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

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Sherri, It is nice to see you back. I thought maybe you were involved in a torrid romance and had no time for us anymore :)

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I am so jealous. I HATE bending over to give my dogs baths in our bathroom. Hmmmm.....my I need to add this project to John's honey-do list :) LOL

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

Great!  That sounds like a great doggie station in the making.  Our basement stairs are far away from both the front and back door... we make do with a towel by each door and dry her paws enough that we can take her upstairs to the pull-down shower ;)

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Wow...I'm jealous!  I would love something like that in the basement.  I'm sick of trying to wipe those muddy paws in the front foyer so they don't ruin the carpets.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I can't wait to see the finished project.  If you buy a grooming table that is electric and raises and lowers you can actually use that to get them in and out of the tub.  That is how I do it.  Those tables aren't actually all that much more expensive than a regular table since it has to be a really sturdy table because of their size. 

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I think this is a brilliant project. The idea of having the tub at waist level and not having to bend is so good. How cool that you met some dog lovers who are helping out and saving you some money. I am looking at buying a  decent folding grooming table at the moment as I don't have a laundry room.  I'm planning in my mind a super duper laundry/grooming room. I will have to add an extension to the kitchen or else get one of those stand alone cabins for the garden....can't wait for your pictures of the finished shower. lets hope they go up those steps lol

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Thanks guys. The last one is my favourite, however mine won't be nearly as nice. We are going for basic and cheap, plus the rest of my laundry room isn't finished yet. I'm starting with the dog shower. Don't you just love my priorities? I will be building mine to standing height with some steps for Winston since I can't lift him. I really hope he takes to this as it is such a struggle to get him in the tub.

Donna, I miss you too!

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Those showers are awesome!  Which one are you leaning towards?   How nice for you and your Doodles:)

[DJ & Chance]

This made me smile.  Good for you!

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

I love that your having such a great experience with building your dog shower and meeting so many dog lovers and that they are helping you! Makes me just smile!!! Please update us when your shower is done! I always end up following my dogs into the shower for easier access and then end up sitting in the tub singing to them while bathing them. Sure I end up with wet clothes and is freezing cold by them time I'm done but its better on my back lol!