Dirty dogs are gross and believe me I've met many. Sometimes a dog is simply dirty with good old dirt; like when they have a good dig session. But then there are the times when they have just gone too long between baths and a big hug is all that is needed to know that it is bath day. Luke had a good digging session yesterday and it had been a while so that was my sign that it was bath day.
Sunny Sunday bath day; well at least two out of three got done. It is a strategic process, one that is well thought out with deliberate steps to the final results. Once one dog goes in the other ones stress; well at least the other poodle or poodles. These days Jessie isn't really aware of much other than feed time. I was going to put Luke in first; he was sitting beside me as I worked on the computer but then he left. This meant that I would have to call him to the bath; this is always a huge tip off and the shaking begins.
I opted for Jessie, she was sleeping so I just grabbed her and in she went. It is a quick procedure for a smooth coated 14 lb little gal. I put a good amount of shampoo on before the water; this is something that I started a couple of years ago when we had a bad flea problem. Soap goes on, then I add the water so there is instant suds just in case there are any stowaways on board. They cannot get out of the soap and drown quickly. Happily I saw no one emerge in attempts of saving themselves yesterday.
I achieved an unnoticed bath for Jessie, that is until I put her outside to dry. One shake and the waft of shampoo gave Luke a heads up. He stressed a bit and I resumed my computer work; Luke stared at me with suspicious eyes. Once I had worked for a while he let his guard down and I quickly ushered him into the shower. It was all done so quickly that there was no shaking or trembling and we moved right onto enjoying the massage. I always think that having a bath for a dog must feel pretty amazing.
But it's not a bath really is it? We always say our dogs are having a bath but they have showers. Even when they are standing in the bathtub they get a shower. My guys are always in the shower, we have two showers and one bath and they are never in the tub. We often see dogs on television in a tub in the yard or the bathtub but most people shower. Throwing your dog in the bathtub and filling it up could lead to a huge mess unless your talking about a tiny guy. Anyways, back to showering.
Once Luke was done it was outside to dry as well. He always has the zoom around after and I hang outside with him until he is dry enough to come in. I then went to get Tilley who was snoring away; sound asleep tucked in a corner and I did not have the heart to wake her. So it is in the shower for her today. Done for at least a couple weeks and we start over again.