An anxious knot had a grip on my stomach. I could feel my palms getting clammy and mentally I was reciting a thousand Hail Mary’s. Today was Spencer’s grooming appointment or as I refer to him “El Diablo.” Quite possibly the cutest dog inhabiting the planet (as I should expect from the antichrist) he is 4 pounds of insanity and bravado. I’ve had the “pleasure” of grooming this pint sized terror from the beginning and although he has made progress, grooming Spencer is not for the faint of heart.
Apparently, he loves me or his Dad claims such. At the mention of my name Spencer runs to the door and spins around in some sort of excited frolic. I tend to believe this is not so much for visiting me but rather the great joy he takes in pushing groomer’s limits. Upon reception he greets with kisses and affection, but as soon as he hits the table or tub it’s game on. He spins, he bites and if there is an audience (I previously did him in a shop, before I went mobile) the screaming ensues. Not the quick yaps of a Yorkie his size, but the blood curdling screaming that turns every head. Then of course when there are no spectators he’s silent and merely glares at me for ruining his folly. To up the ante Dad requests the ears be as close as possible. At the end of the Spencer day there is always a glass of wine with my name on it.
Of course, as some sort of cruel joke, when I went mobile Spencer followed me as well. Without the audience and distractions he is much more manageable to handle. May I dare say I’m starting to somewhat enjoy El Diablo, but I still get a knot in my stomach on the day I groom him. Today was no different. I strolled up to the door and fetched the adorable devil. He seemed much more subdued, so I was getting optimistic that I might get through the day without needle teeth clamping on my digits. I began plucking the ears, nothing, not a fight or a struggle in the slightest. Then I reached for my Dremel and figured I’d get the nails out of the way. Like water on a gremlin, the beast arose. Screaming, jerking and biting ensued. Only a mere nail left to file, Spencer quickly jerked around. I yanked the Dremel out of his path, so not to accidently sand a Yorkie or wrap his hair. Instead, the Dremel made contact with the top of my fingers. Essentially, I had dremeled three knuckles off, and was bleeding everywhere
Being mobile does pose the risk of injury without another groomer to aid. However, Ms. Daisy
always has a well stocked “profanities kit.” My first aid kit has been dubbed this, because usually when it’s required I’m either muttering (under my breath) or wishing I could a slew of profanities. With three knuckles burning and bleeding, mentally I was speaking in tongues. Opening the box, I reached in for some triple antibiotic ointment and some band-aids. Then just for my sanity, I took two ibuprofen to get through the rest of the groom and day. Once I regained my composure, I turned my attention back to El Diablo. Remarkably, he showed sympathy and the rest of the groom went smoothly. I guess after seeing me have a conniption, he was too afraid to cross paths with the mad woman.
The Profanities Kit had saved the day and I was able to finish my scheduled appointments. Keeping a good first aid kit in your van is always a must. Not only for yourself, but the pets you service as well. Mine is stocked with:
Gauze
Vet Wrap
Triple Antibiotic Ointment
Band-aids
Pain Reliever
Feminine Products
Antacids
Icy Hot
Hydrogen Peroxide
And my course book from
my Pet CPR/First Aid training
It may seem like a lot to store, especially being mobile, but every time I’ve delved into it I’ve been
thankful. We work with surgically sharp blades, are often on the road for long periods and deal with dirty and sometimes disgusting dogs; things happen. I’d rather lose a little storage space than have to cancel a day’s appointments or have a dog injured and be unable to assist. For mobilers it’s essential to keep the kit well stocked and in an easy to reach compartment. You never know when you’re dancing with the devil if you’re going to need a band-aid.
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