There isn’t anyone who comes to our home or office that hasn’t met our Sophie. She is the official ambassador/welcoming committee. It doesn’t matter who you are or why you’re there. Sophie does not discriminate in any way. Whether you’re the one delivering the mail, the plummer or you think you’re a VIP, Sophie will be just as excited to see you, whoever you are.
Sophie is a perfect hostess and a total party animal. She wanders from guest to guest and soaks up all the love and attention people are willing to share. She loves to be the center of the universe at a good party. Unless, of course, it’s a party of one at bath time!
Now the thing about Sophie is she will literally walk herself straight to the tub when she thinks she needs a bath, but when she’s actually soaped up and water’s flying everywhere, it’s a whole other story. She would do just about anything to jump out of the tub and run.
Sophie was a rescue and one of the residual issues that still remains unresolved is the fact that she can’t go to be groomed. Why? Because Sophie is terrified of the vicious attack blow dryer. So, over the years, we’ve gone from bathing her in the shower to outside until finally, I built a doggy bath that also doubles as a fabulous place to do floral arrangements. (Always remember that the more you can use a space in different ways, the better CPL you get—“Cost Per Living.”)
So now Sophie is happily content with her home grooming and my back, I’m happy to report, is doing great.
What are you waiting for?
Moll
A dog bath is something every doggie/homeowner needs to make their lives just a bit easier. What do you need for your own doggy bath?
Basic things you need to get started:
An amazing contractor
Waterline
Hand shower
Faucets
Drain
Beautiful tile
The key thing to remember when you’re designing your doggie bath tub: You are trying to make bath time easier on you and your pet, so don’t throw practicality out the window. One of the biggest complaints I hear from people about bathing their dogs is the back pain that comes from leaning over during the process. Build a dog bath the same way you would build a tile shower—the only difference is that the dog bath is elevated and the dimensions are specific to the size of your dog and your needs.
The first step is to measure the height of your lower back area. Work with your contractor and build a mock-up of the tub based on the size of your animal. Have your contractor set the mock tub up on a couple of sawhorses. Check the height by literally reaching down inside and pick the perfect height for you. If your husband or partner shares the duties, you may want to compromise on a height in between. Once you have the perfect height and size figured out, let your contractor take over to make sure that the dog bath is built, lined and sealed properly.
Some great shampoo and grooming suggestions … Sophie gives them 5 Paws
• Kiehl’s Since 1851 has had great products to pamper your pooch for years. Bath time is always a treat with Sophie’s favorite, Kiehl’s Cuddly-Coat Grooming Shampoo.
• Another great shampoo to keep on hand is Synergy Labs DeSkunk Shampoo. One day, while outside exploring, Sophie got a “warning” from a skunk. We might have found out the hard way, but take it from me, this stuff for-sure works!
For full-fur’ed dogs, there is nothing like a FURminator Deshedding Tool to decrease the amount of shedding up to 90 percent. The first time I used one on Sophie, we filled up two shopping bags full of hair. After bath time and once the coat is dry, brush over your dog with one of these tools to remove all undercoat and loose hair leaving your pet softer and shinier. Your pet will thank you—especially in the summer time!
What are you waiting for?
Change Your Home, Change the World™
www.mollandersonhome.com