April snow…
Above is picture of this morning’s “mid April snow”.
Had a relatively early start to the day, as customers were dropping off their dogs.
I haven’t added to this blog for a few days, for no particular reason. I couldn’t really write about a couple of the dogs I had to groom, as I was left almost “speechless” over the condition they were in. Both are very old dogs that have been allowed to get far too heavy and have been not groomed by anyone (it doesn’t have to be me! this isn’t sour grapes) often enough. Yesterday I donned surgical gloves in order to remove about two pounds of feces and urine-soaked matts from the butt and underside of a cocker spaniel. Under the wet matter, her skin was actually suppurative; I washed her gently and applied an antibiotic, and hopefully, soothing, cream. I did speak to the owner about this, but I don’t know if I made much of an impression. The day BEFORE yesterday, I groomed a different obese cocker spaniel cross which is too heavy but whose grooming has been kept up a little better. Still, that dog’s claws were so long that they crossed over each other, and she too was getting gross around the tail end. Goodness, some days I wonder how I can claim to love my work so much! I think “the thing” is that I know I’m providing some measure of relief for these creatures, whether their care at home is deficient or they are being “killed with kindness”… overfed. I try not to make owners feel guilty because I want them to bring the pets SOONER.
I would have liked to be gardening this week, but the weather hasn’t cooperated very well. I did a bit of raking and otherwise tidying of perennial beds, some potting in the greenhouse, and little else in that department. I am running out of room in our small greenhouse, but a neighbour and good friend is fabricating a new one for us! When I visited yesterday, I saw that the new structure is a feat of engineering and will be both solid AND attractive when finished. Though “just” a plastic-covered pipe greenhouse, it will be suitable for inviting the public into, I’m certain. I’ll post a picture when it is moved here.
We have an almost-full house in the kennels again: Katie and Zena, Oreo, Ranger and Annie, Bodhi, Makalu and Shiloh, Seiko and Hammy. I have some grooming to do later this morning, and an art gallery function to attend this afternoon.
Gary is away in Ft. St. James for the weekend, for his work as a farrier.
Take care, all. ~ Ann
