Since the weather has been a mix of cool weather and occasional rain the dogs have been spared from getting baths the past two months.
Luck would have it today. The weather was perfect. It was in the mid-70s, mostly sunny, and gentle breeze.
The two 50+ lbs dogs were also going to need to be tricked into a bath. Each dog for their own reasons.
Iris, the Belgian Malinois, simply because she’s both smart and stubborn. She knows…and I mean Knows, baths happen after going swimming. Typically boat day for her. By then she’s usually a tired good dog. Today wasn’t going to be a “fun” bath day for her. So the anticipation of her not wanting a bath because she didn’t get tired out was already popping into mind.
Sierra, the Pitty-mix, also the biggest sweetheart who’d go to the ends of the Earth for me, was going to be slightly easier. I say slightly for two reasons. One, she’s not a fan of the hose but will stay put. Two, she has terrible allergies and at the moment they’re flaring up again. Also, another big reason the bath had to happen.
With Sierra, I know a bath would do wonders for her. We even buy a special shampoo for her so it’s as gentle as effective at helping her skin given her severe allergies. Added bonus, we can use it on the Maligator Iris too. One bottle works for both of the girls. Can’t beat that.
How I tricked them. Iris was beginning to get restless to go outside and use the nature “facilities“. If you know what I mean. Sierra was also eager to go along and relieve herself as well.
Let them do their thing and upon our return we stopped short of going upstairs. Of course Iris was already onto me.
This is where one person (no backup) and two dogs needing a bath got interesting…and slightly aggravating.
First, hosed both of them down, twice. For Sierra, it was some extra rinsing to loosen and wash off allergens. For Iris, she just has a ton of fur with her coat.
Sierra was the first to get lathered up with shampoo. For the most part she was ok with getting washed but since she has a very short coat it felt cooler for her. She also needs to have the shampoo sit for a little bit. Both of which is helpful with her allergies.
Iris, was up next while the shampoo was soaking on Sierra. Iris, as anticipated, wasn’t as cooperative.
Since they were on their leashes secured to the bottom of the stair rail, Iris was up a few steps then down and around the side. Repeat the aforementioned a few times all while trying to get a dog soapy. Meanwhile Sierra, all soapy, just sat and watched me trying to wash Iris. She seemed to be enjoying watching having previously endured similar mommy treatment…except she stayed put and was done sooner.
Well, both dogs are both soapy, finally. I went back to Sierra to re-wet her a little and do one last lather before jumping back to Iris to do the same.
They both looked soapy, had had the shampoo sit, and were looking at me like, “Hurry up and finish this mom!”. Hosed both dogs off twice, unleashed them, and allowed them to go up to the upper part of the deck and sun themselves while the sun was actually still hitting the deck.
So you know, they both loved that part.
Iris, likes to chew on my lemongrass plant up there and Sierra likes to sunbathe. The latter makes me question if the Mix in Pitty-mix is part cat? Sierra does like to sit on top of the back sofa cushions and a new couch didn’t change things…
The two of them got to both nature and neighbor watch for about a half hour to an hour. It was warm enough to dry them without being too hot. Now they are knocked out inside feeling nice and clean. As you can see.
