Puppy Grooming

[Kim, Abby & Beckett]

So, Abby (who will be 8 months old this week) went in for her second grooming Saturday. The first grooming visit a few months ago was more of a trim than an actual cut. The experience was great for both myself and Abby. However, the groomer was a little overpriced and farther away from my home than I would like. 

I live in Florida, where we are having a hotter than usual spring. Abby has been panting all the time, even when inside in air conditioning. So I finally made the decision to have her cut short for the spring/ summer. But this time I took her to a groomer who was closer to me, well recommended and a bit cheaper.

I am very nervous when it comes to taking Abby to the groomer. I am very specific. I take in photos and tell them exactly what I like and don't like. The groomer's response after my lengthy explanation was "I completely understand and don't worry, I won't let her look like a poodle." Well, when I went to pick her up, I was shocked to see her head and face (my favorite feature of my little girl) was cut like a poodle. They did the top of head poof that I specifically said I did not want. The pigtail like ears I said not to do. They also shaved the bridge of her nose between her eyes and when I say shave I mean down to the skin. I told them not to cut her nose at all. I was so disappointed, even Abby felt less cute as normal. I know that sounds odd, but while she was happy at the groomer's and loving on everyone, she got mopey as soon as she got home. She laid around all weekend, mostly in her crate (which is rare when I am home with her). I feel so badly. 

I know this may be dramatic. And I know it will grow out. But I am beating myself up for not only going to a new groomer, but getting her groomed at all. I miss my fluffy faced little girl. And I hate that her personality has changed with this new hairdo. I am hoping it is just a phase. I know nothing bad happened at the groomer's. They didn't even put her in a crate while she was there. They said she was very well behaved.

Here are some photos, in hopes of helping those of you who have to take your pups in to the groomer.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

[Cherri Lynn Kading]

I try to brush Jacki every day, too, but she HATES it!!! I have to actually put leather gloves on so she doesn't bite up my hands. What can I do to get her relax while I brush? I am afraid to take her to a groomer because I don't want the groomer to get mad at her.

[Cherri Lynn Kading]

I think she is adorable before and after :) I just want to cuddle her!!!

[Debra & Bailey]

Oh I'm sorry this happened...we had the same thing happen to our little Bichon. The groomer shaved his face bare and cut his nails right to the quik and they had all bled- he looked horrible I could have cried. That day I went and bought $100.00 clippers (the cheaper ones dont work very well) and I trimmed him from then on. I will trim our doodle too I'm just sending her to the groomer to get her use to being trimmed well I'm healing from surgery.

On the bright side their coats grow pretty fast and she will be looking as cute as before and goofy as ever :D