Mischief Monday: chained

Hi. It’s me, Vanilla Bean.

I’ve never set foot inside a beauty shop but I often imagine these scenes in my mind: A lady goes in there; an attendant puts a chain-leash on the lady’s neck; trim/shampoo/hair-massage/ rinse/towel-dry/brushing plus nice talk would commence; attendant removes the chain-leash after the lady pays; and the lady goes out of the beauty shop with a new hair cut. Then, she goes home and does this:

…yep, the one in the photo is my mischievous overseer… and she’s enjoying MY bath… (I like the shampoo and massage but I DON’T dare show it in my face as long as I haven’t figure out why a chain-leash is necessary in my grooming…)

I’m thinking of having a natural dog bath instead of this complicated routine… (Keanna recommends mud or sand… but how to pull it off without being detected… hmmn…)

Anyway, I’m just glad that my overseer doesn’t own a hair-dryer… and she lets me enjoy my sunbathing unleashed… This way, I could plan my next mischief in peace…

This is part of the Monday Mischief blog hop. Click on the button for more fun. Enjoy!

Vanilla Bean’s first “pedicure”

Giving  a non-stressful pedicure to the puppy Vanilla Bean is no easy task. The planning or preparation is as challenging as the actual nail-clipping activity. I’ve done this thing with my other dogs before except Princess. Yet, I could say that it’s not “a walk in the park”.

Weeks before, I’ve often touched her legs  and gave her each paw a quick massage daily. That way, she’ll be accustomed to me holding her paws and regard it as a non-threatening  act.

pre-nail trim paw massage

Next,  I have to condition her mind and body to relax in front of a nail clipper by letting her sniff and even lick the tool.

Guillotine-style dog nail clipper

 Third, I give her lots of pat at her back and head… then using my left hand, I hold one paw gently and using my right hand, I position the guillotine nail clipper in one of the claws. As the blade of the clipper cut through the first nail, Vanilla Bean made a sudden movement and whimpered. I gave her some pat again and repeat the procedure. The nail-clipping was over within five minutes. I’ve managed to trim three claws and then I stopped.

Me, Vanilla Bean and the nail clipper

Last, after some more pats and praise, I set her down and give her a treat (a tidbit of meat, of course!). Seeing her walk around and playing with her “ducky” indicates that she’s okay.