Another sign of an empire's end

You can have your dog massaged at the Sarasota Ritz Carlton for $120. The massage is not performed by a vet or even in a veterinary clinic. There is nothing wrong with the dog. The owners have enough money to indulge their whim. Of course, you can spend even more on your dog at the hotel. "For another $220, the Ritz throws in gourmet dog biscuits, an in-room pet massage, a choice of nail buffing or nail polish, a souvenir photo, a brisk walk over Sarasota's scenic Ringling Bridge and a gourmet meal of organic stew and designer water served on a silver tray."

I wonder what a poor or even average person in Sarasota could do with $340. Buy groceries for a month? Pay for a doctor's visit?