Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Breakneck Speed



September 21, 2013

Racing down the freeway to save my life, driving in a panic, sure to be run down by the semi, 4WD truck or even granny in the Plymouth. I have to pull out into heavy traffic at the end of an exasperating day at the kennel.

Waited nearly an hour for the owner to appear from her nail appointment, baking in the sun, reading two week old news from the abandoned and a bit damp newspaper left at the end of the lengthy driveway.  I was more than a bit perturbed, especially since it wasn’t clear that I would only stay three hours versus four and now being paid for two. Wow. I need to have a down and dirty conversation about my value, time and energy, sweating the small stuff while busting my butt. I’ve only myself to blame, not speaking up when I am trod upon.

One of the young dogs had a seizure just prior to giving her a bath. Maybe she heard the other pups yowling about my poor bathing technique. I coo to the canines as I wet, lather, shampoo, scrub all parts that can be cleaned, rinse and towel dry. The blow drying portion of the process is the most disturbing to the beasts. They cower, shiver and shake while looking into my eyes with a downtrodden appeal to get the heck out of the bathtub already. I brush and comb until they are squeaky clean and give them a huge embrace before luring them back into their freshly sanitized kennel with a dry towel to lie on. Pretty pampered life they lead.

I hate the nail trimming. I fret about the black nails since they are impossible to detect the quick. Blood stop is next to my right elbow, just in case. The Dremmel is horrible, a whining drill sound that puts my teeth on edge.

I was relieved the last dog to bathe didn’t have to get her nails trimmed since she was at risk for another seizure. Precious little brown and white fur ball, licking me clean as she was getting her bath. I was glad to announce she didn’t attempt to bite or snarl, as they suspected she might. Three dogs bathed and out the door.

If only I didn’t have to haul tail to get out of the joint at the end of the day, it would be much less stressful.

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