To market, to market the Scotties will go...

This Scottie Mom has never been big on bathing her own dogs. The sense of accomplishment or the no-more-smelly-dog aroma never seem to justify the aches in the knees and the sore back from bending over the tub that come with the territory of bathing your own dogs. To me, being able to drop off the pups for a bath with a professional is a borderline necessity and worth every penny. However, as all pet owners can attest, dog grooming costs can easily add up and in this day and time, I like to air on the side of penny-wise.

And so, the puppies began getting baths at home. Aside from the aches and painful side effects, I noticed that the tub drain got stopped up much more frequently now that the pups were getting washed at home. Scottie Dad, who's got a particularly sensitive nose, also began complaining of the left behind, wet dog smell after each use - even long after the bathroom had been cleaned. That's why, when I heard of City Dog Market's do-it-yourself dog washing, I knew it was something we had to try. For $18 per dog, you can bathe your pup in a waist-high tub within the store and you're given everything you need from shampoo and conditioner, various combs and brushes, towels and a blow dryer of some sort.

The bathing station was great in terms of cleanliness, adequate space and design. A number of stairs leading up to the tub called Mr. K's attention immediately and inspired Heather to follow, only to turn around and run the other way when they realized the fun, little stairs led to a dreaded bath! I could tell my Scottie babies weren't all too comfortable getting a bath in this new environment but they stuck it out and were thorougly rewarded with some treats when they were all squeaky clean. I don't know whose idea it was at City Dog Market to offer this do-it-yourself alternative to dog bathing but in many ways, it made my life much easier and we could almost hear Scottie Dad sigh of relief that there would be no need for a montly Drano budget from now on and, better yet, no wet dog smell to haunt him in our condo!

Until next time, be sure to check in on Heather and Mr. K at www.scottiemom.com. Much love and two tails-a-wagging!

The Scottie Mom