Damn I lost the photos!

I decided that today (Friday 19th June) I would groom my little man as he was rather looking like a permanent rug feature.

I started at 11.45 am and completed him at 2.45 pm. Way too long but I guess with more experience and time, I will be cutting this down somewhat.

I started the process, tools at the ready, grooming table and then I started.

Firstly, the brush out, he doesn't mind this part and then using a #7 blade I set to work with the clippers. I encountered matting problems under his legs. This was quite bad and took some time to rectify.

I wanted to retain his feathers on front legs and especially the tail. So I scissored these.

I then scissored the pads and clipped his nails.

By this time, Barney had been on the grooming table for quite some considerable time and started to get quite fidgety, almost where he started to go into panic mode of the table. So before the bath, I thought it best to let him have a rest whilst I cleared up the mess!

Once all hoovered, it was time for the bath. I used a medicated shampoo as his skin has some sore bits on, baby shampoo on his face and finished off with a herbal rinse. One thing, I thought ah! time for the anal glands but I couldn't find them and after some rather odd looks from Barney, I decided to leave this delightful chore until the next time.

Normally, one would then blast dry the pooch but once he was out of the bath, he scampered off, down the stairs and out into the sunshine. He was dancing and jumping around like a mad thing but I think he felt so much better without all the hair and dirt that he manages to acquire whilst out on his travels.

It was a hot. sunny day and when he was dried, he was then brushed through and and out of place bits were scissored for the finishing touch.

I know there are still things that I need to become proficient in and with time this will come. What was good to hear from my Daughters boyfriend was "He looks better everytime you do him" so that must be good!

I did take some before and after photos but whilst I was copying or cutting them from one device to another, I must had inadvertently deleted them in the process. So I have used some taken a short time before of what he looked like and re-took a few shots today (Sunday 21st June) of him now.

Making Decisions...

Today I re-focused on where I am heading as my big Birthday becomes ever more visible on the horizon.
You see, back in January of this year I decided that I wanted to do what I have always wanted to do, even from a very young age, that being in some way to be able to work with animals, especially the canine variety. I felt that it was going to be now or never and so I finally decided that I would do what it takes to eventually start my own business which would be to provide a Dog Grooming and Dog Psychology Service.
So I then started on the road of investigating into what I would need to do to reach my goal.
To-date I study a Diploma at home (Level 2 in Dog Grooming) which I will complete in September 2009.
I have a place at Writtle College, starting in September 2009 (City & Guilds Level 2). This should be completed in February 2010.
I have gained experience in a Dog Grooming Parlour working on Fridays.
I also do voluntary work at a local Animal Sanctuary where I groom the dogs and cats, this includes walking them as well (and ensuring the cats are also kept free of fleas - well as best you can!)

This blog is an account of how I finally reach my dream. It may not be everyone's dream but it is mine and I am very proud of myself that I have taken the decision to get my dream. It's all very well having dreams but it's making them happen that counts.

To-day I decided to get myself a book on setting up a new business. There are things I need to understand, well it's a start at least.
Also, working at the Dog Grooming parlour is not giving me the real hands on that I need and so I am going to devote my time on Fridays to grooming my own dogs, those at the Sanctuary and doing some dog training or study.