Bath-Time for Charlie

It's fall, and Charlie's hair is growing back into the wavy Cocker Spaniel hair that he had when we first adopted him in spring. During the summer, it brushed out, leaving his dachsie-like short hair, which was great for keeping clean and meant that we didn't have to vacuum the floor as often. Now, not so much. So once again, it was bath-time for Charlie.

Before bath-time                                                 

Bath time with Charlie is very much like bath time with any 'child' - it's all in the preparation and timing! I start by running the water in the tub (Mr.Curious has to peek in before he runs away). Then we take off his collar (he doesn't like that - it's HIS collar...what are we doing??). And then the fun really begins.

This time Mike was awake to catch the action and we have never laughed so hard as when we tried to capture the blur that was Charlie, in action.

Step 1 - wetting and soaping Charlie

I like to  use gallon jugs to wet and rinse Charlie - and if I keep the water running, it doesn't freak him when I have to replenish water in the jugs to wash the soap off. Here he is, after his first shampoo - being a 'good dog.'

Step 2: Washing out the rest of the shampoo

Charlie doesn't really mind this step - as you can see by his face. I support his chin so I can control the flow of the water. I try keep it out of his nose and eyes. I usually repeat this step a couple of times.

He knows he's a good boy, but he loves to hear it

Charlie enjoys his cuddle

Then it's his favorite time, shaking himself silly and scootching around the living room, trying to get totally dry. Anyone who has a pet KNOWS this step, intimately! It's a wonder Mike could take any photos, we were laughing so hard at this point. No, never AT Charlie, but definite with him as he played the clown. Bath-time was done for another couple of months, and Charlie could relax. Is he ever proud when everyone tells him how soft and handsome he is, his hair gleaming in the sunshine! It's almost worth the effort :)

Sliding around on his side

Resting before another scootch

Clean Charlie - after the bath