Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Exotic meals, spa treatment ... and chew toys.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
ADVENTURES IN DOGGIE DAYCARE takes viewers behind the scenes at Seattle's Downtown Dog Lounge, an exclusive sitting service for canines whose \"parents\" spare no expense when it comes to their \"kids'\" round-the-clock happiness. Led by proprietor Elise Vincentini, DDL's pooch-loving staff of 60 welcomes about 145 dogs to their dog-friendly facility each day. In addition to basic canine care, the company offers a multitude of specialty services, including behavior training, outdoor adventures, sparkly pedicures, and TLC for nervous newcomers. Viewers get to know some of DDL's most notable regulars, like Gus, the 180-pound mastiff; Sancho, the wildly energetic Viszla; Riggs, a sweet-tempered Labradoodle who continues to be a blessing to his human mom; and delicate Italian Greyhound Carmen, whose spa bills at the Lounge -- complete with an herbal bath and relaxing massage -- run about $150 each time. In interviews, staff members talk about what they love about their job and their clients, and dog owners explain their motivation for choosing doggie daycare -- as well as their (sometimes sheepish) justification for spending so much money on their four-legged friends.
Is It Any Good?
There's no doubt that these pooches are pampered to the hilt, and the series plays like a canine Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, with hundreds of furry clients running up yearly tabs of $5,000-plus. It's always fun to see how the other half lives, but you might want to keep your own four-footed friends out of the room while you watch so they don't get any big ideas about how their peers are spending their days.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the lifestyle reflected in this show. Do most average pet owners take their pets to businesses like the Downtown Dog Lounge? If not, do you think watching this show might make them feel bad? What messages does the show send about consumerism? On the lighter side, families can also discuss pet care. Whose job is it to take care of your pets? How do you make sure they stay happy and healthy?
TV Details
- Premiere date : April 7, 2007
- Cast : Elise Vincentini
- Network : WE
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 19, 2019
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