Pampered Pooches

Are you worried that your dog may be bored? Is the day-to-day canine life just not doing it for your pup anymore? Well, your worries are over. Welcome to the first exclusive hotel resort for dogs: Canis Resort.

The hotel, which opened this week near Munich airport, promises to deliver "a unique experience for your dog."

But it stresses that it isn't just geared towards on-the-go businesspeople. Anyone who wants to treat their loved pet to something exclusive is at the right place -- for the right price: overnight care runs at 80 Euros ($110) per night.

Dogs can run and play on a 350 square meter field. Or, if they want to retreat for some peace and quiet, they can head to their 45-square-meter Dog Lodge and lounge on their resin floors usually found on yachts. The lodges are designed for a maximum of five dogs-- and include a private yard.

For those owners who just can't wait to see their beloved pets when they return to town, a gate-to-gate service -- at extra cost -- takes dogs to the airport to greet their owners.

Also on hand are designer grooming and gourmet dog food -- in short, everything to make it feel like anything but a kennel.

"Dog owners often have a bad conscience when they leave their dogs to be looked after because the places feel like kennels," said Thomas Gerteis, the co-managing director.

There is occupancy for 40 dogs, plus a day-care service for travellers who aren't away overnight.

"We have a 24-hour, seven-day check-in service," Sabine Gerteis said. "If the dog wants to be petted, the dog-sitter is right there for him."

And for those of you who may be a bit short-changed in these times of economic crisis, Canis Resort is offering opening specials.