Cassandra Gardiner returns with this week’s offering. Guest opinion articles do not necessarily reflect the views of the publication. Ed
We have a long-haired dog, soppy face, shaggy fur, smallish, who briefly stops passers-by, chatting away to the dog whilst petting him, they often forget I’m there. Some people even part without saying anything to me having had a natter with Stanley.
Generally he’s bemused by the attention, occasionally if he smells a male dog on their clothing he’ll bark, instantly distancing the dopey dog appeal. Historically Stanley is a temple guard dog, despite size his bark is fierce-some.
A young dog, almost a year old, he eats anything that can be chewed. Now he’s suffering and despite eating the cat’s food as well as his, he’s not managing to keep anything inside – luckily he’s off to the groomers for a major trim.
Hand wash, drip dry, mop-up
As he didn’t come with a laundry label – wash weekly and brush daily – the groomers are likely to be a regular affair.
Bathing him is simply wet and despite allowing for a good shake outside, there are additional showers indoors, spraying the floor, kitchen units, radiator and me, as well as a major mop-up.
He’s since been to a doggy parlour for a hair-cut, nail trim and ear de-fluffing.
It’s furry hot out there
Whilst our glorious summer continues his fur coat has been overwhelming for my fluffy fiend. Walking early morning or evening just about works, however if its too hot he plops flat down on the pavement, stationary. I don’t mind, but I did think a brisk walk every day with the dog would encourage a daily exercise routine and I don’t want Stanley to get unfit.
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Having now had the equivalent of a grade 1 for dogs, our regular walks just aren’t the same. Admittedly he does look half the dog he was and peculiarly like a completely new dog.
It’s not like he misses the attention, more that I notice the lack of little chats. Anyhow his digestive track is on the mend, his haircut yet to be de-rigour and no doubt in a month or two the hippy-chic long-hair back.
To read more of Cassandra Gardiner‘s work, visit her blog.
