Mr Bentley - My Guilts - Big Time

[Pauline Mooney]

So, Mr Bentley went for his haircut yesterday - oh my gosh. I picked him up around 3pm and honestly tried to prepare everyway I could, but when they brought him out I could've cried there and then - how immature is this? They could've been giving me another dog he looked so different. He's skinny! His lovely chunky legs and feet - gone! no longer a polar bear, but a poodle, nothing against poodle's, but I didn't want one. He knows there's something different, he's twitchy. I'm sure his skin must be itchy? I feel so so guilty. I know I researched as much as I could, and I know I tried every product there is, but I wish I'd known ahead of time that around 1 year old this could happen, maybe I would've been more prepared or even not allowed his coat to stay as long as I did - I don't know, I keep looking at him and he even seems sad, does that make sense to anyone? He runs outside and throws himself onto the ground and rolls and rolls, he must be trying to scratch his back or something.

The groomer said the mats had gotten so bad in the week we were on vacation that they had joined together. When she clipped him she said it came off in one sheet a bit like a sheep!
So anyone with a new goldendoodle you should be aware of this happening to your baby, maybe even discuss this ahead of time with your groomer to see what preventative action you could take.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

So sorry Pauline (and Mr. Bentley)! At least it grows. I will make sure to keep a watchful eye on Peri's coat as she ages....she is still pretty soft, slightly curly, but no mat. Wonder if that will all change???

[Pauline Mooney]

Don't know how old Peri is? but if she's under one year old, if it were me, I'd keep her coat short and managable. I wish I'd known, but I just loved him being so fluffy.

[Joy Williams]

I know how you feel Pauline. We had the same thing with Morgan and Maddie last year. The groomer even kept the part they had to shave off of Morgan just to show us how it came off in one big piece. It really made them frisky after they got home as I am sure it felt good to them, but they really didn't act like they were sad or embarassed or anything. It took us a while to get used to seeing them like that, but, trust me, it WILL grow back! We now try to keep them a little bit shorter so it is so much easier to brush and keep those mats away. Just keep loving him and telling him how beautiful he is - he will be fine!

[Pauline Mooney]

Thanks Joy, I really appreciate the support from everyone. How crazy am I to be so upset? I think it's because he is sad too.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Bentley is probably picking up on your sadness - really! They are so smart, they get sensitive to our emotions and can even emulate them. I know that may sound nuts, but I truly believe that. If I baby one of mine, they sulk around and really play it up!
I will take the advice and keep her groomed and a bit shorter. Thanks for bringing the topic up...

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Peri is 6 1/2 months, by the way!

[Pauline Mooney]

Hi Allyson, Thanks for all your support, gosh what would we all do without this great Doodlekisses!

[2qnpolyp1871h]

our doodle had to be shaved as well. she started getting a bunch of mats around 8 months old. i shaved her myself and left her tail and most of her head long. it's been a few months and it's starting to grow out. i'll be so glad when she's got long fur again, i just hope it doesn't matt as much anymore!

[2qnpolyp1871h]

[Pauline Mooney]

Ah she looks just like Bentley!

[Tammy & Gracie]

Gracie had to be shaved several times between 9 months and 1 1/2 year. Finally, I think the puppy coat is gone! Now she is not developing any mats or tangles. I certainly hope it remains that way as she grows out. I also have learned (I hope) and am now in the habit of combing some part of her everyday!

[Pauline Mooney]

How in love with our dogs are we all??? Gracie is just so cute though!