A New “Do” for a New You–Ruffles!

So many people do plan new changes for the New Year and I heard that by January 9th (yes the 9th!) many people have stopped the new diet plan, the new exercises, and most new “SELF” changes! Did you promise yourself anything new?

Well, my plans included wanting to get Ruffles– the wild, dirty-looking, and overgrown one– a new ‘do’.

In need of a new "do"

Of course I asked my friends with pets where they go and who they trust and generally what to expect–prices, techniques, and all the extras, and there really are so many options! It is quite a big list, especially for a person who has mostly had Boxers and a Lab for the last ten years. And decisions do slow me down!

It’s not like I could just take Ruffles on an impulse. I had to choose a day when I would have time to transport and supervise, as this would be her first time for a new doggy-wash and groomer. The summer wading pool and a good shampoo was no longer an option and she had stopped cooperating, deciding that I could only brush her for five minutes at a time no matter how many treats I offered.

Now you know Mae-be Baby (the afore-mentioned slick, short-haired Boxer who LOVES a bath!) was not the least bit pleased to see me putting the special collar and leash on Ruffles, nor did she like the fact that she was obviously going to stay home while the two of us were leaving for a possible adventure. Mae-be was sure that it meant Ruffles was the favorite!

Ha! i don't need a hair cut!

When you look at the photo of Ruffles at the Pet Laundry (that’s a great name, isn’t it?) you know Ruffles would gladly have let Mae-be take her place!

I want to go home--NOW!

Although we did have an appointment, other customers kept coming in with their special requests: “Just the nails”, ” A lion mane cut for the Pomeranian”, “A speed bath for the Chocolate Lab”, and “Do something cute, make it different for the Yorkie–Oh yes! Do put the muzzle on first!”  I was amazed at how expertly the two groomers/bathers were keeping up with all the detailed instruction, and that was amidst yaps, yelps, excited, bored, growling, get-me-out-of-here dog-speak!

The large bathing tub with a ramp and special door was available and sometimes a very heavy or senior dog would be gently lifted in. Then with the door put back in place the tub was filled, reminding me of the ads in the AARP magazine for walk-in tub baths!

I am NOT liking this!

Just so you know, Ruffs cares not one whit for this modern convenience–nor the air blower, nor the tables that can lift her up to grooming level—none of it! She would not accept any treats but she did whine her discontent–but she tried!

I felt so sorry to see that Ruffles looked really scared, but I kept my eyes on her! She stared longingly out the glass window by the grooming table and I could almost hear her thinking, “If only I was in my own yard right now! I could be rolling in the special dirt and leaves combo that I call a bath–and drinking water!” I was wishing I could give her some comfort but it had to be passed through eye-contact and support from a distance. After all, we do have a special bond!

Oh, I just want to go home!

With all the interruptions and sharing time with other dogs, Ruffles new “do” took 3 (THREE!) hours. But, Oh my goodness! What a cleaner, un-matted, trimmer looking dog!! Plus, her nails and ears–also cut and cleaned, plus grooming to another part of her body that I don’t need to mention here. Those of you who have furry, terrier, poodle-type dogs will know all about that, and the rest of you should be spared!

Let me just say here that Groomers do not get paid well-enough, so we tipped well!

The LION look, Oh No!

Ruffles was NOT happy for two days! She hid whenever and where-ever she could–even in 80 degree heat with full sunshine. And she would only eat treats, sticking her nose up at regular food. She sulked. Honestly! But they didn’t cut her all the way to pink skin, so no worries about chills or sunburn.  I think she just missed her own hair! It did look like they were shearing a lamb–almost!

Ruffles sulking under the bench

So if you have been thinking of a new “do” for the new year, Ruffles has some advice! She says, “What the Woof? And Hold out for ALL the treats you can get!”

Blessings, Beth and the girls