Clean puppies are happy puppies (and so are mom and dad)

Having 2 of the shaggiest beasts from the animal kingdom requires maintenance that I never truly understood. Hand to God, Hubby and/or I brush and de-matte the pups every other day, but somehow they still manage to create knots the size of, well, you know.

After being asked kindly to never return to 2 local PetSmarts due to behavioral issues and too much work, I was running out of options. I would find myself scanning PetSmart and Petco websites for new store openings within a 30 miles radius thinking, "Surely Barney's name can not be in a nationwide system and I can try this one".

Until one day earlier this summer, I finally found my answer. My neighbor told me about a mobile grooming service that will come to your house and take the stress and hassle away from dealing with "factory grooming salons". No longer would I have to deal with rushing my dog into a grooming salon at 7 am only to retrieve him at 4pm wearing dark sunglasses and a hooded sweatshirt. I would wait for Barney amidst a sea of snickering young adults and bitter beauty school drop outs commenting about how bad the beardie is or what a bad puppy parent I am. I couldn't deal with the pressure or harassment and the final blow of, "we would appreciate it if you didn't bring Barney anymore". What can I say, the pup does not like anyone raking through his nest of mattes, buzzing his ears and the worse possible treatments taking place near his rear (can you blame him). It would take all day for anyone to groom Barney and come on, I know I can only last 2 hours max at a salon. Imagine poor Barney being groomed in a cold place full of angry little people, sitting in a dark cell and being groomed the equivalent of a full work day? Not to mention we still had to get Kelcey on a schedule. (at this point I would ask myself, "and why don't we have kids yet")

My saving grace came in the form of a man named Russ. Russ and his business partner came over this week barreling down my street in a Ford F-150 with a Mobile Grooming Trailer hitched to the back. Russ came to my front door, picked up Barney with a smile on his face and headed to the trailer for Barney's fluff and stuff. Well, I am exaggerating. Barney wouldn't get off the grass (we have the invisible fence) so Russ had to pick Barney up and throw him over his shoulder while Barney was at least 2 heads above Russ scanning the neighborhood with a look of "I hope no one seems me, this is so embarrassing" (not that I could really see his face but you get the idea). Well, let me tell you, if anyone in your area offers this service, book them now. Don't ask about pricing, references or openings - take what they have and pay them any amount, offer them fine china, ipods or your 401k. I don't care if you don't have a dog, let him color your hair, cut your toe nails or manscape for you - he is worth it. Russ is the friendliest guy I have ever met in the grooming world and patient as can be. Not only did he not bad mouth the most precious boy pup on the planet, he actually accepted an appointment for later this year. AND he even managed to groom my little girl pup without complaints.

Here are the "Before-And-After, Glamour Shots by Deb" of the best groomed pups in my town!

Mommy loves her little babies!!

BEFORE

AFTER