I call it Spa Day at our house. Just like people enjoy a day at the Spa, my dogs love it! Annie, King, and Lily each have their own Spa Day, just for them. Yes, just like a person, each dog gets pampered. For me, that kind of pampering comes in the form of a massage (incredibly relaxing), but for Annie, King, and Lily, Spa Day means spending undivided time with me. They even love having me clip their toenails! Teeth-brushing is an extra-special treat… they LOVE the poultry flavored doggie toothpaste I use. I save this as the finale to their Spa Day. I used to brush, bath, and trim all three of the dogs on the same day in order to save time. In doing so, I realized, the experience was in no way the same. The Spa Day experience, for me, was exhausting, and for each dog, rushed and not at all relaxing. That’s when I set up my rotation system, making it special, fun, and relaxing.
Spa Day is all about building the bond between me and my dogs. Since the day each dog arrived at Bridgvale Farm, grooming has been treated as a special time with me. I head into the dogs’ room with a bag of delicious treats (Usually chopped up tenderloin. The butcher always laughs, saying, You really love your dogs! He knows I don’t eat red meat.). The bag of treats held in my hand as I head to their room is the clue for what lies ahead. If I don’t let the other two dogs outside first, I often end up with two of them on the grooming table vying for their turn.
Selfishly, I save Lily for the last dog in the rotation. She truly is a dream to brush, bathe, and trim. She adores all the hugs she gets from me, talking to her the entire time, telling her what a good girl she is.
I’ve written on this topic before, but every time I give one of the dogs their Spa Day, it’s such a delightful experience for both the dog and for me, that I want to share this with my readers and encourage them to do the same with their dog(s). Give your dog – and yourself – a special Spa Day together.