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It's a dog's life
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Some dogs have it all, especially the Shih Tzu
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THE LIFE ROYALE A Shih Tzu at the show
The Shih Tzus of Le Grand Kennels would have won the "most pampered dogs" title, if there were one. At the recent dog show, they slept peacefully to a soothing blast from airconditioners at a make-shift quarters. But these dogs were not the only ones to enjoy these creature comforts.
It was the attention lavished on them by a group of Thai groomers that really set them apart. These experts, who were constantly combing and plaiting the long, silky mane of these show dogs, were led by Papitchya Sukomoi. Owner of 70 Shih Tzus, she has turned many of them into international winners. One of her dogs is a champion in eight countries - America, Canada, Russia, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and India.
The owner of Le Grand Kennels, Vetri has an unshakeable faith in Papitchya's Shih Tzu makeover skills. The inveterate canine lover, who keeps all his show dogs at a sprawling farm, bought his first Shih Tzu three years ago from Papitchya. Dog lovers in and around the city now know Vetri as a Shih tzu specialist.
"A Shih Tzu kept as a show dog requires constant attention," says Vetri. "The dog has to be groomed daily for at least two hours. After the grooming, the Shih Tzu's mane has to be wrapped with butter-paper and fastened with rubber bands. For shows, Shih Tzus can't be readied in less than three-and-a-half hours. These dogs need a wash every alternate day. Their bodies demand a shopping list of grooming lotions.
In comparison, it seems easier to keep a Shih tzu as a pet. "Pet Shih Tzus have different coats. As they don't need long manes, their coat can be cropped short." Vetri says Shih Tzu prices start at Rs.10,000. But the actual cost of this dog is determined by what you want to make of it - a ramp walker or a bedside companion.
PRINCE FREDERICK
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