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

[Wendy and Myla]

I love the last pic - it's higher so not so hard on your back!  I do Myla in our shower stall - with a hand held shower head and long hose - it works well BUT my back is killing me when we finish plus I'm almost as wet as she is when we're finished!  I would love to have a custom dog shower that was higher!!  Have fun designing!  I'm jealous!!!!

[Willow and J]

Yay~! Dog lovers and dog shower!! I was wondering about you the other day, how you're enjoying your first winter as a homeowner. 

For the shower, you'd need a doggie ladder, but it'd save a lot of back pain if there's a way to elevate the shower area like in the last picture.

[Donna K & Quincy]

That is really cool! Too bad you live so far away, I would pay you to let me use it. :>) This guy doesn't happen to be cute and single does he? 

I miss you, we don't see enough of you around here. I'm looking forward to the pics of the finished product.