Saving Truffle's Coat - Advice & Encouragement Needed!

[Jennifer & Truffle]

Hi there all you grooming experts. 

I took Truffle for his grooming today and received some bad news.  In part because Truffle is 10 months old and going through his coat change, and in part because he was recently neutered and had a cone on for two weeks, he has severe mats all over his body, particularly around his neck and under his chin.

The groomer called me to give me two options (1) shave him down to what will likely be almost his skin (or if we're lucky 1/4 inch) or (2) attempt to demat him with a rake over the next 10-14 days, doing a small portion of his body 30-60 minutes a day so that when I bring him in again, they can get through any remaining mats without torturing our little monster.

I feel like a completely incompetent dog owner.  I comb him almost daily, yet I was obviously doing a crappy job.  Anyway, the thought of option (1) made me cry (I was sobbing on the phone to my husband who must think I've lost all sense of perspective), so I am now determined to make enough headway with the mats to salvage Truffle's beautiful fleece coat.

The groomer gave me a good rake to use and showed me how to use it, and I hope I can make progress without hurting Truffle or getting too discouraged.

The groomer told me he's had one client in 12 years who managed to successfully demat her dog and save her dog's coat, so I know it's not impossible.  But I also know that it's going to be very difficult.  I refuse, however, to give up without a fight.  If we ultimately have to shave it down, I'll at least know that I tried my best to avoid it (although had I really tried my best, perhaps he wouldn't be as matted as he is  now).

Anyway, would love any practical advice on how to remove the mats (which are all, for the most part, big and clumpy and close to his skin) - including how to keep Truffle still for short periods of time while I work on them (he will be getting lots of yummy treats over the coming days, that's for sure).  And if you have good luck wishes to spare, I'll happily accept them!  Thanks in advance for the support

[Jennifer & Truffle]

UPDATE ON TRUFFLE'S COAT. After a week of trying to remove as many mats as we could, we were unable to conquer the beast, so to speak.  After getting a second opinion, and deciding that Truffle really didn't need to be put through the torture of our continued and mostly futile attempts at dematting, we finally bit the bullet today.  Our groomer did a fantastic job of saving as much fur as he could, and in the process, we discovered that Truffle has some pretty cool markings under all his fluff. 

I wrote about the experience (and my experience as a dog "mom" more generally in a blog post entitled "The Third Child I Never Thought I'd Have" that will appear soon on DK. If you'd like to read it sooner, it also appears on my personal blog, www.pinkmenot.com, HERE.

And if you don't have time to read the blog, but want to see a picture of Truffle defluffed, here you go.  Thanks again to all of you for all of your great advice and encouragement!  Have a wonderful weekend.

[Rosella T]

Personally I think he looks incredibly handsome and I love his spotty coat! He looks like a yummy marble cake! Also your blog post is wonderful and touching and I love it! It made me smile on this rainy Friday afternoon, so thanks! :)

[Jennifer & Truffle]

Thanks so much, Rosella! I fully expected to cry (again) when I picked him up at the groomer's.  Instead, when he came bounding out, I couldn't help but grin from ear to ear.  Your marble cake simile is just perfect.  Have a wonderful weekend!

[Rosella T]

Thank you so much, Jennifer!

I always say my Omar looks like a Werther's caramel and our cat's head looks like a scoop of vanilla ice cream. I think I have a bit of a sweet tooth when it comes to cute pets. ;) You enjoy your weekend too!

[Deb's Yarrow and Schatzi]

Oh Wow! What a unique and fabulous coat! Marble cake indeed! He looks quite pleased with his fine self.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Truffle looks great. Who would have thought his markings were so complex. You will all be happier now : )

[Jennifer & Truffle]

Thanks, F and Deb - my little one loves him this way and I just can't get over how trim he is under all the fur! Have a great weekend.

[F, Calla & Luca]

You too.

[Judi Kilpatrick]

Long or short, Truffle's coat is beautiful! I know this was stressful but it will grow quickly and he will probably enjoy the shorter coat during the summer heat. His coat is so unique, can't wait to see how it grows out over the next few months.