Tips in "Suffering" for Charity

Operation Kindness, a local no-kill shelter was holding a fundraiser this morning, so Todd and I took the big dogs to Dirty Dawgz for some washin' and some chippin'. Dog washing was 50% off and microchipping only $15. Both pups desperately needed baths, and I've been wanting to get Steve chipped, so off we went. It was yet another lesson in dog-parenting.


Tip #1: To avoid potential embarrassment, exercise the dogs BEFORE going in public.

Pippin was all excited, wanting everyone to pet her. Luckily, she is a sweetheart as long as she isn't jumping. Oddly, she jumps in front of you but not on you. Steve, who isn't such a sweetheart in such situations, was whining and way over-stimulated. We walked them a bit before it our names were called.

Tip #2: Bring extra help if you need it.

Time to microchip Steve. He had such a dramatic fit that the 'injector' didn't stay in and the chip didn't implant. Then, Todd had to take him over with three others helping. Pippin and I walked away while wailing sounds echoed throughout the shopping center. Steve's first sacrifice for charity was complete, albeit a little bloody.

Dog-washing began. More sacrifice for charity. Pippin had to be picked up by someone and placed into the tub. Ridiculous. She hates baths but liked the attention. Steve hates baths, and I guess dog washers hate bathing big, bloody dogs.

It all went well even though Steve FREAKED with the blow dryer & had to be hand dried. He's such a wuss.

Tip #3: Don't forget your camera!

Even when they're awful, they are cute and sweet, loving dogs.



As you can tell, it was quite eventful since we used about 1/4 of their staff for our two beasts. However, it was for a worthy cause and our dogs are really no worse for the wear!