Never in a previous life was I employed as a dog groomer. I figure I do my own grooming, my cats used to do theirs, so the dogs are on their own. Maybe twice a year I see that Molly's dew claws are too long and I whine and beg until she finally goes to sleep and I snip one in her sleep - I get the evil eye, and she zonks back out. There isn't any other way, unless I have the vet's office do it. They need three people to clip one of my dogs' nails. Every time I get a new puppy I solemnly swear to myself that I will clip their nails so regularly that it will not be an issue. Every time, I fail. It's always an Issue.
I have never owned a dog that required much grooming. My last dog was part shetland pony and part donkey, so her fur was easy enough. I could either let it get long and she looked something like a 50-lb Benji, or I could shave her down to her second coat, which was blonde, unlike her outer, black and brown coat. Shaved, she resembled a 50-lb semi-straight haired cocker. Either way, she always smelled bad. I could take her to a groomer, have them do everything possible, and she stunk. The vet was mystified, and I was mildly offended, but no matter what, that dog had a Strong Smell about her.
The beagles, however, have very little odor. Perhaps it is just in comparison to the half-donkey I used to own? I did read once that beagles don't get that "doggy smell." I do know that other breeds do smell differently to me. No matter - it had been three years, and it was Time for Baths.
One dog plus one person - that is workable. More than one person, more than one dog - that works, too. Two dogs, one person - not as easy, especially when one of the dogs has a life-threatening illness that is provoked by stress. Even so, it was Time for Baths.
Preparation is easy enough. I put my cell phone on the floor by the shower door, in case I was injured falling and unable to crawl up to the top of a counter to get to it. Diet soda went in the same area. Priorities, right?
Lots of towels and larger rags were hung over the top of the shower door in anticipation of everyone's favorite: Wet Dog. Dog shampoo was moved into the shower. The shower head was released in order to work with the hose. Anything breakable was removed from the bathroom.
Both dogs were leashed and taken outside for a last pee, just in case. It might be warm where you are, but it's 37 degrees here and very wet. The lawn is like a soft, over-soaked sponge. A doggy blanket was put on my bed because my dogs have always jumped from the bathroom onto my bed so they could wipe some of the water off on my bedspread and if they really got lucky, my pillows.
We came back in the house. I hung my jacket up, but did not unleash them. They gazed at me with love and trust. Never mind, I wasn't letting them out of it. As I talked happily to them, I lead them into the bathroom and then shut the door.
Immediately, they started circling the bathroom. This wasn't normal, was it? They never get locked in the bathroom with their leashes on! I unhooked them, and removed my clothes. I might be in for a nasty chore, but I am not stupid. No way can I give two beagles a shower and not get soaked! Softly, I called them into the shower. No. No way, mom. We are NOT going in there. I kept trying to talk them into it - no. Uh uh. There is sometimes _water_ in there!!
So, I had to get back out, put their collars back on, grab the leads, and pull them gently into the shower. Oddly, they didn't fight me. I shut the door to the shower, dropped the leashes and collars over the top of the door, and looked at the dogs.
Pitiful. Just pitiful. No mercy was given. I turned the water on (which I had thoughtfully pre-heated for them) and got them wet. Oh, the world was about to end, but they let me do it. Eventually, shampoo was added, and they were rinsed and dried as much as possible with towels.
At one point, Baby put her front feet and all her weight on the door - I thought she was going to get free! But no, I kept them in until it was time.
I opened the doors, put my clothes back on, and watched them race through the house and rub their fur all over my furniture, the carpet, and everything except my bed. I guess the doggy blanket worked, but not how I expected it to.
They were then given their dinners, and they don't smell like beagles any more. Now, they smell like wet dogs and doggy shampoo.
Do I ever have to do this again?
They feel soooo soft!
7 comments:
That's pretty much how I do it too. The shower is the best place for dog baths in my books. I never got brave enough to do 2 at a time though. One at a time was all I could handle. I don't have a door on the shower only a curtain. It is raining snow right now here in Northern Ohio and we still have snow where we had mounds from shoveling and snow blowing...Big mess is what it is called.
'On Ya' - ma
Thanks for reminding me why I don't have pets anymore. I'd forgotten.
Mrs. L
I love how Toby feels after he gets his once in a blue moon bath. He will avoid the bathroom at all cost. He knows what going in there means. Once in he resigns himself and just wants to get it done. No matter what we cover, he will find what isn't covered to rub up against. I think it's in a book of rules written by and for dogs.
BTW - I let (make) Sonny give the dogs the bath. I admire that you got two at once.
Monica
I bet they feel better too! Our dog always acts more frisky.
We throw her in the tub though..she pouts for a while but afterwards she always forgives us.
I bet they're happily snoring now :-)
Martha
Oh! That Cherokee is the same way! The older she gets the worse she is. Last time the vet did it when he came out for Speedy Moon (miniature stallion). Lakota and Shawnee have never needed theirs cut?? Outside more? Sometimes I see Lakota chewing on his.. so wonder if he trims them. lol My cocker spaniel did too. She was sooo hard to groom and when she got wet... she really got wet!! The vet told me not to bath my Shepherds anymore than 3 times a year. Will dry out their skin. He said to take some baby power.. very small amount.. sprinkle in my hand.. rub hand together and get rid of a lot and then rub them with it. It does help. Mine do not smell unless they are outside a lot. Just get the baby power out. I have 3 !!!! lmbo
Sounds like here! The ground is like a sponge! lol Laughing here! Your dogs are as spoiled as mine but they don't ever get on the beds! If one of them puts their front paws on the sofa or the screen door.. Cherokee (10 yrs.) growls them. She could never do that... so they sure are not either.lol Laughing again! You sneaky thing... you sound too much like me... but I have never gotten in the shower with my dog. lol Well...now you have nice clean dogs. lol When my dogs go out I have to clean .... 12 dirty feet !!! Really hard on my back! Have a great week. Janie
I take mine to a self service dog wash. Big tubs, shampoo, towels, brushed, dryers...the works. And, someone else cleans up afterwards. That's a bonus with goldens.
I will admit, we have not gone since we got the puppy. I know I can't manage two there on my own. Indie has been bathed a number of times in the kitchen sink, but he's too big for that now. They're both overdue.
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