What a week it's been? We had 34 degrees last Wednesday to 16 degrees this Wednesday. Shorts and vest tops last week back to wellies and wet weather gear. I love being a Dog Walker in this country it's just so random, you never know what you're going to get or what to wear!
I have to say the dogs definitely prefer it a bit cooler. I've noticed the difference in them all this week compared to last. They're much more active and enthusiastic about their walks when it's not too hot - a bit like me I guess?
We have been slightly quieter on the walking front this week as a couple of our regulars are on holiday. This means the Furry Hounds get more walks as they can join the groups when numbers are not so high. This is much to the delight of Buddy-Love who would rather stay asleep on the sofa all day!
I will post our usual slideshow of Walkies pictures on the Facebook page over the weekend but here's a funny picture I took of Dolly Basset on Tuesday - what's that coming over the hill is it a monster?
Grooming is always busy which I really don't complain about. I am so very lucky to be in demand. That said, when we have a heatwave like last week, my phone rings off the hook with people wanting to bring their appointments forward because the dog is "too hot". I've attached an interesting article here which explains why cutting the dog's fur is not necessarily the best thing to cool a dog down in the heat, especially double-coated breeds such as Golden Retrievers, Huskies and Newfoundlands. I have had requests to shave Retrievers and I really don't want to do it, it not only damages the fur long term but as this article explains can actually make them hotter as the skin is more exposed to the sunlight.
I've just taken delivery of this beauty! I am trialling this for 30 days. It is a handheld blow dryer with brush attachments. I am hoping to use this on some of my more nervous clients as I do understand that the high velocity dryer that I use can be quite daunting especially for those who are not groomed regularly. I will feedback my results when I've completed the trial but paws crossed it works. I love trying new products!
We had a new visitor to the salon this week, little Jinny who is a Schnoodle (Poodle cross Schnauzer) and is the little sister of our client Django (Poodle cross Cavalier). We had to go quite short for her first haircut as she had a few niggly knots but her owner was very pleased that she looked so much like a Schnauzer and at least she can now see where she's going! Django had his usual do, here they both are afterwards.
Well the week of work is almost over apart from the Furry Hounds are in need of a bath, so that will be my Friday evening. There was a time when I would be out partying with friends on a Friday evening, when did my life change so much? Probably when I became a slave to my Bassets?
Saturday we are taking a dog-friendly day out to the Paws In The Park Summer Fayre in Havant. Let's hope the sunshine makes a joyous return although, not too hot please! Mr Furry is having his car rear windows tinted so the Hounds don't get too hot in the sun when we're travelling so they will be road-testing that this weekend.
That only leaves me to wish you all a lovely relaxing weekend with your furries. Thank you for visiting!
Sally xx
