establishment. We don't rush the care we provide," Wendy said.

First-time visitors to P.A.W.S. may be surprised by the look of the place, which resembles a high-end day spa. Upon entering, patrons are greeted in a quiet, warmly colored reception area. The hues and design throughout the facility were fashioned with the guidance of a "feng shui" specialist, Kristina said.

 "Our colors are intended to help animals relax and feel good," she said.

P.A.W.S. groomers meet with pet owners to ensure their furry family members are cared for in the best way possible. This means that special problems, such as skin conditions, are addressed. The spa even has a program dedicated to puppies, which helps young dogs become accustomed to the grooming process.

"Dogs and cats leave here very happy, and their owners are very happy, as well," Wendy said. "We get a lot of 'Oh, my dog looks so good, she never seemed so happy.' "

For additional information, log onto www.pawsgroomingspa.com, but be aware that the Web site is a work in progress and may not include all that P.A.W.S. has to offer. The spa may be reached at 718-948-PAWS (7297). 

Also Check out our Write up in   INDUSTRY MAGAZINE !!! 
PAWS was the SPOTLIGHT in the NOV/DEC ISSUE