NEWS DESK
Peninsula’s ‘style’ for pampered pets
Servo attendant bashed, robbed
THE Mornington Peninsula has long been marketed to those seeking a pampering, resort-style holiday experience, and now it seems many want the same for their pets. It’s no secret that the pet industry is a lucrative industry estimated to be worth about $8 billion annually, with many owners today taking a “no expenses spared” approach when it comes to the social and emotional wellbeing of their animals. Cory Andrews, who runs kennels in Baxter and whose family has been involved in the pet industry on the peninsula for 43 years, said the trend for luxury cat and dog boarding, doggy day care and other pampering services for pets is following the American lead, and is a reflection of the increasingly important role pets today play as “family members”. Ms Andrews, who took over a basic dog boarding facility with her husband Paul ten years ago and transformed it into the luxury-style Dog Country Club and Kennel Resort, has just won the ‘Excellence’ category in the national Pet Industry Association of Australia awards. “Many people see their pets as very important family members and the pet industry has to respond to that,” she said. The owners make no bones about the level of luxury pets experience at the resort, with more than ten different styles of accommodation for fussy dogs and their owners to choose from, a selection of menus, chandeliers, TVs, air-conditioners and specialised furniture made for comfort and style. While about 55 per cent of the resort’s clients come from the Morning-
A DROMANA service station attendant was bashed by thieves who then helped themselves to a “significant quantity” of cigarettes, early Friday 2 December. The 35-year-old man was outside the closed 7-Eleven fuel outlet on Point Nepean Rd, Dromana, 2am, when two men and ambushed him. The man was knocked to the ground, receiving facial and dental injuries, and bound with cable ties. One offender stood guard over him while the other used the man’s keys to enter the store and steal the cigarettes. Detective Senior Sergeant Miro Majstorovic, of Mornington Peninsula CIU, said the offenders were seen on CCTV wearing dark clothing and balaclavas. The attendant received help from a passing motorist and called police. The value of the haul was still being assessed Friday afternoon.
Budget ideas TV pawsed for thoughts: Cavalier King Charles spaniels Gemma, left, and Froddo enjoy relaxing at the Dog Country Club and Kennel Resort. Picture: Gary Sissons
ton Peninsula, others come from all over Victoria to spoil their pets and ensure their emotional, physical and social needs are met while away from home. “Whether it’s overnight or day care, it’s really important to owners that their pet is treated like they would be at home and individual needs in terms
of diet, sleeping styles, exercise and psychological needs are taken into account,” she said. After being involved in the pet industry through my family all my life, it’s interesting to see how things have changed and how pet owners are expecting more,” she said.
Mrs Andrews’s mother runs Australia’s largest cat resort nearby and is facing a similar rise in both demand and expectations. “There are 200 rooms and if a cat doesn’t like the one they get, they can inspect the others and choose one that suits,” Mrs Andrews said. Liz Bell
IDEAS from the public to be added to Mornington Peninsula Shire’s 2017/18 budget close 5pm, Thursday 8 December. Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Bev Colomb said the budget was developed to ensure its programs, projects and initiatives reflected community needs. “The community submissions phase is one step in the budget preparation process, and the community is encouraged to contribute ideas towards the final budget that will ultimately deliver council’s range of community services.” Details: mornpen.vic.gov.au
1099 Point Nepean Rd, Rosebud P: 5950 0300 www.rosebudhotel.com.au Southern Peninsula News 6 December 2016
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