When I'm feeling brave, I'll sometimes lock myself in the bathroom with her and back her into a corner in an attempt to clip the talons, but it's a lengthy process with her pulling her paw away the second I get the clipper around her nail. Usually - if I'm lucky, I'll get 2 or 3 nails partially clipped before all hell breaks loose. I have to get on top of her -on her back - and when she decides she's had enough, she stands up and bucks me off of her like one of those bull rides you see at a country bar. I then run the risk of being trampeled so I have to get myself to high ground pretty quickly, so I jump on the side of the bathtub and hang on to the shower curtain rod to steady myself. By this point Brynn's tail in wagging wildly as she tries to seek shelter in the 6 inch space behind the toilet. By this time, the commotion has drawn the kids to the bathroom and they pound on the door and try to open it. I have no choice but to scream the emergency "safe word" to Brian to come and save the day - which is "Tarragon Chicken".
So I finally decided to consult a professional groomer. I should've known when I called and asked if their doggie salon had experience with "large breed dogs" and they assured me yes, they've groomed plenty of dogs over 75 pounds, that maybe they werent equipped to handle Brynn. When I informed them that she was actually close to 200 pounds, there was a pregnant pause followed by what I'm pretty sure was the phone dropping, and then a tentative "can you bring her in tomorrow at noon?" So I made the appointment and the next day collected Brynn and we headed to the groomer. The owner, who I have to imagine has seen her share of dogs of all shapes and sizes, looked truly shocked when she laid eyes on Brynn. I assured her that Brynn was friendly and that she'd already eaten lunch, so she needn't worry. I'm pretty sure she wasn't amused. Neither was Brynn. So at 12:01 we left Brynn at the groomer who told me she'd call me in about an hour when Brynn was done. At 12:03 my phone rang, and it was a shaky voiced groomer who said "this isn't going to work". Luckily I had just pulled out of the parking lot, so was able to turn around and get back there pronto. As I pulled in, I played out the scene in my mind of what may have happened in that 120 seconds I was gone. I envisioned tables overturned, grooming sheers flying through the air, people running in every direction seeking cover as they scream "Run for your liiiiiiiiife!!!" Like a scene from Godzilla. I wondered if the salon had insurance. Luckily it wasn't that bad....just a few people hiding under tables as Brynn snacked on what I believe was a yorkie. Just kidding. Brynn stood at the door waiting for me with a look on her face that said "Don't try this again." The groomer was apologetic, and I think she'd just truly never seen anything like Brynn before and was intimidated by her bigness. My poor girl...so sweet and misunderstood. And powerful and belligerent. I couldn't love her any more if she was a human child, though. She's my baby and she's been such a loyal, awesome family pup. So what if she turned that grooming salon upside down...
So I finally decided to consult a professional groomer. I should've known when I called and asked if their doggie salon had experience with "large breed dogs" and they assured me yes, they've groomed plenty of dogs over 75 pounds, that maybe they werent equipped to handle Brynn. When I informed them that she was actually close to 200 pounds, there was a pregnant pause followed by what I'm pretty sure was the phone dropping, and then a tentative "can you bring her in tomorrow at noon?" So I made the appointment and the next day collected Brynn and we headed to the groomer. The owner, who I have to imagine has seen her share of dogs of all shapes and sizes, looked truly shocked when she laid eyes on Brynn. I assured her that Brynn was friendly and that she'd already eaten lunch, so she needn't worry. I'm pretty sure she wasn't amused. Neither was Brynn. So at 12:01 we left Brynn at the groomer who told me she'd call me in about an hour when Brynn was done. At 12:03 my phone rang, and it was a shaky voiced groomer who said "this isn't going to work". Luckily I had just pulled out of the parking lot, so was able to turn around and get back there pronto. As I pulled in, I played out the scene in my mind of what may have happened in that 120 seconds I was gone. I envisioned tables overturned, grooming sheers flying through the air, people running in every direction seeking cover as they scream "Run for your liiiiiiiiife!!!" Like a scene from Godzilla. I wondered if the salon had insurance. Luckily it wasn't that bad....just a few people hiding under tables as Brynn snacked on what I believe was a yorkie. Just kidding. Brynn stood at the door waiting for me with a look on her face that said "Don't try this again." The groomer was apologetic, and I think she'd just truly never seen anything like Brynn before and was intimidated by her bigness. My poor girl...so sweet and misunderstood. And powerful and belligerent. I couldn't love her any more if she was a human child, though. She's my baby and she's been such a loyal, awesome family pup. So what if she turned that grooming salon upside down...
Anyway, if you're a dog person who thinks you may be able to tame the beast long enough to clip her nails, please contact me. If you're name is Cesar Milan, even better. Whisper to my dog....do whatever it is you need to do to get this dog's nails clipped before they get so long that I have to register them as lethal weapons.
On the topic of the mini zoo - we recently welcomed 2 new beta fish to the family - Dory and Heart.
Last week, Heart (Lauren's fish) went off to the big fishbowl in the sky (insert flushing toilet noise here). Brian & I had 2 options at that point... 1) Tell Lauren and let the passing of her little fish serve as some sort of life lesson that sometimes we have no control and things like this happen....circle of life and all that. Or B) Distract Lauren from the floating fish in the tank while one of us ran down to Pet Supplies and bought a Heart look alike. Meet Heart 2...
We swapped out Heart 1 for Heart 2 and she was none the wiser :) Mission Emergency Fish Replacement was a success. The things we do to save our little ones from any kind of heartache.
Last but certainly NOT least, I have a HUGE, gigantic, monumental favor to ask of anyone reading this blog. Ok, so as you know...animals are near and dear to my heart and if I could, I would take in every animal...cat, dog, squirrel, racoon, etc...that was in need of a loving home. I'd then be featured on that show "Hoarders" and my home would be condemned, so I realize there are better options to help :) There are 3 dogs that need our help...I'm asking that you read their story below then click on the link and donate ANY amount of money to help. No amount is too small. Thank you in advance to any kind hearted soul out there that takes the time to help these 3....
To make a very long story short... Rufus, Petey and Reese were all pulled in early 2014 by Ruff Start Rescue NY. Since they were pulled they have passed around between boarding, fosters and adopters. Ruff Start stopped supporting them, along with many other dogs, many months ago.
A group of volunteers along with 501c3 Stewie to the Rescue have banded together to place these dogs.
The three left are in training. Rufus and Petey (formerly Ferdinand) are at True Companion in Pennsylvania. Reese has been living with a trainer and will be headed to TC as well in a couple weeks.
Due to the instability these poor boys have suffered - They need the training and we are networking/posting them for appropriate homes. These are all GREAT guys that need experienced owners, and we are working hard to find them just that.
Please help us by supporting their training fund. We will owe more than $1500 in September. - See more at:
http://www.youcaring.com/pet-expenses/ruff-start-rescue-ny-abandoned-dogs/223089#sthash.dusgwow8.dpufhttp://www.youcaring.com/pet-expenses/ruff-start-rescue-ny-abandoned-dogs/223089
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