Christmas haircut for Nadi (my dog)

Since Nadi was bitten recently by another dog I have been putting off her monthly haircut session that I know that she really doesn't like being put through. I think most dogs don't really like being handled by strangers with cutting machines and bath water for 2 hours but honestly, her hair was getting out of control and after one bath given to "long hair doggy" and how that took much much longer than it normally would, I decided that even though she hates it, it was time to head to the doggy beauty salon.

She clean, but kind of scruffy looking here and this is 2 days before we finally made the choice to take her in. I was at brunch with a guy that looks after Nadi when I am away and I just popped off a message to the place that cuts her hair and knows her and when they had an availability that hour, I knew that we had to go ahead and bite the bullet and take her in.

I always feel bad when I do this to her because in her mind, she doesn't ever really need a haircut. I will admit that a large part of the reason why I do it is because of my own vanity... that and the fact that a long hair doggy takes so much longer to give a bath to. I know that she appreciates the reduced time in the tub back at our place but dogs don't think that far ahead. The look on her face as the groomer was carrying her away is always something that makes me feel about as bad as I ever do.

But a mere 2 hours later (way too long in my opinion) she was done and super happy to see me.

When we got back she as super-thirsty and drank and drank and drank. I need to have a word with the shop the next time I go there. Do they just not give the dogs any water? Seriously! I have been on 2km walks with Nadi where she would drink less than this after it was done.

maybe they do it so that the dogs won't pee. I have no idea. I am always afraid that the groomers might be a bit rough with her but I know from my own experience that this is probably a bit necessary. I just hope they don't hurt her.

She gets a ton of treats after these sessions though and I will normally spend the rest of the day taking her with me everywhere that I do. I don't know if she even understand that this inclusion is specifically because I am sorry for leaving her for 2 hours at the "torture shop" but that is what it is.

I got her some McDonalds and then later took her to a romantic spot for some coffee and bread snacks. I think she really enjoyed this part of the day. Then we went on a really long walk until I got too sweaty thanks to the double espresso.

When we got back home and lied around for a little while I could hear some whining from the bedroom. She was standing at the foot of the bed wanting to get on top to travel to her most comfortable doggy bed. This is not something she normally does but of course I helped her up. Normally she doesn't want to go to that bed until I do but she can have whatever she wants on these days.

Today has been spent mostly lounging around and being lazy. I did take her on another walk of longer-than-average length because I still feel a tinge of guilt for taking her to the salon for 2 hours.

At least we don't have to do that for at least another month though, right Nadi?