Grooming

Watching a dog groom herself is quite a calming experience. There is much deliberate licking, biting, smoothing, and scratching, mostly focused on paws, legs, and private parts.

When issues arise with teeth, ears, nails, eyes, or the fur grows too long, the grooming needs to be given over to the humans; and the dogs don't always agree. This particular type of grooming requires treats, good energy, patience and often a quick hand.

I recall before Annie came to us, and when I was still very ignorant to all things dog, I read a few books about the grooming we may be required to give our puppy: things like ear hair clipping, teeth and ear cleaning, trimming nails and wiping eye boogers. I figured our dog would not need these things because, ew. I for sure wasn't going to be the one to do anything on this list.

Well, today I brushed her teeth, clipped her nails, and cleaned out her stinky ears. And I enjoyed doing it. I love giving her what she needs. I have no idea when that switch happened inside of me. All the things that seemed like a hassle are no longer a hassle, they are a gift from me to Annie.