Last week's Groomer Has It sent Jessica home packing . . . but was packed full of topknot tips I jotted down for all of us! Check out pictures from the show along with the groomers' tricks — and my additional notes — to create a casual topknot on your own top dog.
Now we've all heard of landscaping and (most) of manscaping, but who out there has heard of catscaping?!
Certainly not me . . . until one of my Twitter pals (muddypawstudio), pointed out a Boston-area groomer who offers such services. It seems this cut — called "king-of-the-jungle" — rings in at $65 for a very unlucky kitty visiting Pet Spa. Are you shocked or awed by the lion look?
Ouch! My friend's puppy made a recent trip to the groomer . . . and left with these battle scars. As you can see from the pictures, the lil pooch had some visible scrapes and cuts in a newly shorn coat. The facility came highly recommended, but she was admittedly concerned beforehand when they wouldn't let her stay to watch his first haircut. Now I've definitely heard of that practice – especially with young pups who may get overly excited by mom and dad's presence and for liability issues with other dogs around but I can relate to her anger, seeing her pooch with bow-owwies afterward.
I've never brought my short-haired pup in for a trim so it's up to you to share your experiences. Have you ever returned to a groomer to see unexpected injuries and what would you do in this situation?
Rather than recap the entire Groomer Has It episode, I've got a question for you, whether you've tuned in or not. The remaining 10 groomers had to work with some very, very demanding clients – high maintenance pets are nothing compared to high maintenance owners! Singing opera, displaying mommy's picture or offering bottled water every 10 minutes, it was Jessica and Sherri who came out on the bottom of the pack for their grooming challenge. See the controversial choice in the video:
On the one hand, I know how important communication is (and, in a real-life situation, they could have called for permission to dye), it still was an unasked for choice . . . that washes out. Honestly, I'd probably stop him at the dog park to ask about it but what do you think of Jessica's "brazen and ballsy" decision?
Drama, drama and more drama with clear cliques forming just two episodes in! Since Jessica's mistake last week sent Michael home, she seemed to be in danger this time around. However, after she (and Krista) won the first challenge, they were in the top spot of being able to first pick their pups and assign the others.
Naturally they tried to give the most difficult jobs to their enemies but, in the end, Krista and Chicken Joe ended up in the bottom two. According to the regular judges (and guest, Kendra), Krista didn't get all the knots out of her Yorkie and Chicken Joe didn't make a big enough difference. While he claimed he was being sensitive to the pup's skin, Krista seemed to make excuses about the time limits. Looking at both finished pups (at right), I agree neither went far enough – do you agree with the elimination?
I have a friend who just looooooves being naked. Even her husband has to tell her to put some clothes on every now and then. I'm serious. A few weeks ago, we had a conversation about the open-area showers in the gym. She obviously has no qualms or insecurities about letting it all hang out in public — well, in the women's locker room — and I'm just a little more conservative about the issue.
Perhaps it's due time for me to strip down without giving it a second thought. No one is probably looking or caring, anyway, right? So tell me, are you a-okay with being in the buff, or does it all just make you blush?
Lately, this is a topic that has surfaced more frequently than I care to admit. You see, Mr. Bella has taken an informal survey of various friends and co-workers to find out if showering together gets a thumbs up or a thumbs down. Many people agree that it's a no-no because someone always ends up shivering on the non-water flowing side and/or it's just too slippery or time consuming for it to be any fun.
On the affirmative end, others think it's romantic, sexy, and a great way to get those hard-to-reach areas washed. So, what do you think? Whether you're single or in a relationship, do you like a shower buddy or do you prefer to go solo?
When a pal mentioned the story of a dog and car washing combo, I envisioned a terrified North strapped "in neutral" to some rolling tracks! After checking out the full story, it makes a lot more sense. Much like self-service dog washing stores, one creative Pa. business owner combined a car wash with a dog wash. 
Costing $8 for 10 minutes, a powerful jet sprays oatmeal shampoo before conditioner, then a temperature-controlled rinse, pet appropriate blow dry heat, and comb out time. You can use as much product as you'd like . . . but you'll pay a buck more for each additional minute and 25 seconds. Even if you forget something, there's a vending machine for all your last minute needs (combs, towels, etc) and then you can hop back in and wash your car while your clean pet waits patiently nearby! I love the idea of one-stop shopping – well, if I washed my own car – but what you do you think?
While I can't say North has ever had a stone massage like this lucky smooshy, I bet he'd love it. . . . if he sat still long enough, that is.
Not as unusual as you may think, many shops will offer "facials" or "puppasage" – and remember that fancy jacuzzi? – for stressed pets. While my budget demands that I do this myself, if money was no object, I'd love to treat North to a "pet relaxation session" — what pampering would your dog or cat most love to receive?
