Dog Lovers Rock!

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Dog people are just the best!

 

I'm hiring a contractor to build me a customized doggie shower in the basement. Sounds a bit elaborate for someone who only a few months ago was complaining of how expensive home ownership is; but I swear it is really not going to be so pricey, and at this point it is becoming a bit of a necessity. Bending over my deep soaker tub is too hard on my back and leaves me in agony for a couple of days. My house is a dirty mess from eight muddy paws running around the house, and bringing those freshly muddied paws up the carpeted stairs for a soak in the tub isn’t my idea of a good time.

 

When I bought the house I paid for a groupon thingy for a full day of service from this guy and I haven't used it yet. Before it expired I called him out to the house to give me an estimate on a few things for my basement down the road and to get a sense of what he thinks he can accomplish with the one day groupon as a start. So when I sheepishly slipped in my idea of having a doggie shower in the basement his eyes lit up. Yep, he's a dog person. On and on we went, planning, plotting and scheming this fun new project. He says he can do the labour in the one day that I had already paid for, and he offered to help me source materials on the cheap - and he wasn't kidding either.

 

He called me the other day and told me to go to a particular plumbing supplier and ask for a guy named Victor who could help with materials and supplies. Victor is a parts guy who works in the warehouse\clearance area of a huge high-end bathroom fixture and plumbing company. My contractor told me he had mentioned this project to him and it turned out he had done something similar and had lots of ideas for me. Today I went to see Victor, and once again was graced by the wonderful enthusiasm that emanates from every true dog lover. He explained the design he used and then proceeded to hook me up with at least $600-$700 worth of supplies, including a high-end faucet, tap, shower pan, and hand held shower head with hose, along with piping and fittings. With an extra half off "dog lovers" discount from the already heavily reduced clearance prices I paid $140 and now have everything I need plumbing and fixture wise. Let's hope I find another dog lover during next week-end's trip to Home Depot to purchase the rest of the materials (wood for the platform and steps, and some tiles).

 

After that, all I’ll need is a grooming table and perhaps even some clippers (and some lessons on how to use them) and I’ll have myself a fully functional doodle grooming station in the basement. If I can reduce the amount of money I spend at the groomers it will all be worth it :) ... if not, well then I’ll still have a really cool doggie shower in my basement to brag about.

 

Dog Lovers Rock!

 

p.s. here are some images that I'm using for inspiration.... mine won't be nearly this nice but it is nice to dream.

Modern Laundry Room

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

wow how exciting (though I'm totally jealous)!!  I can't wait for pictures of the finished product.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Sherri, This is sooo exciting! I gave sweet Kona a bath last week and paid for it in back pain for days. You are a wise woman. I live that you are getting a dog-lover discount!

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

And for anyone who thinks I might be going a bit overboard, at least I didn't bring home the luxery doggie whirlpool bath they had in stock!

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

My goodness, there are so many comments. And here I thought I would have been forgotten by now since I have been MIA - working long hours and trying to have something of a life outside of work.

I'm super excited about my new doodle shower. It will definitely help save my back and my carpet. I used to hop in the tub with the doodles, which helped a lot, but in my new house the tub is just too narrow. I will definitely post about it when it is all done.

The idea of using a hydraulic grooming table as a way to get Winston in and out of the tub is genius. I will definitely look into that!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Dog Lovers DO Rock!  Congrats on finding some to help you out.  This is a great idea, Sherri.  The picture samples are awesome. The last one is my favorite.

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

What a great idea and it sounds like you got quite the deal! Awesome! Can't wait to see the photos of the finished project!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

@Traci -- We have a dog wash in town that is a room at the local car wash.  It is set up with the big stainless tub and they even have shampoo that you can buy etc.

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Hey, you will also need a hair dryer if you already don't have one. I bought one for Christmas and I love it. I've got the K9 II dryer and I know that Laurie has a different type. But it's a professional strength dryer and the water just jumps out of the hair. Both of my dogs tolerate it just fine even on the "hurricane" setting.

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

I have ALWAYS wanted to do this, Sherri. Can you send your guys over once they are done? I can't wait to see the progress on it and the final product. Make sure you post another blog once it's done. We have an unfinished basement, so I currently use our guest bathroom with a tub. Needless to say my back hurts like hell by the time I'm done with both and all the dirt is plugging up the tubes. Once they are out of the tub, they shake, so my whole bathroom is covered in little spots and I have to clean the whole darn thing after every bath. Can't wait to see how yours turns out!

[Carol and Banjo]

OMD....that last one is to die for!    You'll have to share final results!!!