To those of us who love our dogs as much as any other family member, nothing we do for them seems too extreme. Years ago, I used to laugh at folks who treated their dogs like people. But since getting Casey five years ago, I’m totally smitten.

Dogs give unconditional love. They are grateful for every kindness shown them and, unlike people, never hold resentments. No person — husband, wife, lover or child #— is so ecstatic upon your return from a short absence that he will go around in circles and lick your hand. However, “The Today Show” recently featured a segment on how the dogs of the very rich vacation, and even I think it’s way over the top.

At a swanky hotel in San Diego, a German Shepherd named Ranger was shown during his beach vacation with his loving owners. First, the dog was presented with a designer bandana and a wildly printed bathing suit which he declined to wear.

Ranger’s dinner was delivered by a room service waiter dressed in a tuxedo. The table was covered with a white linen cloth, and a single rose in a vase completed the place setting. The menu consisted of two high-end courses, smoked salmon and steak. I did notice that Ranger’s table manners were no better than our Casey’s as he slurped up his dinner from a china doggie bowl.

Ranger accompanied his owners on a surfing expedition, where he enjoyed riding the waves on his own surfboard. His scheduled spa appointment included services unknown in these parts, including toenail polish.

It did occur to me that perhaps I am slightly envious on Casey’s behalf of Ranger’s good fortune. Polishing Casey’s nails? I don’t think so. The possibilities of this venture are too disastrous to contemplate. They include spilled nail polish and the dog running through the house with wet nails, painting everything in sight.

When Ranger’s owner was questioned on the opulence of her pet’s vacation she replied, “Why shouldn’t Ranger have a real vacation, too? He’s our best friend, and we wouldn’t think of leaving him. We can certainly afford the cost.”

Would you like to have your dog’s barking recorded on his very own CD? A ritzy hotel in Nashville offers recording sessions for dogs. Fido’s barking is recorded, acoustical adjustments made and the performance is burned onto a CD.

My husband commented that we could save money by recording Casey’s barking whenever a car or another dog passes our house, and the heck with the acoustical adjustments.

When we’re on vacation and our dog is at Ann’s Pet Retreat in Orangeburg with all the other middle-class pets, we can listen to his barking if we get lonesome.

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