POOCH-loving pensioner Marion Hooper has spent a staggering £3,000 pampering and preening her two beloved shih-tzu dogs.

"Nothing is too much trouble" for Mrs Hooper, aged 74, who has taken pampering of her shih-tzus, Bonnie and Philli, to the extreme over the last five years.

The dogs share Mrs Hooper's meals, her bed and, she admits, she treats them as princesses.

"They are my whole life. They eat whatever I have on my plate, whether it's roast chicken, sausage and mash, or their particular favourite butter biscuits. I tried them on dog food but they didn't like it.

"Maybe people think I am mad but I just love them. I let them sleep in my bedroom. I couldn't possibly let them sleep anywhere it's likely to be cold," she added.

Mrs Hooper, of Smiths Avenue, St John's, now retired, used to work at Bethany Lodge Home for the Elderly, Malvern Road, where the dogs entertained residents.

"They don't want for anything. I don't regret spending the money," she said.

Mrs Hooper is not alone in her obsession and the county's dog grooming companies can barely cope with the demand.

A survey by Lloyds TSB Insurance, showed Worcestershire dog owners spend up to £50 a month on treating their animals. In the UK £731m is spent each month on dog grooming, gifts and treats.

Half of those questioned (51 per cent) allowed their dog to share their bed and only seven per cent of dogs are made to sleep outside.

Paul Maiden, of Paws Dog Grooming Services, St John's, charges up to £45 for pampered pooches to receive the full works of a cut, shampoo and condition and pedicure.

"We are very much like a modern hairdressers, treating between six and eight dogs a day and we have up to 900 dogs on our books.

"Owners are prepared to book a long way ahead, and come from as far afield as London," he added.