We are still down in Nottingham and I want to report a conversation between Gail and her mother's 'help' Christine*, as overheard on Friday.
"Oh Christine, by the way, are you still working at the dog grooming parlour? How is that going?"
"Yes, I'm still there two mornings a week, helping wash and dry the dogs. I really enjoy it but business has been a bit slack lately."
(At this point I can hear the cogs in Gail's brain whirring.)
"Hmm. So. Do they do hand stripping there?"
(I think you can tell where this is heading).
"Oh yes, they do all that. Is Bertie stripped?"
"Yes I do it myself, rather amateurishly, as you can tell. I'm afraid he's looking very scruffy at the moment and I can no longer see his eyes. But I haven't the time or the tools down here to tidy him up. I am wondering if they could give him a good grooming at your place?"
(What! I have never ever been to a professional groomer before!! Please please please Christine, tell Gail they don't do bouncy wire-haired fox terriers!!!)
"Oh yes, I'm sure they'd be delighted to have him in. I'll find out when they have a slot."
There followed a long and detailed conversation about my grooming needs. "Absolutely no scissors on the black patch, doesn't mind his tail being stripped, sensitive underbelly, neat ears and beard etc. etc." Gail then turns to me:
"So Bertie, you'll be all smart and trim for your upcoming VERY SPECIAL Valentine date with Addi. Won't that be nice?"
"BUT ADDI LIKES ME THE WAY I AM!"
*PS from Gail: I don't think Christine reads this blog, but I want to sing her praises as she has been such a star in helping me care for my mother. In difficult circumstances one finds out who the truly kind, generous and effective people are, and Christine has proved worth her weight in gold. So I am more than happy to help bring some custom to her other business. Bertie is now booked in for 2nd February. It will be interesting to see what they make of him and he of them...
I don't think there are a thing as too scruffy. My momma has some other ideas though.
ReplyDeleteOh No, Bertie. That's Groundhog Day! You don't want that to keep repeating, do you?
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful to find such a caring and generous person to help you and your mum.
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteBertie lad, as long as you don't return with a twist in your tail... all will be good!!!
Gail - so glad to hear of your helper; perhaps a pamper session at the two-leggers' parlour whilst you wait for Bertie would be in order? Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx
Oh Bertie you are going to be a real smarty pants!
ReplyDeleteMum agrees about your helper, it does make such a difference as Mum is finding put
Loves and licky kisses
Princess Leah xxx
I am so glad you have such good care for your mum, Gail. A friend of mine said recently, "Look to the helpers." And there she is!
ReplyDeleteIt's fantastic Bertie is going to a groomer. Way to go.
Sending you much love and energy.
Renee & Tootsie
Scruffy never, handsome always. Have a marvellous Monday.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes Molly
Crikey Bertie ..... sorry mate but you are looking scruffy!!! Not that that is bad mind you ....... but scruffy you are!! Mum assures me you will feel much better once it's over. Easy for her to say, aye??
ReplyDeleteIf you ask me... I prefer the wild look ... but humans think different, so you will have your spa-day in february :O) I'm glad you have such a super friend like Christine, our fur is howly and it's good if someone we know and we can trust will do our hair styling. My mom still remembers the nightmare as my grampy came home with the Foxterrier who accidentally got a poodle cut...the whole family cried, except Terry, she jus was glad that the procedure was over :o)
ReplyDeleteEasy Rider
Personally we kinda of like the fuzz butt look - it adds such character but there that important date with addi coming up and you do want to look your best
ReplyDeleteBertie: You must share with Gail that Miss Addie will love you however you look, but we do understand her concerns. Muzzer has stressed that the scruffy look (which I personally love) will only be allowed to go "so far" and I am off to see my groomers. Be your charming self and they will love you too.
ReplyDeletegus
The things we SUFFER to look good for our wimmin. Man.
ReplyDeleteOMD OMD doesn't she KNOW that Addi likes you Just as you ARE??? OMD OMD Bella and ROXY and Dui are RIGHT... NOT ON GROUND HOG DAY ! OH MY NO... it cause you to be caught in a HORRID LOOP and you could end up NEKKID...
ReplyDeleteNO NO NO..... tell her you will not go.
Spa day is in your n at future
ReplyDeleteLily & Edward
OH Dear Sweet Bertie...into each life a little turmoil most follow...as if your previous emergency surgicals weren't enough...now you have to clipped snipped and stripped. Well the good news is Christine is a very kind caregiver to Human Grandma so we are sure she will be very kind and gentle handed to you too.
ReplyDeletePlease give Gail and HGMa a nose tap from me.
Hugs madi your bfff
PS no you are not scruffy but...we must admit to loving to see your eyes and please ask Christine to be most careful with that gorgeous WFT tail
ReplyDeleteMadi and mom
you look lovely as always but I think there is no reason not too look your vet best
ReplyDeleteretro rover
Oh dear. Poor Bertie! The dog groomer is regarded with only slightly less fear than the vet by Horatio... But he always looks so handsome post visit. And is extremely bouncey too...
ReplyDeleteUh oh.....I would just go and get it over with Bertie, I here that they have good treats at the puppy day spa!!
ReplyDeleteSmileys!
Dory, Jakey, Arty & Bilbo
Well...Bertie...now you gots to give them a chance....ah you face is beginning to look like a Swiffer dust mop....come on we know you want to look your best!
ReplyDeleteThe Mad Scots
Wow! You hand strip him by yourself? How long does it take you? I've never gotten a chance to hand strip before and no one to teach me. I'd looove to hear more!
ReplyDeleteGail says: I do the stripping a little and often rather than letting the fur get very long and thick. Also, I only strip Bertie's neck, ears, back, haunches and tail. I trim his face and underbelly with scissors and don't really touch his legs. Still it is a slow process, and not good for mildly arthritic thumbs! His breeder gave me an hour long lesson in WFT grooming when Bertie was a few months old, but I've basically taught myself taught with some help from Youtube!
DeleteI started reading this blog because I found it while looking for handstripping information for my wfts. Linda, a US commenter on this blog, was kind enough to give me a few tips. Since then, I've avidly followed Bertie's adventures, envied his ability to train travel (and really could relate to the train escape) and generally expanded my horizons because of Bertie's trips. My grandfather was a Scot so I also have an interest in the geography and topography as ably modeled by Bertie. Often, Bertie's latest tale is the last thing I read before I go to sleep, with my own 2 wfts lying nearby, already out for the night.
DeleteTry as we might Bertie ... you can't avoid the grooming forever ... I hear uncie and mum talking about another round of fur cutting now ... in our summer they keep my furs very short because I can't tolerate long furs in our heat. When you start knocking into stuff because you can't see it's a weeny bit of a problem though!! Good luck. I'm sure the groomer will be gentle.
ReplyDeleteTail Wuggles, Rubie xxx
Bertie! We can't see your eyes!
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful that you have her to help - sometimes that in itself can really help put your mind at ease.
Still thinking of you and sending hugs,
Monty and Harlow
You look just lovely to me!
ReplyDeleteWe happen to KNOW for sure that Addi likes the natural look on you!
ReplyDeleteYour Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
Oh Bertie I am afraid you are in for it now. But a dogs got to do what a dog has to do to keep people in business especially when the person has been kind to your family. Family is the most important thing. Being a caregiver is a tough thing. I know Bertie you are doing you part.
ReplyDeleteThanks for being a friend
Sweet William The Scot