Have you read the book Marley and Me by John Grogan ? Or perhaps you've seen the movie of the same name featuring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston ? Marley is the Labrador pup that completes their little family and enriches their lives with the mayhem, madness and love that only a dog can bring.
My grandfurbaby, Bentley, is also a Labrador and is a handful just like Marley. He is that dog you see on the beach running into the surf, jumping the waves after his ball or stick, happily amusing himself until he gets hold of the scent of chicken sandwiches 100 metres down the beach. Many an unsuspecting family has lost their picnic lunch in this manner, and in only a matter of moments, I am embarrassed to admit.
When Bentley comes to stay for a "holiday" my pet rearing philosophy is the same as when my daughters were little. That is, if you wear them out during the day, they sleep well at night. Seems reasonable, doesn't it?
I have previously shared with you some of my
outings with young Bentley when he visited from interstate last year.
Recently I stumbled upon my port of call when my bundle of energy next comes to stay.
Canine Comfort Pet and Coffee Boutique serves coffee and meals to both humans and our canine friends.
Coffee tables are set up outside the front of the boutique, protected from the elements, with caged areas in which our animal friends can join us whilst we sit and relax .

Alfreso seating
Bentley will just adore a puppachino, made from lactose free, lightly frothed milk, accompanied by a dog biscuit.
Inside the shop are all manner of paraphanalia for pets, including bejewelled collars, feeding bowls, outfits, and edible treats. I even saw a modified stroller designed to enable the transportation of our ( smaller) canine friends.

So many lovely things
This is an edible treat that I picked up for Bentley's coming second birthday. It is made from the same ingredients as the usual treats, though the different shapes have been designed to keep dogs interested longer and to give all of their teeth and jaw a workout.

Chewy
As well, within the same shopping complex and only a minutes walk from the coffee shop are two Self Serving Pet Washing Bays. What a great idea! Do you have any idea how difficult it is to lift a Labrador into a bathtub? And then spend time bending over to wash and rinse?
This is such a simple concept. Using warm water your canine can be washed with Fido's Shampoo and Conditioner, benefit from a flea treatment, and then dried off with a hair dryer , for $10-00 for ten minutes. And there is no bending over - the entire process can be undertaken standing. For this grandparent that is a definite win and a much cheaper option than sending him to the Dog Parlour.

Dog Washing Facilities
I would recommend utilising the dog wash first , and then relaxing with a coffee, as it earns a discounted puppachino , reducing the cost to $2-50, thereby easing your guilt when you purchase yourself a lemon slice to enjoy with your cuppa.
Canine Comfort Pet and Coffee Boutique is located at Eastside Village, Shop 17, 696 New Cleveland Road, Gumdale. Parking is plentiful.
Opening Hours are : Tuesday - Friday 8-30am to 4pm and Saturday- Sunday 8-00am to 3pm
If you are interested in celebrating a special event for your four legged family member I would suggest having a look at their website as you can also order canine birthday cakes and healthy takeaway meals, as well as
shop online for all things doggie

Bentley off to an Australia Day function
One last thing. Bentley was only recently diagnosed as being profoundly deaf. Since the diagnosis specialised training techniques have been implemented which have seen a huge improvement in his behaviour. He recently escorted my daughter down the aisle and exhibited better behaviour than some of the guests.