Today with a Senior

I just met a new client.  She arrived over 30 minutes late to her pets groom.  I had allotted her senior pet extra time for her groom since the pet was arriving unable to stand on it's back  leg very well and due to an allergic reaction to a metal pin in the leg bone it had an open wound its hip.  But, with her being so late I was so liery to do anything on the pet.  As it would possibly set me behind on my next groom.  So, I explained to the Mom some options we had.  We could make her a new appointment that might be two weeks out.  I felt bad about having to do that even though it wasn't my fault she was late.  I decided to ask her if she was interested in a low cost shave where I would get most bulk off this shedding chow mix.  But it would be an imperfect cut and it would be fast without any bathing.  It would be cheaper but less stressful on the pet too.  Which is hard to explain to someone who doesn't see what I could see in her pet.  We don't want to push your pet over the edge I told her.  All the while the dog was shaking.  Mom agreed on doing the low cost cut.  She didn't want any help unloading the pet from the rear of the vehicle.  The pet had also recently been diagnosed with loss of usage in the other leg as well just the week before.  After hearing Mom continue to explain the pets situation; They found this dog in a parking lot years ago at the same time their daughter was diagnosed with cancer.  After the pet recently sustained injuries they refused to put the pet down nor amputate the dogs leg which was all Veterinarian recommended.  As the dog waddled with a fabric grocery bag around the waist whilst Mom held the leash and bag to help the pet get around I just felt a huge amount of loss for the family.  They didn't want to let go of the one thing that carried them through their daughters cancer.  After over 30,000$ she explained of surgeries for this pet just last year alone I can't imagine what this senior pet has been through; over 9 surgeries!!  Mom let me get most of the back hair off before suddenly she decided the pet had enough of a groom for the day.  We closed with a very unfinished groom and I so badly wanted to recommend that Mom spend time with her pet but I just couldn't.  The pet was ill, nervous, and loved.  All in the same.  And I was just in awe, lost in thought about their situation.  As she waddled the pet out the door to start her way towards home so she could continue caring for her ill husband I felt overwhelmed with an emotion that I can't quite put my finger on.  We love our pets & our family members.  And sometimes things happen that you just can't let go of and you can't explain.  My heart goes out to this situation.

Dede Croy
My Favorite Groomer
http://www.myfavoritegroomer.com/