Facials, massages and jacuzzis – rescue dogs get some much-needed TLC

Washing life’s stresses away with a long, relaxing massage is a tempting break from a hectic life.

This was no different for a cluster of rescue dogs who for so long have been deprived of a bit of TLC.

Fruit facials, massages and a jacuzzi bath were the order of the day for the pampered pooches when they visited a dog grooming service.

They were driven in style by a warden from the RSPCA animal shelter in Braypool Lane, Patcham, to Brighton Pet Spa, in Lewes Road, ready for the luxurious and complimentary beauty treatments.

First they were treated to a 10- minute natural exfoliating blueberry and oatmeal mask to cleanse and remove dirt.

Next was a jacuzzi bath with bubble jets.

Lastly a calming, lavender aromatherapy massage designed to relax the muscles – something ideal for timid and stressed dogs or older animals – left them feeling at one with the world and refreshed.

Chrisse Warwick owns the business with Kerry Thomas and between them the pair has 40 years’ experience in the grooming industry.

The 46-year-old, who also runs another pet spa in Kent and owns four Griffons, said she wanted to give the unwanted dogs a bit of care and attention in the hope a new family will fall in love with them and take them home.

She said: “A lot of the dogs we see are quite spoilt so it was really nice to treat the rescue dogs.

“The dogs were quite hyperactive when they arrived and needed a good wash but by the time they left they were calm.

“The spa session was also good for their wellbeing. They really enjoyed it, you could see they loved the fuss and attention. It was the first time we had one of these days and we have been wanting to do something for a long time once we were more established.

“We are all animal lovers and fully trained in massage and we would like to carry on working with the RSPCA. We’ve said we will help them groom and wash the dogs when they are brought to the shelter for the first time.”

Ruth Risley, who works at the charity’s animal shelter in Patcham, said: “The dogs went in happy and excited and they came out incredibly calm. They were laid back and smelt lovely. They had a really lovely time.

“It’s important that they relax a bit and bring their energy levels down – for the same reasons we have pampering. We’re really pleased one of our dogs Buster, pictured left, has found a home already since going for the pampering session. But we’re hoping people will see the other dogs and get in touch to re-home them.

“Particularly Staffies have a reputation but they don’t deserve a bad reputation. They are family pets.”

The RSPCA shelter is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10.30am until 4pm. Call 01273 554218 or visit rspca-brighton.org.uk.

In an emergency contact the cruelty helpline on 0300 1234 999.

The dogs in need of a new home

Ion: A 15-month-old black male cross breed with big ears who has been at the RSPCA centre in Patcham for a month. He was found wanted the streets and never collected. He just wants to have his tummy tickled and craves attention. He is a friendly boy who knows his name and is good when groomed but will need further training. He is friendly with other dogs but needs a home without cats. He is looking for an active home and could live with children 12 years or older.


Winston: A 17-month-old male brindle and white cross breed who has been at the centre for a month. He was abandoned and never collected from the centre. He is a little shy at the moment. He is ok when groomed but will need further training. He is good with other dogs but has not been tested with cats yet. He is looking for an active family and could live with older children.


Betsy: A two to three-year-old female white and tan Staffie cross. She has been at the centre for six weeks after leaving a home which was unsuitable. She is a friendly, lively girl who knows sit, down and paw on command, is ok when groomed and loves playing with toys, especially a ball. She loves having a tummy tickled and is with other dogs but has not been tested with cats yet. She is looking for an active family and could live with older children. 


Lacey: An 11-month-old female brindle and white Staffie cross who had to be moved from an unsuitable home. She has been at the centre for five months. She is a friendly, lively girl who knows sit, paw and her name on command. She is good when groomed, housetrained and likes playing with toys. She is friendly with other dogs but needs a home without cats. She is looking for an active family and could live with older children who are used to dogs.


Holly: A three-year-old white female Staffie Cross. She came to the centre last week [13/5] due to a change in circumstances at home. She is adorable and cuddle. She knows sit, down, paw and her name on command, is housetrained, good when groomed and enjoys playing with toys. She is friendly with other dogs but has not been tested with cats yet. She is a new arrival who is still being assessed.


Buster: An 18-month-old male Beagle cross who took part in the pamper day has been re-homed since the event.