Mandala Garden Dog Grooming (101)

My combined 2012 birthday-Christmas present to myself was a well-researched, carefully selected complete set of dog grooming supplies! Both my little girls need to be groomed at least once every six weeks or so. I love that they are very low shed (almost none!) and hypoallergenic, but these qualities come with a price. If a dog does not shed, it grows hair, much like us. And that hair has to be combed out and cut on a regular basis to avoid matting and other problems.   

Aiko is 4 1/2 years old and Mocha is 3 1/2 and the only groomer I really like and trust (she's great with them!) costs me $68.00 for the two of them by the time I tip. It's an hour drive each way, and the gas adds up too. Then I have to find something to do (usually spend more money) while I wait two-three hours for them to be done. I'll recoup my outlay in less than a year!

 

In addition to all the time and expense, I'm pretty much a do-it-yourself sort of person and really wanted to be able to groom my dogs at home. I'm considering adopting a standard poodle or mix for my next "big dog" and figured I'd better get this grooming thing down by then (they easily cost $70 per session to groom).

 

Anyway, these photos are after my second effort. I'm a little (well, a lot) slow and don't have them looking gorgeous yet, but I think they are presentable. And we had a pretty good time. Cant' you tell by the thrilled look on Aiko's face? In all fairness, Aiko pouts when she goes to the groomer in town too...and she shakes uncontrollably when we get there, which she didn't do today. I'll add pictures of my set-up another time. It's all over at the Grace-house. A shower hose in the tub. A home-made grooming table with a beautiful blue bought grooming arm and everything else I need to learn to keep my pups clean and trim!

 

Feathered Friends in Winter







A couple of days ago, I was out for my routine evening walk (as sunset approached) when a large raptor swooped into the poplar tree outside my arbor. This bird stared at my little dogs just intently enough that I quickly scooped up Mocha and called Aiko to follow me. I  put them safely in the house, grabbing my camera and the telephoto lens. I took the first photograph with my regular lens to be sure I got a shot.

 

 

But this hawk was not moving. And I took the time to put the telephoto lens on. Beautiful feathered friend! 

The raptor appeared to be hunting, looking this way and that. Amazing how they can turn their heads completely opposite the front of their bodies!

 

I quietly stepped closer and closer snapping pictures as I went. The hawk stared at me once in awhile as if to say,
"What in the heck are YOU up to?"

 

I had 20 full minutes to enjoy this lovely creature. I intended to circle around behind the bird, so I could photograph his backside, helping me with identification. I didn't get that far before he flew off. But I had enough detail to know he was a mature red tailed hawk. Beautiful!

 

Tonight, I was out again walking with my dogs just before sunset. It was cold (already only 26 degrees)! But a flock of Robins that come to drink from my little pond were perching on tree branches to catch the last rays of the evening.

 

Red breast and golden beak...a reminder of warmer days on this wintry evening.

 

Perched safely in an apple tree, feathers fluffed against the cold, this delightful bird allowed me to step closer and closer, one foot and one shot at a time.

My gift! Happy New Year from the Feathered Friends and I!