By Janet McAfee
You and your well behaved pooch are invited to celebrate the third anniversary party of the Pet Hotel at Barkingham Palace in Palm Desert on Valentine weekend, February 15 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. This swank pet hotel takes the quality and level of care for your pets to a new level. Owners Marty and Lori Weiner clearly love animals, and three years ago they had a vision of a place where pets could go and have a happy, healthy and enriching experience while their owners work or travel.
Lori Weiner explains, “We’ve grown by word of mouth and tripled our business due to the level of care and love we show these animals while they stay here. Each animal gets one-on-one time and individual needs are accommodated. Once we had a dog who had never been away from home, and when she became stressed in her private room, we decided to keep her in a bed next to the front desk staff.”
When you first enter Barkingham with its rich purple and gold interior and tasteful art, you know this establishment is a far cry from the boarding kennels of yesteryear. Classical music and the scent of aromatic oils create a soothing ambiance. Happy four legged guests retire for the night in cozy suites named “Prince Charles of Tails” and “Wolfminster Labby” after a busy day at the fitness center and playing with other dogs in the lovely dog park. A doggie treadmill works off those extra pounds. Time now to relax and switch on the large flat screen television and catch an episode of Animal Planet, but not before checking in by webcam with the “folks” who are vacationing abroad.
Lori Weiner envisions developing a complete wellness center for dogs with an emphasis on nutrition and homeopathic healing. All the guests dine on high quality grain free food. Some dogs book a spa treatment which includes essential oils that keep them healthy. The facility offers a free class on therapeutic oils called “Doggie and Me”. They use all non-toxic products including a 360 degree steam cleaner on the flooring that kills all communicable diseases.
Many new amenities have developed at Barkingham over the past three years. An agility program provides additional exercise and skills. Puppy socialization classes are now offered on Tuesdays and Thursday. There is even a movie night with popcorn to keep the pups entertained! The Pet Hotel at Barkingham Palace is truly a gem in the world of pet care. The best advertisement of all is to see the returning guests happily wagging their tails as they enter.
Cats are also cared for at Barkingham. Upstairs “InterCATinental” provides a separate area with kitty condos for feline guests. Spacious climate controlled cages are available to board your bird. Staff is on duty 24 hours a day and cameras throughout the building provide safety and security for your pet.
The Weiners are big supporters of animal rescue organizations. They have rescued and found homes for many rescue dogs over the years. They rescued Johnny, the little brown terrier pictured on this page, 2 years ago from the Indio shelter. Johnny receives excellent care, but they believe he deserves a family of his own.
A Bible verse inscribed in large lettering over the dog park captures the spirit of the loving care provided, “The Animals of the Field will glorify His Name. He will give them Water in the Desert” (Isaish 43:20). The pets give The Barkingham Palace Pet Hotel a “Five Woof” rating!
The Valentine themed anniversary party on February 15 is a great opportunity for you and your pet to visit The Pet Hotel at Barkingham Palace. This fun filled day includes music, food, shopping, and agility demonstrations. Joe Baldino, our wonderful local guitarist will perform. Famed local artists, Karen and Tony Barone, will present their new 6 foot Golden Retriever sculpture. You can bring your dog in a “royal” costume and enter the contest for the “King” and “Queen” of Barkingham palace to win fabulous prizes. Proceeds from the $20 contest entry fee benefit animal welfare groups. Loving All Animals and Living Free will bring some wonderful rescue dogs for adoption.
WHAT : 3rd Anniversary Pawty Celebration at the Pet Hotel at Barkingham Palace
WHEN: Saturday, February 15, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
WHERE: 34-550 Spyder Circle (corner of Dinah Shore, just east of Monterey), Palm Desert
COST: There is no cost to attend, $20 fee for contest. Pet products available from vendors.
CONTACT: You can contact the Pet Hotel at Barkingham Palace at (760) 537-1172
