Looking good – by Juno

Ken and Kathie’s five-year-old Labradoodle, Juno, is a well known blogger with followers from all over Canada, the US, the United Kingdom, and sometimes Ghana. Here are Juno’s thoughts on canine coiffure along with thoughts on human sartorial elegance. Enjoy.

It’s important to look good. Whether walking around the house or running and prancing about the dog park, I really do want to look my best. Even when the ground is muddy—so much the case in these soggy, near-zero degree November and December days—wet and clotted soil clings to my spindly though athletic haunches. A result of my nose-to-the-ground inquisitions my dark snout is increasingly indistinguishable from my blackened and partially frozen whiskers.

The only solution to this mangey mess is a bath, a sometimes twice daily spa in warm water as dark as the old Black Magic chocolate boxes. After a time, however, even a tub rinse in not enough. It’s time for MaPaw to take me to the dog groomer.

Many of my breed do not enjoy such hands-on palpation. They resist, audibly and physically, eventually needing to be bribed with treats while proceeding like a capital offender to the gallows. As they say, “dead dog walking.” Personally, I don’t get stressed while at the groomers. While it’s a lot of standing and waiting around, the groomer sets a reasonable and sustainable pace. I simply think of it as a car wash with no car. Here come the brushes; bring on the hair dryer. And the clippers.

One time, while still in Kamloops, I discovered a friend whose appointment coincided with my own. After we were both done, I moved into his cage. The groomer looked everywhere for me. About to call MaPaw with the sad news that I have left the premises somehow, she discovered me, cuddled and content.

Back to looking good. MaPaw is always trying to get PaPaw to dress better. While he has a few nice clothes stored in their walk-in closet, he prefers T-shirts and shorts of many styles and colours most months of the year. After thirty-seven years you’d think he’d take the hint. For some silly reason, his social media feed has recently been cluttered with men’s clothing videos, clothes for those who appreciate the “finer things in life.” Kinda a waste of time with PaPaw, but check out this video and this video; you’ll see what I mean.

“Welcome friends to Rhodes Wood, a discerning gentleman’s outfitters offering fine quality, personal tailoring, hand finished shirts, luxury tweeds, executive business wear, formal evening wear and tailored shooting suits.” Of this business I have two observations:

1) Not a T-shirt in sight, not even under cashmere; and

2) Nothing, absolutely nothing, nada, available for dogs.

Really, I mean really. Clearly Rhodes Wood of Harrogate (Yorkshire) do not appreciate all the finer things in life. Dogs! C’mon folks, who do you see at the beginning of every episode of Downton Abbey? Right, Lord Grantham’s yellow Labrador. The late queen enjoyed her corgis. What about the Greyfriars Bobby? Come north good friends. And who can ignore another Yorkshireman, eccentric, handsome, and well-dressed (some of the time)Siegfried Farnon.

Friends of MaPaw know that she thinks dogs should be dressed up especially during the colder days and nights of the year. (I don’t think she had enough dolls to dress up as a kid.) She just bought me a sweater for use following my grooming. In the beginning, I was skeptical; but now, having been shorn, I am warming (!) to the idea.

So friends, look sharp; feel good; make an impression; and smile. Till next time, Juno.

UPDATE, a note from Rhodes/Wood of Harrogate (by email).

Thank you Ken. Very funny! We did once do some R-W dog coats for my two sausage dogs. The shop has had a resident dog/s over the years … my colleagues…. So I need to do a post featuring them. Best wishes and thanks for sending. Kind regards, Jeremy