Dirty dog cont 11-15-11

Once cajoled and dragged into the bathroom, giving Sasha a bath gets a little easier--but not much. After she is physically in the bathroom, her tail droops in resignation. She knows what lies in store, and she is far from thrilled. The best technique we have found is to gently pick up her front legs and place them over the side of the tub. Then one of us keeps her front paws from slipping and the other scoops her up by the haunches and swings them over the side. Her fur is highly resistant to water, so soaking her down is no easy matter. Once semi-wet, Sue lathers her with various shampoos. Coconut anti-bacterial shampoo seems to get Sasha cleanest. There are often several attempts to lunge out of the tub, and restraining a wet and occasionally frantic sled dog is not an easy task. Cool water and keeping the flexible shower nozzle away from Sasha's face and ears makes the rinse cycle tolerable. Once out of the tub, there is a wild rush to the front door and the lawn...you do NOT want to be indoors and in the line of fire during the dogs first attempt to shake the water out of her fur. If you have a chance today, go through an automatic car wash with all of your windows down, and you can simulate the experience. Sasha HATES blow dryers, and towel drying her can take anywhere from a day to a week...you WILL miss an area no matter how thorough you are.