Saturday I spent the majority of the day bathing my own dogs #whew…
The boys needed a bath. # baddddd
As Harley shows new interest in “nose work” activity – sniffing out leaves, twigs and sticky things from under hedges and bushes…
Jaxson’s chemistry with this summer heat and humidity has created a real funky musky scent. Mix that homegrown fragrance with the damp odor from under his chin (he’s Jacques Cousteau in his water bowl) and you’ve got a hot mess express called “stank.”
Mid week, in the car – I caught a whiff and immediately nick-named him “big sour”…
It was close to 90 degrees that day, and I needed both air conditioning with the windows down as we drove to our destination. #funkydoodle
WORKING DOODLES –
This will be Harley’s first “official” work week with me…
Therapy dogs must be clean.
Many Therapy Dog Organizations require your dog has a bath 24 hours before you volunteer.
I can’t honestly say I do that – but I am conscience about how he looks, feels and most of all smells.
Their groomer was out of town this weekend – the weekend they should have had a bath. So I did what I don’t like to do – I bathed them myself!
BATHING DOODS MYSELF –
To bathe both Harley & Jaxson drains me. I know my limitations, pawhaps that’s why I gave up regular mani’s and pedi’s so that I could budget for more grooming appointments.
I packed up all my gear: shampoo, conditioner, detangling spray, brushes, combs, fragrance oils and headed to a place where I could use their dog tubs and blow dryers.
Jaxson, my Doodle Dolphin likes the tub…
When I’m at the other end of the hose, he thinks it’s our time for water aerobics. I spray him – he shakes back. Hard to tell whose soaked more – him or I. By the time I’m finished, he’s exhausted…
The sad part is so am I – but I have one more Dood to wash!
Harley is the pawfect client – however, his hair is dense and seems to hold both shampoo AND the water, so he requires additional time lathering and rinsing. #ohmyachingback
THE BENEFITS –
But bathing my own dogs has tremendous benefits.
The one benefit that always trumps my aching back and shriveled up fingers is the intimacy I have with their bodies.
When they’re wet I’m able to examine their skin, feel all over for lumps and/or bumps. As I blow dry, I can see even more.
I used to bathe them often in the past – somehow I’ve gotten away from that. Saturday was a reminder – I need to do this more often – pawhaps once a month.
It took me from 1:45pm to 4:40pm but I don’t think I did that bad…
They still seem to love me…
I have a grooming table and a place on my porch to work, I just need a blow dryer for dogs. Gonna hop on my research train this week.
If you own a blow dryer for dogs I’d love to know which one you use and how much you like it.
Today is Monday, may your coffee be hot and your eyeliner even ❤
June 4, 2018
Nice job! Bathing is hard work…for both bather and bathee. Have great visits this week!
June 4, 2018
My lower back was a little sore on Sunday – today it’s all the way live. My body is seriously aching…. Thanks, I’ll keep you posted on their first week.
June 4, 2018
Loved this post! My favorite was the little side bar shout out to Biggie. Lol…love it when you call me big sour! Haha!!!! Thanks for brightening my Monday!
June 4, 2018
Hey Kristen – you’re a woman with my kind of humor! Found yourself singing that song all day long didn’t you? LOL Thanks for stopping by – please come back again soon…
June 4, 2018
Wow, you did Great. I only tried that one time & that was when Ziggy was about 6 months old lol. I applaud you
June 4, 2018
Girl, don’t applaud the foolish LOL But it had to be done – doubt I’ll do both of them on the same day again though.
June 5, 2018
Sorry to hear about the bath boys. Madison had to have one after her playdate because she smelled like a swamp! It’s a rare occasion when my Mom bathes us. Usually she sends us off to the spa as it is such a chore. Good for you to tackle the task on your own! PS On the dryer, we use what is called zoomies in the yard to dry off our furs!
June 7, 2018
You.Are.Patient !!!! They look great after the bath. Well done my dear! I wash them, towel them off and then collapse!! Well dome!
June 10, 2018
The sore back is precisely why I never tried giving Callie and Shadow baths on my own. That, plus the fact that we just don’t have anywhere I could do it. I used to give Kissy her baths, but she was only 14#s at her heaviest and very cooperative in either the bathtub or kitchen sink. She was my easy girl. Ducky gets her baths at daycare.
The boys look handsome after their baths! And when I read “Jaxson is Jacques Cousteau in his water bowl” I about spit out my iced coffee! Callie always made me think she was a female version. But I didn’t think you’re even old enough to know who JC is, let alone remember him.
June 10, 2018
It’s not my all time favorite hobby or chore – but they’re down a groomer, and with summer vacations already in full gear – it’s been difficult to get an appointment. It’s my fault because I used to schedule months out, but I just forgot – #ohwell I am now back on schedule through till the end of September. Jaxson is a pure slob with his water – I’ve got drip stains all over the hardwood floor because my kitchen isn’t finished yet. He’s a hot mess! But I love him!