'Doggie Concierge' Looks After Champion Dogs at Hotel Pennsylvania

Over 2,500 champion canines from across the country will converge on New York City for the 134th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show (Feb. 15 - 16) at Madison Square Garden. For those dogs lucky enough to be staying across the street at the Hotel Pennsylvania, they will enjoy one very special perk: a Doggie Concierge to look after all their dog-centric needs.

Four days before the start of the prestigious dog show, the Doggie Concierge meets me in the lobby of the Hotel Pennsylvania. The place is bustling with people, mountains of luggage, and champion dogs who have arrived by car or plane and are checking into their hotel rooms. The Doggie Concierge says hello and hands me his business card, which reads, "Jerry Grymek, Pooch Relations (PR)" and bears an image of a beagle puppy.

"For most of the year, my job is regular public-relations work," Grymek says, smiling and straightening his tie, which is blue and patterned with tiny dalmations. "But beginning January 1, I start focusing more on preparing for the Westminster Dog Show, and by the time the dog show comes around, it's total 'dog-demonium,'" he says, laughing.

What are Grymek's duties as Doggie Concierge, a title he wears proudly on a gold badge pinned to his lapel? "I greet our two and four-legged guests that come to our hotel, hand out dog treats and help guests with any questions," Grymek explains.

Grymek also directs canines to the hotel's dog spa, or "Dog S'paw," an elaborate temporary facility organized and overseen by Judy Davis. "There are Jog-a-Dog treadmills, 'his' and 'hers' canine loos, dog-pedic beds, grooming tables, and Jacuzzi tubs so the dogs can have a nice little soak before bedtime," says Grymek. There's even a pet masseuse that flies in from California and a pet communicator from Michigan.

The Doggie Concierge understands the needs of these champion dogs. One of the Doggie Concierge's more unusual duties is accommodating food requests. "These are show dogs who are the best of their breed," says Grymek. "Sometimes, they need their comfort food." What sorts of food runs has Grymek made? "For one dog, I got a meatball pizza with a touch of Parmesan cheese," he recalls. "Another time, I got five cheeseburgers for a pug named Mr. Magoo."

Tags: doggie concierge, DoggieConcierge, pet friendly hotels, PetFriendlyHotels, westminster dog show, WestminsterDogShow