I used to think dog spas were over the top. Like, why would a dog need a bubble bath and a blowout?
Then I got her—my golden girl, Luma. And now she gets more self-care than I do.
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It started with just one grooming appointment because she rolled in something suspicious at the park. I picked her up afterward and I swear she was glowing. Fresh fur, little bow on her ear, tail wagging like she just left a 5-star resort.
The lady at the desk said, “She was so well-behaved, we gave her extra massage time.”
Excuse me? Massage time?
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Next thing I knew, I was booking her “pawdicures” and blueberry facials like it was normal. The spa even sends her home with a little goodie bag. One time she got a lavender-scented bandana. I didn’t even know I liked lavender until she wore it.
Now it’s become a regular thing. Every month, Luma has her spa day. And every time I pick her up, I’m always amazed at how she struts out of there, looking like a million bucks. She gets so pampered, I sometimes wonder if she’s living a better life than I am.
But to be honest? I don’t mind. She deserves it.
When I first got Luma, I was in a rough patch. My job had me working long hours, and I was constantly juggling stress, deadlines, and the feeling that I was always behind. I’d had a few rough relationships, and honestly, I was just tired. Tired of everything.
Then came Luma. I found her at a shelter, sitting quietly in the corner, looking up at me with those big brown eyes. There was something about her calm demeanor that spoke to me in a way I didn’t quite understand at the time. I adopted her that same day.
At first, I didn’t know what to expect. I’d always loved dogs, but I hadn’t been ready for the amount of love and joy a pet could bring into your life. Luma was a game-changer. Every morning, she greeted me with excitement, like I was the best thing that ever happened to her. Even on the worst days, I couldn’t help but smile when she wiggled her whole body, tail wagging like mad.
She became my companion, my therapist, my constant source of comfort. I’d come home from work, exhausted and mentally drained, and there she’d be, waiting at the door. No judgments, no expectations, just pure, unconditional love. I’d lie down on the couch and she’d curl up next to me, resting her head on my lap, as if to say, “It’s okay. We’re in this together.”
And slowly, my life started changing. I started taking better care of myself. I began getting outside more, taking her for long walks. I started feeling better—not just physically, but emotionally, too. It was as if having her by my side gave me the strength to take control of my life again. I began finding joy in the little things—the morning sunshine, the sound of her paws on the pavement, the way she’d look at me as if we shared a secret.
But then there were the spa days.
At first, it seemed like a silly thing to do. But when I took Luma to that first grooming appointment and saw her come out looking like she had just stepped off the runway, I thought, why not? She made me so happy, so why shouldn’t I treat her to something nice every once in a while?
And over time, it became more than just a little indulgence. It was a way to thank her for all she’d given me. Because let’s be real: Luma had been a better friend to me than most people had been. She never asked for anything. She was always there when I needed her, ready to comfort me, entertain me, and show me that love could be simple and unconditional.
Her spa days weren’t just about vanity—they were a way for me to show my gratitude. I never realized it before, but taking care of her in this way was actually taking care of me too. It helped me to slow down, appreciate the little things, and remember that life is about balance.
Then, a few months ago, something unexpected happened. Luma had a minor health scare. I was walking her one morning when she suddenly stopped, looking at me with this strange, worried expression. I bent down to check on her, and she whimpered in a way that immediately put me on edge. I rushed her to the vet, and after a few tests, they discovered she had some mild arthritis starting to develop in her hips. Nothing too serious, but the vet recommended that she get a little more pampering, especially with the cold weather setting in.
I’ll admit, I was terrified. The idea of her in pain was unbearable. I started researching everything I could to make her more comfortable—new beds, different food, supplements, you name it. But I also started looking into alternative therapies. It was around that time that I found out about the special dog massages, the ones meant to help with mobility and pain relief. And of course, because I’d already become a regular at the dog spa, I was sold.
One day, I walked into the spa with Luma, feeling more nervous than usual. I’d never been so anxious about her treatments. But I needn’t have worried. The staff was wonderful, and they gave her a relaxing, therapeutic massage that helped with her aches. She seemed to enjoy it, and when she walked out, she looked happier and more comfortable than she had in days.
I realized something in that moment—Luma wasn’t just a dog. She had become an essential part of my life, my emotional support, my source of happiness, and now, I needed to be there for her in the same way she’d always been there for me. I needed to do whatever it took to make her feel comfortable and loved.
But then, a funny thing happened. As I continued to care for Luma, I started realizing how much I had been neglecting myself. I was so focused on her well-being that I forgot to take care of mine. I hadn’t been to the gym in months. I hadn’t taken time off from work. I hadn’t done anything for myself in so long.
And that’s when it hit me—Luma’s spa days were the perfect reminder. They weren’t just about spoiling her, but about taking care of ourselves too.
I decided to start making more time for myself. I got back into a routine of exercise, went for walks in the park, and even scheduled a few spa days of my own. I learned that self-care isn’t just for pets—it’s for everyone, including us. Luma was my reminder that life is too short to neglect your own needs. It’s okay to treat yourself, to pause and appreciate what’s around you.
One morning, after we both had our little “spa days,” I was sitting on the couch with Luma beside me. She was happily chewing on a new toy, her eyes half-closed in contentment. And as I looked at her, I thought about how far we’d come together. She’d helped me find joy in life again. She’d been there through thick and thin, never asking for anything in return. Now, it was my turn to do the same for her.
The funny thing about karma? It has a way of coming full circle. By taking care of Luma, I’d unknowingly started taking care of myself. And in doing so, I found balance in my life again. I learned that true happiness comes not from material things, but from the simple, quiet moments of love and care we share with those who matter most.
Luma’s spa days were just the beginning. Because now, I was giving myself the same love and attention she had shown me all along.
If you’ve ever struggled with self-care, take it from me: sometimes it takes a dog to remind you how important it is. Take a moment for yourself today. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a quiet afternoon with a book, or maybe even a massage—you deserve it. And don’t forget to share this story with someone who might need that reminder too.
