03/07/2026
Hello, it's been a minute. I have been busy slinging dog hair trying to get everyone done before I head out on vacation soon and then will be out of commission for a few weeks after a surgery I will be having mid April but I just want to share a story on a rewarding groom I did this past week. Little lengthy, sorry. **Check out the video of her journey to Maine her mom was kind to share. I cried 😭
Some clients of mine who bring their goldens to me rescued this 5 year old Alaskan Malamute from a small Alaskan island where she works off and on as a nurse practitioner. Population 80 something. Only clinic within 100 miles? Maybe it was more. 800 maybe? I can't remember as I was intrigued by the story but it was secluded anyway. This dog lived outside, never been groomed before, never got attention, never saw wildlife other than other free range dogs on the island and was just neglected in more ways than one. Previous owner passed suddenly and this dog was on her own for awhile I believe. Client had an idea of her life and would feed her and stuff. She instantly took to new mom and the rest is history. After a plane ride, helicopter ride, and a road trip from Boston to ellsworth, she is in for an amazing life.
She had to have a bath before she left the island because the f***s were glued to the fur on her bum and dangled when she walked. You could smell her before you saw her. 😭
At first it was just Biskit and I so we could get to know each other without any other energy of her new siblings (I also groomed them that day too). She had just gone through all the stress of travel getting here and now something else new so I went slow. It didn't take her long to like me though 🥹🫶
She did amazing! I gave her a break after the bath and blow dry as I could tell she needed one and started her sister. When I was done, I went back to finish her before I started her other sister and she was laying on the floor, relaxed. So I decided to work on her the way she was. She closed her eyes as I was brushing her and clipped her nails without a fuss.
Her tail was pelted, not just matted. It was like armor glued to her whole tail. She did not enjoy me touching it even lightly when I examined her before I started. I'm sure it was very uncomfortable. Even her bum was a little raw. So, she now has a rat tail, lost the rocks suctioned to her bum, belly and front feathers on her legs because I had to shave it all off. I did discuss the risks with mom and dad if we left it and also even removing it but we agreed removing it was best and it was a slow process. When I finally got it off, I could stick my finger in the pelt where the tail was and use it like a puppet. 😔 she looks a little funny from behind but humanity over vanity. She has GOT to feel better.
This is one reason why I do what I do and why I love doing it. Making dogs in awful shape like this feel and look like a brand new dog. Even with a silly looking rat tail and all. Some days are harder than others but I love it just the same.
This is THE reason why I choose to be a one on one groomer. Meaning I only have 1 dog or 1 family of dogs at a time. They are the only dogs in my salon. It's considered a premium or "luxury" service which is one reason why it may cost more than others.
It's quiet, no other barking dogs, no other energy from other dogs, they can go in and out of the kennel if they choose, or lay on the floor, table or tub and I work around where they are comfortable. It can make it a longer, little more challenging process but they are comfortable and happy and it is worth the back ache 😆
This dog was A LOT of work but it was worth it feeling all that extra weight being lifted off with her. Literally.
I hope you feel like a million bucks now, Biskit. Now you can really enjoy your time sitting by the ocean inhaling that fresh salty air enjoying your new wonderful life soaking up all the loves.
She is such a sweetheart (and her golden sisters are too!) And I look forward to seeing her again.
Kudos to the owners for taking on a dog like this in the condition she was in, in the remote area she was in. It was no small task to get her here. Welcome home darling Biskit, your mom could write a documentary about you and I am happy to be part of your story ❤️
If you've read this far, thanks for sticking with me 😆
