Mr Bentley - My Guilts - Big Time

[Pauline Mooney]

So, Mr Bentley went for his haircut yesterday - oh my gosh. I picked him up around 3pm and honestly tried to prepare everyway I could, but when they brought him out I could've cried there and then - how immature is this? They could've been giving me another dog he looked so different. He's skinny! His lovely chunky legs and feet - gone! no longer a polar bear, but a poodle, nothing against poodle's, but I didn't want one. He knows there's something different, he's twitchy. I'm sure his skin must be itchy? I feel so so guilty. I know I researched as much as I could, and I know I tried every product there is, but I wish I'd known ahead of time that around 1 year old this could happen, maybe I would've been more prepared or even not allowed his coat to stay as long as I did - I don't know, I keep looking at him and he even seems sad, does that make sense to anyone? He runs outside and throws himself onto the ground and rolls and rolls, he must be trying to scratch his back or something.

The groomer said the mats had gotten so bad in the week we were on vacation that they had joined together. When she clipped him she said it came off in one sheet a bit like a sheep!
So anyone with a new goldendoodle you should be aware of this happening to your baby, maybe even discuss this ahead of time with your groomer to see what preventative action you could take.

[Chris & Boys]

Hi Pauline,
I have read about this when Fozzy, now 11 mos, was about 6 mos. So, I have been taken preventative measures (getting him cut short at 8 months) to help with the coat problem. But at this point, he really still hasn't started to blow out his puppy coat. This is puzzling to me since I have been expecting nightmares. So, I am keeping my fingers crossed that when it starts, I can catch it right away.

Don't feel so bad, it will grow on you.

[Pauline Mooney]

Hi Chris, enjoy, enjoy. As long as he doesn't start to mat you should be ok. But once you see one another will not be far behind it. At least now you know to keep checking. Fozzy is just gorgeous too.

[Doris]

Bodi always rolls after a trip to the groomer. We say he is trying to get the "beauty parlor" stink off of himself! And yes, he is a bit uncomfortable after his cut, especially on his bottom which is cut so short. This all stops after a day or two. Just tell him how much you love him!

[Pauline Mooney]

Hi Doris, Thanks for your advice. I think Bentley is in heaven, I'm loving all over him so he won't feel self conscious!! How crazy am I?

[Pauline Mooney]

Hi Jane,
You're absolutely right, he's still my beautiful Bentley. I just hate if I hurt his feelings or like when he was neutered - gosh I was overcome with how bad I was to do that to him. But of course that too was the right thing to do. I'm just a worry loon! Thanks for taking the time to comment though - it does make me feel better.

[Jodi Edsall]

The same exact thing happened to me. Bailey was known for how gorgeous she looked. But around a year old she seemed to mat overnight, even though I brushed her daily. The groomer shaved her like a sheep and it all came off in a sheet. I did not recognize her and was somewhat embarrassed to even walk her, people would ask if she was poodle. I have had bad experiences with groomers and feel that they sometimes shave them down to the skin because it is easier. I now groom both of my doodles myself and keep their hair length at a manageable 3 inches.

[Pauline Mooney]

Jane, without doubt the teddy bear look is gorgeous!

[Pauline Mooney]

Jodi, Thanks for your message. It honestly does help to know I'm not alone in how I feel. The picture of Bailey looks just like Bentley did. Is this her now or before she was shaved?
I think I may be keeping Bentley more manageable too. I just want the old Bentley back.

[Kelly]

Skeet has to go thru this from time to time because he gets wet and muddy and when it dries it matts. this last time
they shaved his tail ( I think he was a little miffed about that) but I just tell him how handsome he looks and in a day he is over it. He also feels better and in just a few days I can tell it is growing. Your baby will be back to normal in no time
mr. Bentley is still a looker!!

[Pauline Mooney]

Thanks Kelly, you know since his "trim" he's actually become more affectionate! Of course this could also be because my husband is away and I'm all there is ha! I have to go through all the emotions again when he gets back later today. I know he will be devastated as Bentley and him are "the men of the house", but like me, he'll get over it and you see beyond the look and see the Bentley who is always there with or without hair.
Skeet is gorgeous. Personality, you can see it in his face, bet he gets up to mischief?