Back to College at How Old!

My first day at College, Tuesday 22nd September 2009.

It felt a little strange to be going back to school at my age but you know what they say - you are never too old!

Anyway, arrived far too early. Waited in car and noticed another older lady doing the same. Anyway, 9.00 am arrived and the students descended on the Dog Grooming Parlour. Needless to say all were 18 and 19 year olds, a 16 year old, me and the other older lady whose name is Denise.

The day was taken up with loads of form filling, ID badges being issued, being shown around the main college etc.

In the afternoon we had introductions and talked about what the next week would be.

I was a little relieved to find another older person in the group although I have to say the younger ladies were very friendly and didn't make us oldies feel out of place and quite right to!

29th September 2009

College day. Today after arriving we were hurdled towards a room where we had to take a Basic Skills Test (Mmmm.....) maths never being my strong point and I have to say didn't do very well (cough, cough) was one of the tests. The English test was a breeze.

This led up to lunch. Time to interact with the girls and we were having quite a laugh.

After lunch we had to split into pairs and did a bit of dog handling. We had to carry out basic health checks, ears, eyes and nails. Now the one area I am less confident on is the one of nails. Our Tutor, Jane, knowing this being a major issue for me, decides to show how it is done and then I have to have a go!

My partner, Kylie, and I carried out our checks on Ben, an English Springer and Susie a black and white Jack Russell. I clipped a couple of nails and then helped Kylie as she didn't like doing the nails at all.

After this, we headed over to another site where we had more theory to do covering Health & Safety, COSHH, RIDDOR and Insurance. With homework assigned this ended the 2nd week.

Bailey

SEPTEMBER 2009

Welcome to Bailey an adorable Cocker Spaniel puppy who was my first puppy trim.

Bailey is 4 months old and my neighbour wanted him bathed and trimmed and I also did a little pet sitting for him too.

I asked my neighbour how she would like Bailey trimmed and basically she asked for a little of his coat (but not too much) and she felt his feet needed seeing to the most.

My neighbours also asked whether we could look after Bailey whilst they attended a wedding and it didn't take too much to oblige (I did offer a few weeks earlier, to be fair).

He got on very well with our dogs Rolo and Barney and had a great time, especially chasing Barney round (all day!). I think Barney met his match at last.

Anyway, later in the day after Bailey had calmed down from all the excitement, I decided to start his mini grooming session. I cleaned his ears and eyes and just thinned out his coat a little. His tail really didn't need much attention. I then set to trimming his feet which were really fluffy. It was funny because once his feet were done they actually looked even bigger (how odd).

We then gave him a bath (my daughter Sarah just couldn't resist lending a hand). I used a coconut shampoo and herbal conditioner.

He was then finished off with the hand dryer and sprayed with a finishing spray. I think he enjoyed the experience and I hope his next visit is just as joyful for him. I certainly enjoyed trimming my first puppy.