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Updated 02/13/2012 03:11 PM

Westminster's Finest Soak Up Royal Treatments

By: NY1 News

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Hundreds of pampered canines, along with their trainers and owners, are descending on Madison Square Garden today to kick off the 136th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. NY1's Roger Clark filed the following report.

Before they strut their stuff in front of the crowd at Madison Square Garden, some of this year's Westminster contestants spent Monday morning getting some royal treatments.

"I'm just trying to get them to calm down, to relax, it's just like home with lots of lights and lots of people," said Certified Animal Massage Therapist Debbie Zimmerman.

Massage is just one of the services offered for prized pooches at the Hotel Pennsylvania, where hundreds of dogs are staying during the dog show. In the basement is a combination green room/spa where the collection of canines can get a bath and other grooming essentials.

There's also a chance to get some exercise on the treadmill and, of course, a place to take care of their natural needs -- all without leaving the building.

"The movie stars have their green room when they go on camera, so why not the dogs of Westminster, and we make sure it's done at the Hotel Pennsylvania," said Doggie Spa Creator Judy Davis.

If you want to find out what your dog is thinking, look no further than spiritualist Annie Germani, who claims to be a pet and people psychic.

"Is my dog going to win? That's usually the first question. After that, a lot of times they have issues, and they want to know why they have issues in the ring," said Germani.

In addition to the spa there is also a doggie concierge at the hotel, where there is no shortage of interesting requests.

"Pizza. This year spinach pizza, I guess they are going a little healthier, they want to be fit for the show, right?" said Doggie Concierge Jerry Grymek.

Dog owners say the setup at the hotel helps take the stress off during the prestigious showcase across the street.

"It's different. I mean we've never had this situation indoors but it's worked out beautifully and honestly I don't want to be out there in the cold and wind so selfishly its been good for me," said dog owner Amy Hines.

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show runs through Tuesday.

For more information, visit westminsterkennelclub.org.