Tiki’s First Non-Home Haircut!

Yesterday I wrote about the upcoming grooming appointment for Tiki, her first “real” haircut (that I didn’t do myself!) Well, today was the big day!

We had a 7am appointment at our local PetSmart for a spring grooming session. It was definitely time for a haircut; Tiki was so hot (we’re already in the 80s and 90s here), her feathers were matted, and she was shedding like crazy.

John stayed home with Irie (she does *not* like to be separated from Tiki), and I headed off on the beauty appointment. I talked to the groomer about the type of cut I’d like and Tiki’s need to cool off. The groomer planned a hand-scissoring with a “tunnel tummy,” shearing the hair on her lower belly so it will be nice and cool when she lies on the floor! I also talked to the groomer about Tiki’s claustrophobia; I arranged for her to have an “express cut” so she’d be hand dried instead of kennel dried. Then I tucked out of sight so the groomer could get to work.

I peeked around at Tiki (so I could see her but she couldn’t see me):

When Tiki headed back for her shampoo, a second groomer came out and told me how well she was doing. Later, another groomer came out to tell me how well she was doing with the hair dryer. The store manager stopped by several times to see if I needed anything and to tell me how well he thought Tiki was doing, looking relaxed and happy on the grooming table. Everyone was so patient with this dog’s first visit to the groomer (and this nervous dog mom’s first visit, too!)

And, just so you know, no one there knows me or knew of any connection to DogTipper. I left my personal email when I registered, not my DogTipper email, so this was an anonymous visit.

When it was all done, Tiki even got a “report card”!

Tiki had two little hair bows and a bandana:

Her matted hair was gone (even around her elbows, where I thought she’d need to be sheared…nope…they’re fluffy and soft now!) She smells wonderful, and her nails are trimmed, too.

We arrived home, and Irie was so excited to see Tiki. I think Tiki was very proud of her new look! Of course, after all the blow drying and brushing and wonderful-smelling shampoo, her first act as soon as she stepped in the gate was to hop in her “pool”…

Dogs will be dogs!!

Disclosure: Tiki received a coupon for a complimentary groom at PetSmart. We were not paid for our review and all opinions are strictly our own…and Tiki’s…