This one says it all.

I know, I know, it's lazy of me not to write an original post for my blog.  However, when someone makes a video as truthful as this one, I just had to post it.  Apparently there are many groomers out there needing to vent.  The best part about this video is the "puppy cut" request.  We get that one daily.  Right down to the "my neighbor said I should request a puppy cut".  Seriously, they actually say that.  Enjoy.

If you are going to bathe your dog at home....

You have to also brush it!!!  I can't tell you how many times someone brings in a very clean, very fluffy little dog, who is covered in matting head to toe.  We call these matts, "bath matts" because that is exactly what causes them, too much bathing,and too little brushing (or more likely, no brushing at all).

This little girl came in after being left in a long trim in October.  Her owner had obviously been putting her in the tub weekly since then.   Thankfully, she realized the problem and didn't argue when I told her there was only one choice for the haircut today.

Yes, that is her coat lying on the table beside her.  It actually came off in one piece.  I bet she feels much better without that tight matting all over her body. 

In this photo I am holding it up so you can see it's all one huge matted pelt of fur. 

There was no other choice but to shave this dog down, trying to brush out that kind of extreme matting, would just be torture to the dog.  I don't do that.  She was no worse for the wear, and hopefully what I said to the client got through to them.    This kind of matting also happens when dogs constantly swim or get wet in the snow.   Usually, we see this kind of thing in the spring, but thankfully, even though the temps are really cold right now, her owners didn't wait.  Contrary to popular belief, matting will not dissolve in water, the only way to avoid this mess is to brush your dog out after each bath.  (preferably before AND after).

And you guys thought I was exaggerating!

That's the attitude!

Once in a while, we get complaints about pricing.  We hear "it costs more to have my dog's hair cut than it does my own".  Really??? Does your hairdresser also trim your nails as part of your haircut? Give you a whole body bath (eww) not to mention all the other things (no, really, I'm not going to mention them...you are welcome) that are done during the course of your dog's groom?  Oh, and do you actually hold STILL for your haircut? 

The other day this comment was heard at the front desk, it was given by a client dropping off her dog for a grooming.  "I wish I could get a full day at the spa for $50.00"

 A-men.

Another Mohawk, and the answer to yesterday's puzzle.

While downloading pictures from my phone yesterday, I found this guy. My co-worker did this mohawk.  Apparently the owner wanted all hair removed except that mohawk.  People are strange. 

Back to Mr. Adorable, Charlie...

So, since most people guessed Charlie's breed(s) on my facebook page instead of posting on the blog, let's do a re-cap.

We had the following guesses:  Yorkie-Maltese, Papillon-Lhasa, Lhasa-Terrier, Briard mix, Silkie-Fox Terrier,  Heinz 57, Papillon-Jack Russell-Westie or Cairn Terrier, Papillon- Shih Tzu, Papillon-Shih Tzu-Yorkie, Shih Tzu-Chinese Crested, and Shih Tzu- Corgi.    All great guesses, but none correct.  Charlie's Mom was.... a Pomeranian! Those who guessed he was part Shih Tzu, were right (well 1/2 right, anyway).  Thanks to all who tried.  I will have to find more interesting mixes to challenge you with.

Any Guesses?

This is Charlie

I think Charlie is one of the cutest mixed breed dogs I groom.  You've got to love those ears!!   Sorry for the rotten photo..it's from my phone, which isn't the best.   I wondered if anyone can guess what mix he is?  Right now Charlie is a young puppy, so he doesn't get much of a haircut yet, and I must admit, I think the scruffy look is perfect for him.  Check back tomorrow for Charlie's parentage, but I'd love to hear your guesses!

Grooming Clients Say the Darndest Things.

Client:  She (Cocker Spaniel) has stinky feet.  It's just awful.

Groomer:  Well, maybe once we trim the pads of her feet they won't stay so wet.  Hopefully that will help control the smell.

Client:  I don't know, her feet smell like gym socks.

Groomer:  (jokingly) "Maggie*, do you smell like a locker room?"

Client:  YEAH...she smells exactly like a dirty jock strap.

Groomer: ???? (silence)

*Dog's name has been changed to prevent embarrassment. :)