Mr. Funny Face

[Camilla and Darwin]

I previously blogged about the Halloween party we took Darwin to. Well, while we were there we won a free grooming, full service. Of course, this doesn't mean hand scissoring, just a shave.This is pretty awesome, considering that most groomers charge 65 plus dollars for a dog of Darwin's size! I always groom him myself, because I want to save money, I have been quoted over 40 dollars for a simple bath and brush! Anyways, I also hear a lot of sad stories about doodles coming back looking like bobble heads. Seemed safer to do it myself. (not that doing it myself works out all of the time... LOL)

Despite not wanting him to look bad, I decided to use the free grooming. It is definitely time for a shave down anyways, as it was taking me up to an hour to brush Darwin every night. He wasn't matted due to a rigorous brushing schedule, thank goodness, but once snow comes it's even harder to stay on top of it.

I knew he would probably coming back look silly and he did. I wanted them to cut him down to at least 1" so I could put off grooming him myself again for as long as possible. But I specifically told them to not to shave the bridge of his nose or "scoop out" the eyes like they tend to do. I just wanted them to do a 1" cut all over his whole body. they ended up shaving both his nose and eyes anyways... oh well. So he looks pretty silly but surprisinngly I really don't care. He's soft and seems comfortable and it will grow out in no time. Plus, I think he looks kind of cute... in a goofball way. :-)

Before the Grooming:

I present to you, Mr. Funny Face

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Darwin looks like VELVET!!! The cut came out really nice but I understand about not getting what you asked
for!! :(
It seems that groomers who can actually follow instruction are few and far between for some reason!

[Donna K & Quincy]

I just bet he is so soft you can't stop running your hands over him. This is pretty much what Quincy looks like after each trip to the groomer, it takes a little getting used to but they are always cute just different. It grows back really fast, he is not shaved and you get a couple of weeks with no or mimimal brushing. It's all good! Oh yes, and it was FREE.

[Camilla and Darwin]

I guess I should clarify, I don't think they did a bad job. He looks a heck of a lot smoother than when I groom him! I was just saddened that they ignored my directions to not scoop out the eyes and shave the bridge of his nose. I wanted him to be the exact length over his whole body but he isn't. Like I said though, I don't really care. :-) It's pretty shocking to actually see his eyes though... I'm not used to that. LOL

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I have to agree with Caitlin...Darwin always looks adorable! His coat looks soooo soft! I honestly don't think they did such a bad job, I've seen much worse.