Thursday 24 March 2016

Cut and blow-dry.


In a quarter of an hour the hairdresser from Scruffy Do Dog Grooming will arrive in her fully-equipped van and invite Tess in for a hair cut and a blow dry, an ear and eye cleaning and a claw cutting.   She goes in looking like a ragamuffin and comes out looking like a model (it doesn't last long, that look).  I have just taken some photographs of 'before' to compare with some 'after'.   It is never easy to photograph her.  I don't know whether she thinks that the camera is a weapon of chastisement, but the minute I point it at her she goes into submission mode.

Sorry, but she was even worse after her hair appointment and although she  looks lovely I have been totally unable to get her to 'pose' for a photograph.  Maybe I will try again tomorrow.

22 comments:

Wilma said...

The "before" shots are pretty adorable!
One of my cats was very sensitive to the ultrasonic autofocus on the camera and would run away in confusion. Maybe Tess gets upset by the focus on your camera.
Looking forward to the "after" shots.

donna baker said...

She truly looks wonderful either way. Love 'her' rug she is on. Beautiful.

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

She's simply adorable.
And my dog, Apple, hates being photographed too. Most women do!

Pondside said...

Perhaps she knows what's coming.....

Heather said...

I think she looks beautiful as she is, but no doubt a trim and manicure will make her look even lovelier. I could do with one myself.

potty said...

Door to Paw service.

angryparsnip said...

Tess is so beautiful before and after.
Watson was the most handsome but usually looked down when I took a photo,
while thehamish is always ready for his photo.
I had a Tess once only her name was Samantha. I still miss her so much.
They are great little dogs with a terrific personality.

cheers, parsnip

Gwil W said...

I wish we had a place like that round here. My better half is currently harping on about how long and unruly my hair is becoming. Bow wow!

Rachel Phillips said...

What did dog owners do before dog groomers came along? Or did they always exist? I don't remember anyone talking about going to a dog groomer when I was a child.

Canadian Chickadee said...

If there is one thing I've learned in years of dog ownership, it's that dogs have their own agenda and time tables! Despite our best efforts to change the habit, our beagle wants her breakfast at 6:30 AM, rain or shine. And when we take her out for a walk, she wants to go into the woods, and that's all there is to it! But we love her, even if she is a willful little mutt! Have a wonderful Easter! xoxox

English Rider said...

She's very cute. May I suggest turning around, as if to shoot a "Selfie" and catch her over your shoulder in a candid shot.

Frances said...

My childhood beagle pals never met any groomers. We'd give them an occasional bath in the tub, and they'd promptly find a way outdoors and head for the nearest creek to redeem their essential dogginess.

Tess is a cutie!

xo

Cro Magnon said...

The fact that she's curled up by the Aga means she's trying to tell you something.

Derek Faulkner said...

I think I have to pose the same question as Rachel, certainly none of my Jack Russells have ever been such a person and if their nails need clipping, I do it.

Librarian said...

Many times I have tried to take pictures of my mother-in-law's two cats, both looking my way, but - you guessed it - they've never done me the favour, always one looking away and then the other :-D
For a picture of Tess, you probably have to take her by surprise and whip the camera out before she has time to react.

thelma said...

Well I hope Tess has got over her ordeal, animals are difficult to catch in a natural pose, especially as we should try and be on the same level, something I find difficult now.

The Weaver of Grass said...

In answer to Rachel and Derek - unlike most Border terriers, Tess does not on the whole have a rough coat. The brown/tan bits are rough, the black is soft and smooth. It is also very thick. In the Summer she has an allergy to grass and as she spends most of her time in the fields this is a bit of a problem, so keeping her hair short (because it is smooth we have to have it cut rather than stripped like most Borders) does seem to help the problem. She is a lovely lady who does it and is trying to build up a business. It takes an hour and a half, she cleans out her ears and the corners of her eyes as well as clipping her nails - all for £20 - and money well-spent for the relief it gives her when the weather warms up. Only twice a year.

Rachel Phillips said...

I sort of understand that Weave. But what I was thinking was as a child when people had dogs I don't remember any talk of going to a dog groomer and I don't suppose anybody had spare money. I asked P this morning because his family always had dogs and he said they used to do it all themselves. Quite what I don't know.

Maria said...

Tess braves the groomer but not the photographer. I would like to wish you and the Farmer a happy Easter weekend. Greetings Maria x

Derek Faulkner said...

OK Pat, I'll leave it at that.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Yes Rachel - I think .that the farmer would agree with P about dog-grooming and would never have considered spending hard-earned money on any form of dog-grooming. He accepts it from me as I am paying for it¬!

g

Terry and Linda said...

I think she is just beautiful like she is...but I so understand the need for a hair appointment.

Linda