A friend who visited Japan recently could not stop gushing (pun unintended) about the cleanliness of and cleaning-up options available in the country’s public toilets. On February 13, Osaka International Airport took the obsession for hygiene one step further by launching shower facilities and a “pee pole” for its canine travellers. Dogs can now hang out at a designated rest area, get cleaned up in the bathing pods and “make” on the pole, which is, of course, self-cleaning and will flush itself. Toilets aside, the covered outdoor yard includes walk-around zones, fresh drinking water for the doggos, and benches for their human companions. The thinking is that the facility will bring relief to the animals – and their caretakers – before they board the flight, in case of service dogs, or are put in the cargo hold, in case of pet pooches. The bathroom is located next to the airport’s pick-up and drop-off area, and will be open every day from 5.30am to 10pm. It’s only open to dogs as of now, kitties will have to wait. <strong>__________________________</strong> <strong>Read more:</strong> <strong>__________________________</strong>