BERLIN (Reuters) – A soup kitchen exclusively for dogs has opened its doors in Berlin providing pets of the homeless and unemployed with a free meal, the director of the establishment said on Friday.

Despite the looming financial crisis, director Claudia Hollm dismissed criticism that it may be more sensible to collect money for humans than for dogs.

"Nowadays people underestimate dogs. They are incredibly important for those who lack social contact with other humans," Hollm told Reuters.

Well-to-do city dogs have been lapping up a new brand of treat called Yoghund, which is made especially for canines.

$3 million resort, Chateau Poochie, is just for dogs. The dogs will have access to a wellness center, massages, turndown service and holistic feeding. When the canines aren't romping in the playroom or watching several flat-screen plasma televisions, they can relax in a luxury suite or schedule a first-class grooming session.

Hard to believe...

A french bulldog, named "Spoon," during a dog show in Dortmund